Chapter 10 - The Calm Before the StormBack at Mercer Hill, the estate was quiet under the blanket of a starless midnight sky.
Julian Mercer sat alone in his private study, reviewing financial manifests and security reports submitted by Grace earlier that evening. Every document was meticulously organized, color-coded, and annotated with a precision that left no room for error.
He smiled to himself, closing the folder. For the first time in years, Mercer Hill felt like a home instead of a fortress guarded by illusions.
Yet, as he stood up to turn off the desk lamp, his phone vibrated against the mahogany wood.
An unknown number flashed on the screen.
Julian frowned, tapping the accept button and pressing the phone to his ear.
“This is Julian Mercer.”
Silence hummed through the line for a long, agonizing moment. Then, a distorted, electronically altered voice whispered through the speaker:
“Tell your new director of security that her mother sends her regards from Bridgeport. Tell her... checkmate is coming.”
The line went dead with a sharp click.
Julian’s blood ran ice cold. He didn't hesitate for a single second. He lunged for his secure intercom system, hitting the direct extension to Grace’s private residence in Stamford.
“Grace,” Julian said urgently the moment the line picked up. “Pack a bag. Don’t ask questions. Someone just made a play for your mother.”
On the other end of the line, the sound of a rustling jacket and the sharp, metallic click of a 9mm pistol being loaded echoed clearly through the speaker.
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Grace’s voice came back, cold, calm, and utterly lethal:
“Too late, Mr. Mercer. I’m already on my way.”
