THE MAFIA BOSS'S PHANTOM VOICES

By 2:00 AM, the grand dining hall had been cleared of civilian guests under armed guard, their non-disclosure agreements signed and ratified by federal prosecutors.

The Star Island estate was locked down under supreme syndicate security.

In the private master sitting room on the second floor, a massive fire of split cedar crackled in the limestone hearth, throwing warm golden light across hand-carved mahogany bookshelves and Persian rugs.

I sat on the velvet sofa beside the fire, holding a warm mug of chamomile tea, my bandaged wrists resting comfortably on a silk pillow.

My father’s face appeared on the large digital tablet resting on the low cherrywood table before me.

He was propped up in a luxurious bed in the private hospital wing, breathing steadily through a modern positive-pressure ventilator, his vital signs displayed in crisp green digits on the monitor behind him, a private nurse in clean scrubs adjusting his blanket with a gentle smile.

“His cranial pressure has normalized completely, Donna Maya,” the neurologist reported through the screen. “His brainstem reflexes are active. The specialized therapy will begin at dawn. He is out of danger.”

Footsteps sounded softly on the floorboards behind the sofa.

Christian walked up, his jacket off, his white dress shirtsleeves rolled to his forearms, looking relaxed, powerful, and remarkably whole.

He leaned over the back of the sofa, his massive hand coming to rest gently beside mine on the cushion, looking down at the screen.

“Ensure he has the finest neuro-rehabilitation team in the country, Doctor,” Christian commanded softly, his deep baritone carrying an unshakeable, humble sincerity. “And tell him his daughter has taken her seat at the head of the table.”

The doctor bowed respectfully, closing the call, leaving the room in peaceful silence.

Christian walked around the sofa and sank onto the leather ottoman opposite me.

He reached into his pocket and produced an antique velvet jeweler’s box lined with white silk.