Chapter 4 - Shadows in the House
Martha moved into the servant's quarters on the third floor that evening.
Her official title was now personal aide to Mr. Rourke.
Miss Delaney, the strict housekeeper, glared at her with obvious suspicion.
Nobody survived a promotion that fast in the Rourke family without an ulterior motive.
When the mansion grew quiet after midnight, the real work began.
Martha locked the heavy doors to Maxwell's private gym.
She helped him out of his chair and onto a padded mat.
"Push against my hands," she instructed, bracing his right foot.
Maxwell gritted his teeth, sweat dripping from his forehead.
For an hour, he fought against the invisible weight of his own deadened nerves.
Slowly, miraculously, his muscles began to respond.
He managed to bend his knee three inches without assistance.
"You are incredibly stubborn," Martha whispered, wiping his brow.
"Spite is a powerful motivator," Maxwell replied with a faint smile.
The proximity between them shifted into something unspoken.
Martha felt her heart beat faster as his hand rested on her waist for balance.
He was no longer just a terrifying mob boss to her.
He was a man fighting desperately for his life.
Suddenly, the doorknob rattled violently.
Martha froze, dropping Maxwell's leg back onto the mat.
A key slid into the lock, turning with a sharp click.
The heavy wooden doors burst open.
Silas Rourke stood in the doorway, flanked by two armed enforcers.
Silas wore a perfectly tailored suit and a cruel smile.
His eyes darted from Martha's flushed face to Maxwell on the floor.
"Late night physical therapy, brother?" Silas asked smoothly.
May you like
He pulled a silver revolver from his coat and aimed it at Martha's chest.
"Or is this girl helping you plot a comeback?"
