Chapter 7 - THE MAN WHO CONTROLLED THE GATES
Daniel Cross had been Cole's closest adviser for eleven years.
He managed security contracts.
Transportation.
Certain financial arrangements.
And many of the people who came and went through the estate.
He also knew the household routines.
When Noah went to bed.
When Elena left work.
When Margaret took her afternoon break.
And which cameras were easiest to disable.
Cole ordered an independent review of the security system.
Marcus discovered that Daniel's credentials had been used to access the east corridor shortly before the music box was destroyed.
He also found that several recordings from the previous month had been deleted.
Cole stared at the report.
“Why?”
Marcus shook his head.
“We're investigating.”
Cole looked toward the window.
Then whispered:
“Because he's looking for something.”
That night, Elena found a note beneath her apartment door.
Tell Cole to stop looking.
Her stomach dropped.
She checked on Eli.
He was asleep.
She called the police.
Then Cole.
He answered immediately.
“Elena?”
Her voice shook.
“Someone left a threat.”
Silence.
Then Cole asked:
“Are you safe?”
“I think so.”
“Have you called the police?”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
She swallowed.
“I'm scared.”
His voice softened.
“I know.”
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Cole said:
“Elena, you and Eli should stay somewhere secure while the police investigate.”
She hesitated.
“Where?”
He paused.
“I can arrange a hotel.”
She looked toward Eli's bedroom.
Then whispered:
“I don't want my son growing up afraid.”
May you like
Cole's voice changed.
“Neither do I.”
