Chapter 2 - The Safe Haven
Carrie sat on the edge of the motel bed, her hands resting protectively over her swollen belly.
The digital clock on the nightstand glowed with the time, flashing 11:42 PM.
She had spent the last three hours reviewing her meager bank accounts and building a life without Dominic Marino.
A sudden, sharp knock at her motel room door made her heart stop.
She held her breath, staring at the flimsy chain lock that offered zero real protection.
"Mrs. Marino, please open the door," a familiar, gentle voice called from the hallway.
Carrie exhaled in relief and rushed to unlatch the chain.
Walter Hayes stood in the rain, holding an umbrella over Margaret Marino.
Carrie pulled her mother-in-law inside, her eyes filling with fresh tears.
"You shouldn't be here, Margaret," Carrie whispered, wrapping a blanket around the older woman.
Margaret stood tall, her posture radiating the dangerous authority of a true mafia matriarch.
"I am exactly where I belong, Caroline," Margaret stated firmly.
Walter stepped into the room, locking the door and pulling the curtains shut tight.
He reached inside his tailored suit jacket and pulled out a heavy, loaded revolver.
Carrie took a step back, her hands instinctively shielding her unborn child.
"Walter, what is going on?" Carrie asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Margaret sat in the armchair, opening her designer handbag to retrieve a thick manila envelope.
"My son is a fool, but he is currently a fool in mortal danger," Margaret explained calmly.
She handed the envelope to Carrie, urging her to open it.
Carrie pulled out a stack of legal documents bearing the official seal of Marino Holdings.
"I transferred fifty-one percent of the legitimate corporation into your name three months ago," Margaret revealed.
Carrie stared at the papers in absolute shock.
"Why would you do that?" Carrie asked.
"Because I knew Dominic's mistress belonged to the Volkov cartel," Margaret said flatly.
Carrie’s knees gave out, and she sank onto the edge of the mattress.
Dominic had not just broken their marriage; he had invited the Russian mob directly into their bedroom.
Before Carrie could process the terrifying reality, Walter raised his hand to demand absolute silence.
Heavy, synchronized footsteps echoed in the hallway right outside their door.
May you like
A muffled voice ordered someone to breach the room.
Walter aimed his revolver at the door handle, standing firmly between Carrie and the threat.
