Chapter 14 - The Rat in the Walls
Despite the federal warrant issued for Julian Rossi’s arrest, the man seemed to have dissolved into the shadows of Chicago’s vast underbelly. For three weeks, federal agencies and Roman’s private intelligence network combed through every safehouse, airfield, and marina in the tri-state area without finding a trace of him.
Meanwhile, life at the Moretti estate returned to a semblance of normal rhythm, though heightened security measures remained in place.
It was a quiet Tuesday evening. Owen was sitting at the massive oak dining table in the villa’s library, working on his fifth-grade advanced mathematics homework. Hannah was sitting across from him, reviewing medical budget proposals, while Clara napped in a crib in the adjoining sitting room.
Roman walked in, setting his coat over a leather armchair. He walked over to Owen, leaning down to inspect his son’s math equations.
"You missed a decimal point on step three, son," Roman said gently, tapping the paper.
Owen squinted at the page, then smiled. "Ah! Thanks, Dad. I almost carried the wrong variable."
"Accuracy is everything, Owen," Roman said, patting his shoulder proudly. "In math, in business, and in life."
Hannah smiled at the interaction, standing up to pour Roman a glass of sparkling water. "Any news from Marcus?"
"Julian’s corporate assets are officially liquidated," Roman said, taking the glass and pressing a kiss to Hannah’s forehead. "The federal prosecutors have locked down all Vanguard Capital accounts. He’s running out of money and options."
Suddenly, the library doors opened, and Dominic stepped inside. His face was unusually pale, and he held a secure tablet in his hand.
"Boss," Dominic said in a low tone. "We have a situation. A breach in our internal network."
Roman’s posture instantly went rigid. "What kind of breach?"
"Someone inside the estate grounds accessed the foundation’s private server thirty minutes ago," Dominic revealed, showing the tablet to Roman and Hannah. "They downloaded the complete schedule of Hannah’s upcoming public appearances, including the location of tomorrow night’s private charity gala at the Drake Hotel."
Hannah felt her stomach drop. "Someone inside this house?"
"The server access came from a secondary terminal in the estate’s east wing staff quarters," Dominic said, his jaw tight with anger. "We ran the security key. It belongs to Elena."
Hannah froze. Elena was a quiet, middle-aged woman who had been hired six months ago as a secondary housekeeper and nanny assistant for Clara. She had come with glowing references from a high-profile family in Evanston.
"Where is she now?" Roman demanded, his voice dropping into a lethal whisper.
"She just left through the service gate on foot, claiming she needed to run to the pharmacy," Dominic said. "My men are tracking her signal now."
"Bring her back," Roman ordered softly. "Alive. And without causing a scene."
Ten minutes later, the side entrance of the estate was quietly secured. Elena was brought into the basement security room—a sleek, soundproof facility equipped with monitoring screens covering every inch of the property.
Hannah walked into the room alongside Roman. Elena sat in a chair, trembling violently, tears streaming down her face as two security officers stood at the door.
"Hannah... Mr. Moretti... please..." Elena wept, clutching her apron. "I’m sorry... I’m so sorry!"
Hannah stepped forward, keeping her composure calm and steady despite the fury burning inside her. "Why, Elena? We trusted you with our home. We trusted you near our children."
"They... they have my son!" Elena sobbed uncontrollably. "Julian Rossi’s men kidnapped my nineteen-year-old boy in Detroit two weeks ago! They said... they said if I didn't give them your schedule for the Drake Hotel gala, they would send him back to me in a box!"
Roman stood in the shadows near the door, his eyes cold as ice, but his mind processing the information rapidly. He looked at Hannah, giving her a subtle nod.
Hannah knelt down in front of Elena, taking the shaking woman’s hands into her own. "Elena, look at me."
Elena looked up, her eyes wide with fear and shame.
"You should have come to us," Hannah said gently but firmly. "My husband protects the people who work for us. He doesn't let monsters hurt innocent families."
"I was terrified..." Elena wept. "Julian said Mr. Moretti was a monster..."
"Julian lied," Roman’s voice echoed across the room as he stepped into the light. He turned to Dominic. "Dominic, contact our team in Detroit. Get the coordinates of the safehouse where Julian’s men are holding Elena’s son. Get him out before midnight."
Dominic nodded instantly. "Consider it done, Boss."
Elena collapsed at Hannah’s feet, weeping tears of profound relief. "Thank you... thank you God... thank you..."
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Roman pulled Hannah aside into the hallway. "Julian wants to make his last stand at the Drake Hotel tomorrow night, Hannah. He thinks he’s walking into an ambush of his own making."
"Then let’s give him the stage he wants," Hannah said, her dark eyes flashing with determination. "Only this time, we write the ending."
