Chapter 12 - The Traitor Within
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The revelation that Malcolm Croft had a mole inside the Romano organization created a suffocating atmosphere of paranoia within the penthouse.
Arthur trusted no one except Leo. Every guard was vetted. Every communication was heavily encrypted.
The next morning, Chloe was sitting in the kitchen, sipping herbal tea while a young security guard named Marco stood by the door. Marco had been recently promoted to the inner detail after proving himself during a skirmish in the Bronx.
Chloe casually glanced at Marco as he reached up to adjust his earpiece. The sleeve of his suit jacket pulled back slightly, revealing a distinct, jagged scar shaped like a crescent moon on his wrist.
Chloe froze. The teacup rattled against the saucer.
Her mind raced back to the night at the Croft estate when she had been working the catering gig. She had been hiding in the service pantry when a man delivered a specialized package to Malcolm Croft. She hadn't seen the man’s face, but she had seen his hand as he passed the box.
A hand with a crescent moon scar on the wrist.
“Marco,” Chloe said, forcing her voice to remain perfectly calm. “Could you get me another blanket from the bedroom? It’s a bit chilly in here.”
“Of course, Miss Henderson,” Marco nodded politely, turning and walking down the hallway.
The moment he was out of sight, Chloe sprinted to the private study where Arthur and Leo were reviewing tactical maps. She burst through the doors, her face pale.
“It’s Marco,” Chloe gasped, clutching her chest. “He’s the mole.”
Arthur and Leo snapped to attention.
“Are you sure?” Leo demanded, his hand dropping to his sidearm.
“I saw his scar,” Chloe explained rapidly. “He was the one who delivered the poison to Malcolm Croft at the rehearsal dinner. I recognize the mark on his wrist.”
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Arthur’s eyes turned entirely dead. The cold, calculating mob boss took over instantly.
“Don't confront him,” Arthur whispered, a terrifying, predatory smile touching his lips. “A known rat is infinitely more valuable than a dead one.”
