Chapter 5 - The Fortress
The Rourke Estate sat on twenty acres of heavily wooded land outside the city, surrounded by electrified gates and armed patrols.
It was less of a home and more of a military fortress.
When the smoking, battered SUV pulled through the main gates, a dozen guards rushed forward.
Lucas stepped out, carrying Lily in his arms.
She had fallen asleep against his shoulder, exhausted by the adrenaline and the trauma of the day.
"Lock the gates," Lucas barked at his men.
"No one gets in, no one gets out, and kill anyone who approaches the perimeter without my direct clearance."
He carried her upstairs to a massive guest room, laying her gently on a king-sized bed.
He pulled a thick, down comforter over her, smoothing her messy blonde hair back from her forehead.
For a long time, he just stood there, watching her breathe.
He had spent his whole life building an empire of fear, accumulating wealth and power that meant absolutely nothing.
This little girl was his entire world now.
Vance stepped quietly into the doorway, holding a bloody rag to a graze on his cheek.
"She’s asleep?" Vance whispered.
Lucas nodded, stepping out into the hallway and closing the door softly behind him.
"What did you find?" Lucas asked, his tone instantly shifting from father to mob boss.
Vance handed over a digital tablet.
"I pulled the police reports on Hannah Bennett's death."
"It was ruled a hit-and-run three days ago."
"But I had our own medical examiner look at the autopsy photos."
Vance paused, swallowing hard.
"It wasn't an accident, Lucas."
"She was beaten before the car hit her."
"They were looking for something."
Lucas closed his eyes, a lethal stillness washing over his body.
They were looking for the black card.
They were looking for leverage against the Rourke empire, and Hannah had died protecting that secret to keep Lily safe.
"Who knew about her, Vance?" Lucas asked quietly.
"Only you, me, and Marcus," Vance replied.
"And I would put a bullet in my own head before I betrayed you."
Lucas opened his eyes.
"Where is Marcus right now?"
"He said he was at the downtown club, managing the fallout from the bank incident," Vance answered.
May you like
"Bring him here," Lucas ordered.
"And tell him to come alone."
