Chapter 1 - The Heavy Suitcase
Leonardo effortlessly carried the battered brown suitcase toward the line of idling black SUVs.
Abigail followed closely behind him while holding Samuel’s small trembling hand.
The little boy had not let go of her fingers since the drunken stranger was dragged away by the security team.
The interior of the massive vehicle smelled of expensive leather and cold winter air.
Abigail sat in the back with Samuel while Leonardo took the seat opposite them.
He stared at her for a long time as the car navigated the busy Manhattan streets.
He was trying to figure out why a woman from a quiet Pennsylvania town possessed the nerve to stand up to a grown man on the street.
They arrived at a massive stone estate heavily guarded by men in dark coats.
The wrought iron gates swung open to reveal a sprawling mansion that looked more like a fortress than a family home.
Samuel pulled Abigail out of the car and dragged her eagerly through the massive oak front doors.
The grand foyer was completely silent and entirely devoid of any warmth.
A teenage boy with dark hair and hostile eyes stood at the top of the marble staircase.
This was Julian, the eldest son, and he glared at Abigail with undisguised hatred.
He told his father that they did not need another pathetic gold digger pretending to care about them.
Leonardo’s voice was dangerously quiet when he ordered his son to show some respect.
Abigail ignored the tension and simply asked where the kitchen was located.
She told Samuel that they had a birthday cake to bake for his little sister.
Leonardo watched her walk away with his son, realizing she had not even asked for a tour of her new luxurious surroundings.
An hour later, Leonardo walked into the guest bedroom where his men had placed her luggage.
He noticed that one of the brass latches on the old suitcase had sprung open during the drive.
He reached down to push it closed, but the heavy leather flap fell backward.
Leonardo froze completely as he looked at the neatly packed items inside.
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There were no simple country dresses or cheap sweaters in the bag.
The suitcase was filled with three million dollars in untraceable bearer bonds and a dismantled sniper rifle.
