Chapter 20 - The Shadow of the Past|
The wedding planning consumed the estate for the next month. Selena was glowing, transforming the austere mansion into a warm, vibrant home. Ruby was thrilled about her upcoming role as the official "flower thrower," a title she had invented herself.
It was a quiet Tuesday evening. Damon was in his office, finalizing the guest list with Marcus. The compound was secure, the borders were quiet, and life was surprisingly perfect.
Then, the secure red phone on Damon’s desk rang.
It was a direct line, encrypted and unlisted, known only to his highest-ranking capos and international brokers.
Damon frowned, picking up the receiver.
“Reyes,” he answered simply.
There was a heavy, static-filled silence on the other end of the line. Then, a slow, dark chuckle echoed through the speaker.
“Damon,” a voice said, speaking in fluent, heavily accented Spanish. “I hear congratulations are in order. A wedding. How domestic.”
Damon’s blood ran cold. He recognized the voice. It was a ghost. A man who was supposed to have died in a federal penitentiary in Mexico five years ago.
“Who is this?” Damon demanded, signaling Marcus to start a trace.
“You know who I am, boy,” the voice purred. “I just wanted to call and offer my regards to your lovely bride. And to her beautiful daughter, Ruby.”
Damon stood up, his hand gripping the phone so hard the plastic cracked. “If you come near them—”
“Oh, I don't need to come near them,” the voice interrupted softly. “I just wanted to remind you that some debts are never forgiven. Enjoy your wedding, Damon. Look over your shoulder. Because I am already inside your walls.”
The line went dead with a sharp click.
Marcus looked at Damon, his face pale. “Boss? Was it traced?”
“It bounced off a cell tower in Phoenix,” Damon whispered, staring at the dead phone in his hand. “He’s here.”
At that exact moment, the lights in the massive estate flickered, buzzed violently, and plunged the entire compound into absolute, terrifying darkness.
May you like
From the other side of the house, a woman screamed.
Damon dropped the phone, drawing his weapon, and sprinted into the dark.
