Chapter 10 – [THE SNIPER IN THE GARDEN]

Volkov collapsed to the floor, a bullet lodged in his leg.

Nico tackled me to the ground as a second bullet shattered the vanity mirror above us.

“Stay down!” Nico yelled.

He crawled over to Volkov, dragging the heavy Russian boss out of the line of fire.

Answer one: Arthur was the mastermind behind the missing money, using Veronica’s greed as a cover for his own theft.

Open two: Who was shooting at us from the garden? And how did they bypass the perimeter security?

“Who is out there?” Nico demanded, pressing a towel to Volkov’s leg.

“Arthur’s son,” Volkov gritted through his teeth. “He’s one of your perimeter guards, Moretti. You hired him six months ago.”

Nico cursed under his breath. The betrayal was staggering.

Nico pulled his radio. “All loyal men, converge on the east garden. Rogue shooter. It’s Miller from security.”

Gunfire erupted outside. Nico didn’t wait. He looked at me, his eyes fiercely protective.

“Stay here. Do not move until I come back for you.”

He bolted out the door, his weapon drawn.

I stayed huddled on the floor, my heart pounding in my ears. I looked at Volkov. The fearsome mafia boss looked weak, clutching his bleeding leg.

“Help me tie this,” he groaned, gesturing to his wound.

I crawled over and used a pillowcase to tie a tight tourniquet above the bullet hole.

“You’re a brave girl,” Volkov breathed. “Nico is lucky to have you.”

Outside, the gunfire suddenly stopped.

A heavy, suffocating silence fell over the house.

I waited. One minute. Two minutes.

Then, heavy footsteps echoed in the hallway. Slow. Deliberate.

I held my breath, grabbing a heavy brass lamp from the nightstand.

The door swung open.

I raised the lamp, ready to swing.

“Hannah, it’s me,” Nico’s voice called out softly.

He stepped into the room. His suit was ruined, his face smeared with dirt, but he was unhurt.

“Miller is dealt with,” Nico said. “Arthur was caught at the train station. It’s truly over.”

I dropped the lamp and ran into his arms. He held me tight, his heartbeat steady and strong against my chest.

“I told you I’d come back for you,” he whispered.

He pulled back slightly, reaching into his pocket. He pulled out the antique silver spoon. The very first piece of the puzzle that had started this entire nightmare.

“Hannah,” Nico smiled. “Do you still have my grandmother’s ring?”

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