Chapter 4 - The Surveillance RoomThe hidden room was a stark contrast to the gothic warmth of the rest of the house. It was a modern command center, bathed in the cool, blue glow of half a dozen massive monitors displaying live feeds of the estate perimeter, encrypted financial ledgers, and secure comms feeds.
A burly tech specialist sat at the main console, his fingers flying across a mechanical keyboard.
“Boss,” the tech said without looking up. “We just picked up a ping on the burner phone Mercer used to pay off the hotel staff. He’s panicking.”
Vincent stepped behind the console, his eyes scanning rolling lines of data. “Where is he?”
“He’s not running,” the specialist replied, bringing up a live street camera feed from downtown Chicago. “He’s heading here.”
Elena’s breath hitched in her throat. She stepped out from the doorway, her voice trembling. “Here? How could he possibly know where we are?”
Vincent turned his head, his gaze sharp. “He doesn't know. Not yet. But he traced the hotel security guard who handed over the raw files. The guard cracked under pressure and gave him the plate number of the town car.”
“He’s coming after me,” Elena said, the reality crashing down with terrifying force. “Vincent, he’s dangerous when he’s cornered. He has connections with the police department—he’s used them before to intimidate people.”
“Let him come,” Vincent said, his voice terrifyingly calm. He walked over to a secure rack on the far wall, where a sleek, matte-black firearm rested in a biometric lock. He didn't pick it up. Instead, he turned back to her, his expression softening just fractionally. “Grant Mercer has spent his entire life hiding behind his father’s money and bought badges. He has never faced a real consequence in his life. Tonight, he’s going to learn what happens when you step onto territory you don't own.”
“You shouldn’t risk yourself for me,” Elena whispered, looking down at her bruised hands. “I’m just... I walked into your elevator by accident.”
“Nothing happens by accident, Elena,” Vincent replied, stepping closer to her. “Especially not tonight.”
The tech specialist cleared his throat, tapping his screen. “Boss. His vehicle just cleared the outer gate perimeter. He bypassed the security checkpoint using a stolen municipal pass.”
Vincent didn't blink. He reached out and gently took Elena by the shoulders, turning her toward the heavy oak door that led back to the main hallway.
“Go upstairs to the east suite, lock the door, and stay away from the windows,” Vincent commanded, his voice absolute.
May you like
“And you?” she asked, her eyes searching his face.
“I am going to welcome our guest,” Vincent said quietly.
