Chapter 10 - The Near Miss
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When I returned to the estate, the sky had turned a bruising shade of purple, threatening a severe autumn storm.
I walked through the grand foyer, my mind occupied with the intricate details of the impending massacre, when a sudden, terrified scream shattered the quiet elegance of the house.
It came from the rear terrace.
I drew my weapon instinctively, sprinting through the French doors.
The heavy iron gate that separated the terrace from the steep, rocky drop-off toward the river was swung wide open. Mia was standing dangerously close to the edge, crying hysterically, clutching her stuffed rabbit.
Elena was sprinting across the lawn, screaming her daughter's name, but she was too far away.
One of my perimeter guards was standing ten feet from the open gate, looking entirely confused, making no move to secure the child.
I didn't think. I moved faster than I had in years. I hit the wet grass, sliding the last five feet, grabbing Mia by the back of her dress and pulling her violently away from the precipice just as she lost her footing on the slick stones.
I rolled onto my back, clutching the sobbing child tightly against my chest, my heart hammering a frantic, terrifying rhythm.
Elena collapsed onto the grass beside us, pulling Mia from my arms and burying her face in the little girl's hair, weeping uncontrollably.
I stood up slowly, brushing the dirt from my suit. I turned my attention to the perimeter guard.
"How did that gate open?" I demanded, my voice a lethal, vibrating growl.
The guard turned pale, taking a step back. "I... I don't know, Boss. I just turned around and it was unlatched."
"You are supposed to check the locks every hour," I said, stepping into his personal space, the sheer menace of my presence suffocating him. "Who unlatched it?"
"I swear, Mr. Duca, I didn't see anyone!"
I looked up at the second-story balcony. Vivien was standing there, holding a glass of wine, watching the scene with a completely impassive, bored expression.
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She wasn't just threatening anymore. She was actively trying to eliminate the child to punish Elena.
I grabbed the guard by the collar of his tactical vest. "You are relieved of duty. Get to the basement holding cell. We are going to have a very long conversation about your bank accounts."
