Chapter 4 - The Rat in the RanksThe heavy steel door of the panic room clicked open, and Agnes slipped inside, carrying a tray with two cups of black coffee. The old maid’s hands trembled slightly, but her eyes—sharp, intelligent, and fiercely loyal—met Declan’s with calm assurance.
"It’s done, Mr. Gomez," Agnes said quietly, setting the cups down on the desk. "The security feeds from the west wing have been scrubbed. Anyone looking at the cameras will only see a standard electrical fire in the study."
Declan looked from Agnes to Camila, a sudden, heavy realization washing over him. "Agnes... you knew?"
"I raised her mother, Mr. Gomez," Agnes said simply, folding her hands over her apron. "When Miss Camila came to this house, I knew exactly who she was. And I knew she was right about your sister."
Declan rubbed his temples, a dull, throbbing headache building behind his eyes. He had spent his entire life believing that loyalty to family was the only absolute law in a lawless world. He had killed for it, bled for it, and built an empire on it.
Now, the foundation of that empire was crumbling into ash.
"If the capos find out Elena was running a shadow operation behind my back," Declan said, his voice hard as iron, "they'll tear the syndicate apart fighting for the scraps. Russo and Sullivan are already testing my patience at the warehouses."
"They aren't just testing your patience, Declan," Camila said, standing up and walking over to the wall monitor. She tapped a few keys, bringing up a live feed of the main courtyard upstairs. "They're already here."
Declan stood up instantly, drawing his Sig Sauer once more. On the monitor, three black SUVs had pulled up into the driveway, their headlights cutting through the falling rain. Doors opened, and heavy-set men in dark wool coats stepped out.
Eddie Russo and Frank Sullivan.
Accompanied by six armed enforcers.
"They didn't come to visit," Declan muttered, his eyes narrowing into cold slits. "They came to finish what Elena started."
"No," Camila corrected, a dangerous, calculating smile playing on her lips. "They came because they think you're vulnerable. They think the 'fragile' wife has finally broken you."
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She turned to Declan, her posture radiating absolute authority.
"It’s time to show them what happens when you underestimate a Gomez."
