Chapter 3 - AN INVITATION TO THE INNER CIRCLE
Twenty minutes after Nathaniel vanished into the snowy darkness,
the restaurant doors pushed open again,
and two men in immaculate dark overcoats approached our table.
“Mrs.
Walker?” the taller man asked politely,
flashing a silver badge that wasn't police insignia.
“Mr.
Caldwell has instructed us to escort you and your daughter home securely.
”
Emma instinctively pulled Maisie closer to her side,
her protective maternal instincts flaring up.
“I can take a cab,
” Emma said firmly.
“Mr.
Caldwell does not permit guests of his to take chances in Boston tonight,
” the man replied smoothly,
“especially not after what transpired at the docks.
”
Maisie held up the antique silver pocket watch proudly.
“We are under the Birthday Man's protection,
” Maisie announced with absolute childish confidence.
The escort exchanged a brief,
knowing glance before nodding respectfully.
“Indeed you are,
young lady,
” the guard said,
pulling out his radio.
“Prepare the armored sedan in the rear alley.
”
As Emma and Maisie were guided through the kitchen exit to avoid the reporters gathering outside,
Emma realized she was stepping deeper into the labyrinth of Nathaniel's underworld.
The sleek black armored vehicle waiting in the alley was proof that Nathaniel’s wealth and power extended far beyond normal corporate boundaries.
Inside the heated cabin,
the leather seats smelled of rich mahogany and expensive cologne.
Maisie pressed her face against the tinted glass,
watching the snow-covered streets of Beacon Hill drift past.
“Mommy,
” Maisie whispered,
“do you think the bad men are going to bother the Birthday Man?”
“No,
sweetie,
” Emma answered,
though her own stomach was tied in knots.
“I think the bad men picked the wrong person to mess with.
”
The car glided silently through the midnight streets,
heading not toward Emma’s modest apartment in South Boston,
but toward a destination shrouded in absolute secrecy.
May you like
When the vehicle finally passed through heavy wrought-iron security gates into a sprawling estate overlooking the harbor,
Emma knew there was no turning back.
