Chapter 12 - The Quiet Horizon
Marcus stood on the grand stone porch of the Beaumont Private Country Club, looking out over the sprawling estate lawn.
Dozens of red and blue police strobes flashed against the white Easter lilies and manicured hedges. Armored transport vehicles sat parked along the driveway, their engines idling smoothly in the cool spring air.
Marcus turned to look at Agent Vance.
Marcus: "Tell the Director my active status ended twelve years ago, David. I only came back to collect my daughter."
Vance smiled faintly, shaking Marcus’s hand with deep, unspoken respect.
Agent Vance: "Understood, Marcus. Safe travels back to Maine."
Claire walked down the stone steps toward a sleek black SUV parked at the curb, her missing heel replaced by a pair of comfortable white sneakers provided by the paramedic team.
She stopped at the passenger door, looking back at her father with a bright, beautiful smile that held no leftover fear.
Claire: "Dad... are you coming?"
Marcus rolled down his left sleeve, covering his tactical chronograph, and slipped his matte-black National Command Authority card into his dark denim jeans pocket.
May you like
Marcus: "Right behind you, sweetheart."
He walked down the stone steps, his brown leather boots stepping firmly across the damp grass, leaving the illuminated luxury of the Greenwich estate behind him forever.
