Chapter 3 - The Threat at the Gate
Down at the wrought-iron front gates of the Ashford estate, rain began to fall in heavy, rhythmic sheets against the cobblestone driveway.
Officer Derek Lawson, a broad-shouldered man in a dark Boston Police jacket with an unbuttoned collar, leaned casually against the side of his marked cruiser, taking a drag from a cigarette. His knuckles were raw and red, fresh scratches visible along his jawline from where Clara had tried to defend herself in the alley.
"Tell Ashford's head of security to bring the blonde maid back out here," Derek sneered at the guard standing inside the gatehouse, flicking his cigarette butt into the wet mud. "She’s got property of mine, and as an officer of the law, I’m exercising my right to retrieve it."
The guard inside didn't speak. He simply pressed a button, opening the heavy iron gates with a loud mechanical groan.
Derek smirked arrogantly, adjusting his gun holster as he stepped onto the private driveway. "Smart move. Now bring Clara down here before I call in a squad to search this whole place for illegal weapons."
Before Derek could take three steps onto the property, four dark luxury SUVs pulled out of the estate's private courtyard, boxing his police cruiser against the stone wall.
The rear door of the lead SUV opened, and Gabriel Ashford stepped out into the pouring rain, holding a sleek black umbrella over his head, his eyes burning with absolute, predatory focus.
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"Officer Lawson," Gabriel called out, his deep voice carrying over the sound of rain. "You seem to have lost your way."
👉 Read Part 4 to discover the shocking secret Derek was hiding behind his police badge.
