Chapter 2 - Shadows in the East WingThe rain lashed harder against the massive glass windows of the Hamptons estate, turning the sprawling lawns into a blurry wash of black and grey.
Viktor did not look at the lighter again. He pocketed it with a motion so fast it defied the eye.
"Walk," he commanded.
"Where?"
"To the east house. If you are lying, Rachel Chen, you will not live to see the sun hit the Atlantic. If you are telling the truth, you will wish you had lied."
They moved through the subterranean glass corridor that connected the main mansion to the guest quarters—a climate-controlled artery designed for privacy and security. Viktor walked behind her, his hand never leaving his weapon. He watched the way her shoulders stayed back, the lack of panic in her stride. This was not the reaction of a terrified housemaid. This was the focus of a professional.
Who are you really? he thought, his mind racing through every agency file, every background check his security team had run four months ago.
They reached the heavy steel-reinforced oak door of the east house. It was sealed with a digital keypad and a biometric lock.
"It's locked from the inside," Rachel whispered, stepping aside. "They left the service override active. They think everyone is asleep."
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Viktor stepped past her, pulling a small black decryption device from his inner pocket. He plugged it into the maintenance port. The screen flickered blue, then green. A soft click echoed down the hallway.
The heavy door swung open, releasing a cold draft that smelled of damp earth and old blood.
