Chapter 20 - The Shadow Beyond|
Midnight descended over the Hudson Valley, painting the estate grounds in deep shades of velvet black and silver moonlight.
Inside the quiet study on the second floor, Dante sat behind his mahogany desk, reviewing the final security reports sent by Marco regarding the Brooklyn docks.
The room was warm, a fire crackling softly in the hearth, the scent of lavender and old paper hanging in the air.
A soft knock sounded at the door.
Isabella stepped inside, wearing a silk robe, holding two cups of warm chamomile tea. She set one cup on his desk, leaning down to press a gentle kiss against his cheek.
"You should sleep, Dante," she murmured, resting her hands on his broad shoulders. "The city will still be there tomorrow."
"I'm coming right now, my love," Dante smiled, reaching up to gently cover her hand with his.
As Isabella turned and walked toward the bedroom, a low, encrypted chime sounded from Dante’s private satellite phone resting inside his desk drawer.
Dante paused, his smile fading slightly.
He opened the drawer, pulling out the secure phone.
An encrypted text message from an untraceable number in Chicago glowed against the black glass screen:
Dante Moretti. The Genovese family has noted the execution of Carlo. A new representative has been dispatched to New York to renegotiate the dock treaties. Be prepared.
Dante stared at the glowing screen for three long seconds. His gray eyes narrowed, but there was no fear in his expression—only a cool, absolute readiness.
He clicked the screen dark, dropped the phone back into the drawer, and locked it tight.
May you like
He stood up from his desk, buttoning his shirt collar, and walked toward the sunlit hallway where his wife was waiting for him.
The mafia war was far from over... but the King of New York no longer fought alone.
