Chapter 9
The upper floors of the Montelli estate were quiet, a stark contrast to the violent mobilization occurring in the courtyards below. The bright, elegant indoor lighting cast a warm, comforting glow along the hallways. Alistair walked swiftly, his polished leather shoes silent on the thick carpets. He bypassed the ruined ballroom, his mind entirely focused on his daughter.
He pushed open the heavy oak doors to his private suite.
The room was warm and softly lit. Daphne Cole, the loyal caregiver, was sitting on the edge of the massive bed. She had changed Sadie into dry, warm pajamas. The four-year-old girl was wrapped tightly in a thick down comforter, holding a cup of warm tea. Her fair, rosy cheeks were still pale from the shock of the ice water, but she had stopped shivering.
"Mr. Montelli," Daphne said, standing up quickly as he entered. "She is doing much better. The medical staff said her core temperature is stabilizing."
"Thank you, Daphne," Alistair murmured, his deep voice carrying a profound, genuine gratitude. The cold, lethal executioner vanished entirely as he looked at the two women who meant everything to his shattered family. "You protected her today. When I was not there. You saved my world."
Daphne’s eyes filled with tears, but she nodded bravely. "I loved her mother, sir. I would die before I let anyone hurt this child."
"No one is going to die today, Daphne. Except the monsters," Alistair promised.
He walked over to the bed and sat gently on the edge, the mattress dipping under his solid weight. He reached out and gently brushed a damp strand of hair from Sadie’s forehead.
"Daddy," Sadie whispered, her bright blue eyes looking up at him with absolute, unshakeable trust. "Is the mean lady gone?"
"Yes, piccola mia," Alistair smiled, a warm, protective expression that transformed his rugged, movie-star face. "The mean lady is gone. She is never, ever going to come back here. I promise you."
"She said my mommy disappeared," Sadie said softly, her tiny voice breaking slightly.
Alistair’s heart clenched painfully. He leaned down and gathered his daughter into his arms, holding her small, fragile body securely against his chest. He closed his eyes, inhaling the scent of her clean hair.
"Your mommy didn't disappear, Sadie," Alistair whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "She is watching over you from heaven. And she sent Daphne to help me protect you. We are a family, and no one is ever going to break us apart again."
As he held her, a sharp, urgent knock came at the door of the suite.
Alistair gently laid Sadie back against the pillows. He stood up, his posture instantly straightening as the Mafia boss took control once more. He walked to the door and opened it slightly.
His lead capo stood in the hallway, holding an encrypted radio.
"Boss, the strike teams are in position around the Vale compound," the capo reported, his voice low and tense. "But we have a complication. Corinne’s father knew we were coming. He contacted the Chicago syndicate. Chicago sent heavily armed reinforcements to his compound. We are severely outnumbered."
Alistair’s cold, intimidating eyes narrowed into lethal slits. The romantic charm completely evaporated.
"Chicago thinks they can interfere in my vengeance," Alistair murmured, the controlled pauses in his speech highlighting his absolute, terrifying resolve.
He turned back to Daphne, who was watching him with wide, frightened eyes.
"Lock the doors to the suite. Do not let anyone in until I return," Alistair commanded softly.
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"Where are you going, Daddy?" Sadie asked from the bed.
"Daddy has to go to work," Alistair smiled gently. He stepped out into the hallway, pulling the heavy oak doors shut. He looked at his capo, the fires of total war burning fiercely in his eyes. "Tell the men to hold the perimeter. I am going to the front lines. Tonight, we burn Chicago down with them."
