Chapter 10 - THE UNFINISHED LEDGERBack in New Jersey, the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in deep shades of violet and gold over the newly repaired Caldwell estate.
Ethan Caldwell sat alone in his private study behind the heavy mahogany desk. The secret safe behind the painting was wide open, completely empty of illegal contraband, weapons, or syndicate cash.
Instead, inside the safe sat one single item:
A gleaming, well-seasoned cast-iron skillet, polished to a mirror finish, with a small, handwritten luggage tag tied to its handle.
Ethan reached out, picked up the tag, and turned it over.
On the back was written a single line of text:
“Property of M. Doyle. Do not misplace.”
Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. He placed the skillet back inside the safe, closed the heavy steel door, and locked it tight.
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He didn't know where Maggie was now, or what global shadow she was currently hunting in the dark. But as he looked out across his quiet, secure estate, he knew one thing with absolute certainty:
No matter who ever dared to break into his house again... they would never, ever see her coming.
