Giovanni walked to the wall monitor.

Only one camera at the far end of the property was still active.

The black-and-white screen showed headlights bouncing down the long gravel driveway.

Three black SUVs were speeding toward the main house.

“Vance brought a small army,” Giovanni said.

He reached into his jacket and pulled out a small black radio.

“Marcus,” Giovanni said into the transmitter.

A crackle of static filled the room.

Then, a smooth, familiar voice came through the speaker.

“Giovanni,” Vance said.

“I was wondering when you would realize how we found you.”

“Your doctor was very cooperative, even if he didn’t know it.”

Giovanni gripped the radio tighter.

“This is between you and me, Marcus,” Giovanni said.

“Leave the boy out of this.”

Vance let out a dry laugh over the radio static.

“You should have thought about that before you tried to walk away from the family, Giovanni.”

“The old empire is gone.”

“But the remnants belong to me now.”

“I cannot let you keep a potential heir in reserve.”

“The boy is a threat to my legitimacy.”