Chapter 1 - The Splintered Bone
The doctor worked in absolute silence.
He injected a local anesthetic into Kate's shoulder before wrapping her forearm in a rigid fiberglass splint.
Kate bit down on her uninjured hand to keep from screaming as the bone was forced back into alignment.
Damon Blackwell stood by the window, looking out over the manicured grounds of his estate.
He was watching the luxury vehicles of his wealthy guests pulling out of the long driveway.
His face was a mask of cold, terrifying calculation.
Matteo, the scarred enforcer, quietly entered the room and closed the heavy oak door behind him.
He handed Damon a digital tablet displaying a list of names.
"Preston Caldwell brought fourteen private security contractors with him tonight," Matteo reported.
Damon scrolled through the names with a slow swipe of his thumb.
"Where are they right now?" Damon asked.
"Six are in the main ballroom, four are guarding the Senator's car, and the rest are wandering the grounds," Matteo replied.
Damon handed the tablet back.
"Lock down the perimeter."
"No one leaves this property until I say so."
Kate watched the exchange, her heart hammering against her ribs.
"You don't have to do this for me," she whispered, her voice hoarse from the pain.
Damon finally turned away from the window and looked down at her.
"I am not doing this just for you, Kate," he said softly.
"I am doing this because no one breathes in my house without my permission."
The doctor finished securing the sling around her neck and packed up his leather bag.
Just as Damon turned toward the door, the heavy brass handle began to slowly turn from the outside.
Someone was trying to get into the storage room.
May you like
A muffled, arrogant voice echoed through the thick wood.
"Come on out, little bird, I know you're hiding in there," Preston Caldwell taunted.
