Claire's PovI coughed, my eyes hurting from the thick smoke filling the air. The sound of baby Nolan's cries rang through the confusionI wrapped Nolan around me as I tried crawling out of the mess, The ceilings were breaking and the smoke increased. Elyse gripped my arm, her eyes wide with fear."What happened?" Don shouted, his voice gruff from the smoke. He reached out to where Elyse and I were and carried us on both sides and proceeded to put us beside the door, going back to check the rest of the people inside.I opened the door immediately putting baby Nolan outside to the cool breeze, the baby coughed and I feared he was going to choke. "Please, please Nolan" I cried."Claire…" Elyse coughed very hard as she held onto the door, she had a slight cut on her forehead and the glass was still stuck in it. "You're hurt…" she pointed to my legs.I saw glass also stuck to my legs and I was bleeding, but I didn't care, I paced further and further to get baby Nolan to breathe properly a
Don’s POV I tapped my fingers gently on the steering wheel, my eyes locked forward as I waited in the traffic cue. The traffic light had shown red, signaling everyone to stop. Elyse was in the passenger seat playing a game. We were returning from the hospital where we went to see Claire, Madam Desideria, and Romano. The explosion had left a very ugly aftermath. Claire bled while Madam Desideria and Romano were injured in their arm and legs respectively. It was a good thing the doctor had arrested the bleeding the moment she was rushed to the hospital. He had called it spotting and said that it wasn't critical, so both mother and child were safe. But he mentioned that her pregnancy was delicate, hence she needed a lot of bed rest when she got back home, to avoid further complications. I couldn't stand losing either Claire or our unborn child so I was going to see to that meticulously. Madam Desideria and Romano, on the other hand, had severe injuries and needed a lot of medical att
Don's POV:---I called for a cook to clear the table, my mind still on the explosion. I didn't finish my food because my appetite was poor. Once the table was empty, I returned to the quarters provided to me by Romano, pulled out the carton from my drawer, and examined the bomb's fragments.I turned on my laptop, continuing from where I had begun in my research, trying to understand what device was used. What type of bomb was it and how it was attached to the baby carrier without anyone taking notice? "What kind of bomb is this?" I muttered, scrolling through pages of explosive devices.Hours passed and finally, my extensive research came to an end when I stumbled upon a match and realized that it was a computer-controlled bomb, capable of indefinite delay. Detonation could occur at any moment, triggered remotely.But I needed confirmation.I dialed Cowen's number. "Send a bomb technician over. I need expert analysis."The technician arrived later and we sat in my study, surrounded
Don’s POV It's been a week and a few days since Romano and Madam Desideria were admitted to the hospital. Claire had been discharged already and on the day I picked her up, I checked on both Romano and Madam Desideria and so far, both had gotten proper medical care and were recuperating. They were returning today and Cowen had gone to pick them up. Claire, Elyse, and the cooks had prepared and decorated the house in anticipation of their return. As much as all that mattered, I was the least concerned about that. My utmost priority lay in finding out how the bomb got into my safehouse and who the fuck had planted it there. Most importantly, Madam Desideria had a lot of explaining to do. I had found the remnants of the bomb at the spot where the baby carrier was and she was the one who had brought the strange baby into my home. Left to me, I wouldn't have let it stay but Claire's pleas made me. Something about her weakened my willpower, hence I couldn't resist and tell her no. See w
Claire's Pov"Salvatore?” I widened my eyes at her. From the corner of my eye, I saw Elsye raise her palm to her mouth as she gasped in shock. “Yes, Salvatore” She replied, more tears streaming down her face “He was the one behind the explosion because he gave me the baby and no, I'm not working for or with him. The baby is mine. He's my grandson” She dropped the bombshell “You have a son? You never mentioned to us that you have a family” I chipped in softly. Don's blazing eye was more than enough to cause Madam Desi to pee on herself. I knew this was a shocker but, he still needed to listen softly."I'm sorry Don, I am.""This is not about the apology!" Don growled. "You worked for Salvatore. Why the fuck did you do this?""Don…" I placed my hand on his palm but instead, he stood up refusing my comfort. "Please let her complete her explanation.""Whatever story she is about to cook up. The bottom line is, she betrayed us!" He snapped in annoyance."Please go on, Madam Desi" I urged
Don's POV It was around 9 pm and dinner was over a long time ago. Madam Desideria was not at the table. I hadn't sent her out of the house, Claire wouldn't let me. But I have not spoken to her either and she would not step out of her room. Claire and Elyse visited her often, but that was just it. I made it known to Madam Desi that I was still going to do something about this and she shouldn't think she would be forgiven that easily. She had been in her room for days since they got back from the hospital feeling sad, sorry, and lonely. Baby Nolan was also with her, he had already slept. I suggested that Claire and I watch a movie since it had been a long time we watched one as a couple and to also take our minds off the tension in the house. We sat on the couch, opposite the TV in the living room, and a movie had just begun. I had been so worn out about the recent scenarios that I hadn't had the time to spend some moments with my wife. She had specially asked for these fun moments
Don's POV I placed the card key against the large iron door in front of me and it gave way into a basement. I stepped in and closed the door behind me with a loud bang. I just hoped it didn't wake anyone. It was dark, so I groped for the switch on the wall and when I found it, I inserted the card key into it and the lights immediately came on. I squinted to get used to the sudden illumination and when I finally did, I proceeded to descend the stairs of the basement. I had a backpack on my shoulder. This was Romano's basement; an ammunition house where he stored all kinds of dangerous instruments, ranging from large firearms to smaller ones, knives, chains, clubs, explosives and whatnot. It was a kind of mini armory and he had not only granted me access, but also given me the go ahead to make use of any weapon of my choice in whatever way I deemed fit. I finally reached the end of the stairs and I moved to where the first set of arms lay. Pistols of different kinds. Glocks, shotgun
Salvatore's Pov ---I slowly opened my eyes, laziness clinging to me like a veil. But before I could shake off the remnants of sleep, a chorus of cheerful voices attacked my ears."Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Salvatore, happy birthday to you!"I sat up, rubbing my eyes in surprise. My cooks, house cleaners, and gardeners stood in my bedroom, beaming with smiles. They held a large, cake adorned with candles and colorful balloons - something very unusual or almost forbidden. All. Those colors were not necessary."And what is this about?" I frownedMaria, my head housekeeper, stepped forward. "We wanted to make your special day extra special, Mr. Salvatore. We prepared your favorite breakfast, and—""Thank you, everyone," I said, trying to sound enthusiastic, a tired smile registered on my face. "This is... quite a surprise."But I wasn't enthusiastic. Not really. This wasn't my style. I preferred low-key celebrations, not this... fanfare."Listen, e