Chapter 8 - Scars and Starlight
Upstairs in the main command center, the atmosphere was thick with tension and impending dread.
Victor DeMarco stood before the central surveillance screen, his hands gripping the metal railing tightly.
On the high-definition monitor, a drone feed captured a convoy of three black SUVs stopping just outside the outer gates.
The vehicles bore no license plates, their tinted windows reflecting the harsh glare of the security floodlights.
“Moretti’s advance scouts,” Caldwell reported, his voice tight with professional anxiety.
“They didn’t cross the perimeter, but they have eyes on our primary access roads.”
Ryan walked up beside his grandfather, his dark eyes narrowing as he watched the monitor.
“They are probing our defenses to see how quickly we mobilize,” Ryan analyzed calmly.
“They know Victor’s health is failing, and they smell blood in the water.”
Victor let out a harsh, dry cough, leaning heavily against the console for support.
“They aren't just probing for weakness, Ryan,” Victor whispered, his voice trembling slightly.
“They know about the girl.”
“Someone inside this estate leaked the news of her arrival to Moretti’s inner circle.”
Ryan’s head snapped toward his grandfather, his expression turning into one of pure, unadulterated fury.
“A mole,” Ryan stated, his voice dropping into a dangerous, icy register.
“Name the shortlist, Arthur.”
Caldwell adjusted his spectacles nervously, pulling a digital tablet from his jacket pocket.
“Only three people outside this immediate family knew the DNA results before dawn today.”
“Caldwell, head of security Marcus, and our lead logistics coordinator, Dominic Vance.”
Ryan froze for a fraction of a second, the name hanging in the air with a sickening familiarity.
“Dominic is Julian Vance’s older brother,” Ryan realized aloud, the pieces falling into place with terrifying speed.
Julian hadn't just stumbled upon Natalie by accident months ago in Chicago.
He had been planted by his family to keep tabs on the woman they suspected might be Lucia’s bloodline.
And when Natalie fled, Julian had followed her straight into the DeMarco compound.
“Where is Dominic right now?” Ryan demanded, his voice echoing off the concrete walls.
“He checked out of the staff quarters an hour ago,” Caldwell answered, his face pale.
“He’s gone, Mr. DeMarco.”
Ryan turned sharply on his heel, his heavy boots slamming against the floor as he headed for the exit.
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“Lock down the entire estate,” Ryan commanded over his shoulder.
“Find Dominic before he reaches Moretti’s stronghold.”
