Chapter 16
"Bring him to the sub-basement holding cells," Tristan ordered, his voice returning to a lethal, freezing calm. "I will be down in ten minutes." He turned back to Audrey. "Stay here with Maisie until I return." He didn't wait for her to nod. Tristan stepped out of the panic room, the heavy steel door locking behind him. He descended further into the lower levels, shedding the tender lover and entirely embracing the monster. The sub-basement holding cell was a stark, concrete room illuminated by a single, harsh tactical light. The estate manager, a middle-aged man with fair skin, was zip-tied to a heavy steel chair. He was weeping hysterically, his face bruised from where Marcus had subdued him. Tristan stepped into the cell. He did not bring a weapon. His sheer, deeply intimidating presence was enough to paralyze the traitor. "Mr. Vale! Please!" the manager sobbed, straining against the heavy plastic ties. "I didn't know they were going to attack the house! They told me they just wanted to steal the artwork in the east wing! I was desperate!" Tristan walked slowly around the chair, his polished shoes echoing on the concrete. "You traded the security of my daughter... for a gambling debt." "I'll pay it back! I'll work for free for the rest of my life!" the manager pleaded. "You will not have a life," Tristan corrected smoothly. He stopped in front of the man, his cold, unblinking eyes locking onto the terrified traitor. "You brought an army to my doorstep. You endangered the people I love. There is no negotiation for treason." Tristan nodded once to Marcus. The massive security chief stepped forward and executed the traitor with a single, suppressed gunshot. The problem was permanently resolved.
