Chapter 13 - INSIDE THE HOUSE
Emiliano nearly tore the boathouse door off its hinges.
“Call the estate!”
Mateo was already shouting into his radio.
No response.
The live video on the phone showed Grace stirring beneath a blanket. The gloved hand hovered near her shoulder.
Then Malcolm’s face appeared.
“Come home alone,” he said to the camera. “Bring the original drive.”
The feed cut.
They raced back with police units running dark behind them.
Celeste sat in the rear seat holding Ava, who refused to let go of her.
Emiliano wanted Celeste out of his sight. He also knew Ava had almost died because of a war the adults around her created.
When they reached the estate, the main gates were open.
Two guards were unconscious but breathing.
Inside, the power was out.
“Grace!” Emiliano shouted.
No answer.
He moved through the dark foyer with Mateo.
A child’s shoe lay near the kitchen.
Grace’s.
Emiliano picked it up.
His hands started shaking.
Then a whisper came from behind the pantry door.
“Daddy?”
He ripped it open.
Grace was crouched inside beside the house chef.
Emiliano grabbed her so fast she squeaked.
“I’m okay,” she said into his neck. “Mr. Malcolm tried to take me, but Chef Rosa hit him with a pan.”
Rosa lifted the iron skillet like a trophy.
“He ran toward Isabella’s office.”
Mateo almost smiled. “Remind me to give her a raise.”
They hurried upstairs.
Malcolm stood in Isabella’s office with papers burning in the fireplace.
He held a pistol.
“Stop there.”
Emiliano did.
Malcolm’s face was strangely calm.
“You should have married Celeste and let the story become simple.”
“Simple?”
“New wife. New daughter. Troubled child sent somewhere private. Board votes stabilized. Trust neutralized.”
Grace gripped Emiliano’s hand.
Malcolm looked at her with open irritation.
“Isabella made the same mistake you’re making. She treated sentiment like strategy.”
Emiliano stepped in front of Grace.
Malcolm smiled.
May you like
Then the office door clicked shut behind them.
And a second gun pressed into Emiliano’s back.
