Chapter 9 - The Watcher in the Woods
The sun set slowly behind the rolling hills of the Hudson Valley, casting long, violet shadows across the manicured lawn.
Inside the house, the warm lights flickered on, casting a cozy glow through the curtained windows. Elena could be seen through the glass, rocking little Arthur to sleep in the quiet nursery on the second floor, singing a soft, tender lullaby.
Outside, at the edge of the treeline bordering the property, Luca Moretti stood motionless in the dim twilight.
He had his hands tucked deep into the pockets of his black trench coat, his eyes locked onto the glowing window of the nursery. His dark silhouette blended seamlessly with the tall pines surrounding the estate.
A soft rustle of dry leaves echoed behind him.
A tall man in a grey suit stepped out from the shadows of the woods, stopping three feet behind Luca.
"The perimeter security system is fully operational, Boss," the man reported softly. "We have eight hidden cameras installed along the fence line, and two armed operatives posted at the north gate twenty-four hours a day."
"Ensure they remain invisible," Luca ordered quietly, his voice cutting through the rustle of the evening wind. "Mrs. Vance must never feel like she is living in a cage."
"Understood, Mr. Moretti," the operative nodded. "And what about the city? The captains are waiting for your arrival at the estate tonight. They want to discuss the restructuring of the docks."
Luca took a slow, deep breath of the cold mountain air. He looked one last time at the window where Elena was turning off the nursery lamp, leaving only a small, warm nightlight burning in the room.
"Tell them I will be there by midnight," Luca said, turning his back on the house and stepping into the dark path leading through the woods. "And remind them that the rules have changed."
"The rules, sir?"
May you like
Luca stopped, his dark eyes flashing in the moonlight, the viper tattoo on his neck stark and terrifying against his pale skin.
"Any man who threatens the innocent in my city," Luca said, his baritone voice dropping into a razor-sharp whisper, "will answer to me personally."
