Chapter 7 - The Calm Before the StormBy Friday evening, the atmosphere around the Sands Point estate had shifted from peaceful luxury to military-grade readiness.
Adrian stood in the underground security command center, illuminated by the blue glow of a dozen high-definition monitors. Every camera covering the perimeter gates, the winding driveways, and the shoreline was active.
Marco stepped up beside him, laying a heavy manila folder on the steel console.
“Chicago isn't waiting, Boss,” Marco said. “Our informants on the docks report that Paulie Marcone has mobilized three tactical units. They’re planning a simultaneous breach—two teams hitting the front gates, and a third coming in by speedboat across the Sound.”
Adrian didn't look up from the monitors. His fingers tapped a steady, rhythmic beat against the steel console.
“Let them come through the gates,” Adrian said coldly. “I want the security grid locked down on the west wing, but leave the north service entrance open.”
Marco paused, frowning. “Open? Boss, that’s where the staff quarters are. That’s where Hannah and Ellie—”
“That is exactly why it will be open,” Adrian interrupted, his eyes flashing with lethal clarity. “Paulie thinks he’s fighting a businessman who has gone soft. He thinks he can use leverage. Let him try to find me where I’m vulnerable.”
“And the girl and her mother?” Marco asked, his voice laced with protective concern.
“They are already in the safe room beneath the master suite,” Adrian replied. “Henderson took them down twenty minutes ago. No one gets into that bunker without my biometric key.”
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Adrian turned away from the monitors, walking over to the armory cabinet set into the stone wall. He unlocked it with a heavy brass key, reaching inside to pull out a custom-engraved, double-action Beretta 92FS—the same weapon he had carried twenty years ago, before he built an empire of blood and concrete.
He checked the magazine, the metal clicking into place with a satisfying, deadly snap.
