Chapter 4 - MORNING IN CONNECTICUT
Dawn broke over Connecticut with a cold, clear autumn light. Outside the main house, the multi-million-dollar estate stood silent, its manicured lawns sparkling with frost. I spent the early hours cleaning the dried blood from my temple and wrapping my bruised left hand. I changed into a simple linen shirt and dark trousers, refusing to look like a victim, yet choosing not to reveal my hand just yet. I poured a cup of black coffee and sat by the cottage window, watching the sun hit the edge of the sparkling backyard pool where Ethan and Vanessa had been laughing only hours before.
