Chapter 5 - the sanctuary of stone
The Romano estate sat high on a secluded cliff overlooking the stormy waters of the Chesapeake Bay, twenty miles north of Baltimore. Surrounded by fifteen-foot stone walls, wrought-iron security gates, and sweeping manicured lawns, the massive stone mansion looked like a modern fortress bathed in soft golden floodlights.
The heavy SUV convoy swept through the main gates, coming to a smooth stop beneath the wide stone portico.
Marco opened the vehicle doors, holding a wide umbrella over Catherine and Logan as they stepped onto the dry stone pavement.
Inside, the mansion was breathtaking. Soaring ceilings, polished mahogany paneling, massive stone fireplaces, and giant crystal chandeliers illuminated warm Persian rugs and fine oil paintings. Armed guards in dark suits stood respectfully along the grand foyer walls, bowing their heads as Alessandro walked inside.
"Prepare the east wing master suite for Mrs. Winters and her son," Alessandro commanded his head housekeeper, a gentle elderly woman in a neat dark dress. "And double the perimeter security. No one enters these grounds without my personal authorization."
"Yes, Mr. Romano," the housekeeper replied warmly, offering Catherine a reassuring smile. "Welcome to the estate, my dear."
Catherine stood near the central fireplace, feeling completely out of place in her pale-green hospital uniform. She smoothed her messy brown hair, looking around the grand room in awe.
Logan, on the other hand, was completely unbothered. He walked across the soft Persian rug, set Captain Bear down on a leather footstool, and began exploring the carved wooden leg of a massive grand piano.
Alessandro walked over to a marble bar, pouring himself a short glass of sparkling water. He offered a glass of fresh orange juice to Catherine, which she accepted with a quiet "thank you."
"Dr. Harris will set up his medical station in the guest house," Alessandro told her, leaning back against the mahogany bar. "You and Logan will stay in the main house."
Catherine took a small sip of her juice, her soft brown eyes fixed on him. "Why are you doing all of this, Alessandro? You don't owe me anything. If David is alive... why haven't you brought him back to us?"
Alessandro set his glass down, his dark eyes darkening with a heavy, complex emotion.
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"Because four years ago, Catherine," Alessandro said low, stepping closer to her, "the private medical facility in Vermont where David was staying was raided by Vance's men. David vanished."
Catherine dropped her glass, the crystal shattering against the stone hearth as a cold wave of terror swept over her.
