Chapter 3 - Into the Tunnels
Midnight set over the Moretti estate like a heavy velvet curtain. Rain lashed against the high arched windows of the main hall, muffling the sound of classical music and clinking champagne glasses echoing from the grand ballroom downstairs where the regional council dinner was underway.
In the dark basement beneath the estate’s wine cellar, I pulled on a black tactical jacket and adjusted the strap of the leather satchel across my chest. Beside me, Titan stood silent, his dark coat blending seamlessly into the shadows.
Luca crouched beside me, handing me a small, encrypted satellite phone and a sleek, compact sidearm.
“I know how to shoot,” I said, checking the magazine with practiced efficiency. “My father made sure I knew how to defend myself before he vanished.”
Luca offered a rare, subtle smile, his eyes searching mine. “Your father raised a warrior. Keep the phone on. Once you reach the bank in Manhattan, call this pre-programmed number. My trusted contact, Captain Vance, will meet you at the bank vault.”
“What about you?” I asked, feeling an unexpected pang of worry. “If Marco notices I’m gone—”
“I’ll be in the ballroom, pouring wine for my uncle and keeping his eyes on me,” Luca said softly. His fingers brushed against my jawline, a gesture so warm and protective it made my breath catch. “Be careful, Clara. You’re not just carrying your father’s legacy anymore. You’re carrying the future of this family.”
With a final nod, Luca pulled open a heavy steel grate hidden behind a stack of oak wine barrels. Cold, damp air rushed out, smelling of wet earth and ancient stone.
“Go,” Luca whispered.
Titan didn't hesitate. He slipped into the dark tunnel first, his ears perked, checking for danger. I followed close behind, lowering the steel grate behind us until it clicked shut.
The tunnel was narrow and pitch-black, illuminated only by the thin beam of my waterproof flashlight. The sound of dripping water echoed through the subterranean passageway as we moved deeper into the earth. Titan moved with remarkable silence for a dog over one hundred and forty pounds, his body brushing against my knees every few paces to assure me he was there.
We walked for nearly forty minutes through twisting brick conduits. Suddenly, Titan stopped dead in his tracks.
His ears flattened against his skull. A low, menacing growl vibrated in his chest.
I froze, turning off my flashlight. Silence descended, broken only by the steady dripping of water.
Then I heard it: muffled voices coming from up ahead, accompanied by the yellow beam of flashlights cutting through the gloom.
“...are you sure she came down here?” a harsh voice rasped. “Boss said Marco’s informant in the security office saw Luca head toward the cellar with the girl.”
“She’s down here,” another voice replied. “Check your weapons. Marco wants the key and the girl dead. No witnesses.”
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Marco had placed a mole in Luca’s private security detail. They knew about the tunnels.
Titan lowered his head, his muscles coiling like steel springs. I clicked off the safety of my firearm, leaning against the cold brick wall as the flashlights rounded the corner.
