Chapter 9 - The House on the Bluffs
Two years later.
The coast of Northern California was famous for its high, dramatic cliffs, deep green pine forests, and waves that crashed against dark stone walls.
Perched high on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean sat a long, beautiful house built from cedar wood and local stone. It had no iron gates, no thermal surveillance towers, and no armed guards patrolling the perimeter.
It was just a home.
In the spacious, sunlit kitchen, Holden Cross stood by a stone island, slicing fresh apples and dark bread for lunch. He wore a simple navy sweater and jeans, his short dark hair silvering slightly at the temples.
Out on the green lawn stretching toward the cliff edge, nine-year-old Maya was running in the afternoon sunshine. She wore a bright yellow summer dress, her dark hair flying in the sea wind as she flew a large red kite high into the clear blue sky.
Running beside her, his dark coat shining like silk in the sun, was Phantom.
The massive Cane Corso was ten years old now—an old man in dog years—and his muzzle was frosted with grey fur. His movement was slower, his bounds less explosive, but his amber eyes were brighter and more peaceful than they had ever been in his youth.
He didn't search the trees for threats. He didn't sniff the wind for blood. He watched Maya’s flying kite, letting out happy, short barks as he chased her across the grass.
The back porch screen door opened, and Vance stepped out onto the deck. He wore plain clothes now—acting as the estate’s land manager rather than a head of security.
"The local school called, Holden," Vance said with a smile, handing Holden a small folder. "Maya won first place in the regional art competition. Her painting of the coastal lighthouse is going to be hung in the city hall."
Holden took the folder, looking at the high-resolution photo of Maya’s artwork. In the corner of the painted canvas, right beside the lighthouse, was the silhouette of a tiny girl holding hands with a tall man, while a massive black dog sat beside them, looking out at the sea.
Holden smiled—a deep, genuine smile that reached his eyes.
"She gets her talent from her mother," Holden said softly.
"How are the transfer papers coming along?" Vance asked, leaning against the wooden railing.
"The last of the old holdings were dissolved last month," Holden replied, looking out at the water. "Every dollar from the old operations was donated to children's hospitals and protection shelters in Clara's name. The Cross name is completely clean."
"And Dominic Falco?"
"He's serving three consecutive life sentences in maximum security," Holden said quietly. "He'll never see the sun again."
From down on the lawn, Maya’s laughter carried over the sound of the crashing waves below.
May you like
"Dad!" she called out, waving her hand wildly. "Come look! Orestes caught the kite string!"
Holden set the folder down on the porch table. "Duty calls," he said to Vance with a wink.
