Chapter 1 - The Betrayal
The downstairs doorbell rang for the fourth time, echoing ominously through the massive mansion.
Dante handed the ancient, cracked phone to his most trusted guard, Marco.
He instructed the man to find a compatible charging cable immediately.
Clara pulled Sophia closer to her chest.
The little girl was trembling like a fragile leaf in a winter storm.
Dante drew a sleek black pistol from his shoulder holster.
He walked slowly toward the top of the grand marble staircase.
Julian stood casually in the lavish foyer below.
He was not alone.
Beside him stood Detective Thomas Vance.
Vance was the exact police detective who had ruled Elena’s death a random home invasion three years ago.
"You have a lot of nerve coming here tonight," Dante called down from the landing.
Julian looked up with a perfectly practiced, chilling smile.
"I came to save my beautiful niece from a ruthless murderer," Julian replied smoothly.
Dante tightened his grip on his weapon, his knuckles turning completely white.
"You are the only murderer in this house, Julian."
Detective Vance stepped forward and held up a shiny silver police badge.
"Actually, Mr. Vancini, I am here to arrest you for the brutal murder of your wife."
Clara gasped loudly from the top of the carpeted stairs.
Julian smirked and looked directly into Clara's terrified eyes.
"Elena was secretly planning to turn Dante in to the federal authorities," Julian lied effortlessly.
Julian claimed he had the original wiretap recordings safely stored away to prove it.
Dante looked at his loyal guards, expecting them to escort these intruders out of his home.
May you like
Instead, the two men standing behind Dante slowly raised their automatic weapons.
They aimed the cold steel barrels directly at the back of Dante's head.
