Chapter 4 - The Sanctuary on the Harbor
The car pulled through a set of wrought-iron gates guarded by two men in dark suits who nodded respectfully as Austin’s Mercedes passed. They were parked in front of a sprawling, limestone estate perched high on a cliff overlooking Baltimore Inner Harbor. The lights of the city twinkled across the dark water like scattered diamonds.
“Where are we?” Margaret asked, stepping out of the car into the crisp, rain-washed air. The storm was finally beginning to clear, leaving behind a sky heavy with stars.
“Safe house,” Austin answered, walking around the vehicle to hold the heavy oak front door open for her. “Though for the next few weeks, you can treat it as your own.”
Inside, the house was a masterpiece of old-world elegance and modern security. Polished mahogany floors reflected the soft amber light of recessed ceiling lamps. A massive stone fireplace dominated the living room, where a fire crackled warmly. There were no harsh shadows here, no broken glass, no lingering tension in the corners.
An elderly woman with silver hair tied in a neat bun appeared from the hallway, wiping her hands on a clean apron. Her eyes widened slightly as she saw Margaret, then shifted to Austin.
“Mr. Fontaine, I didn't expect—oh, my dear child,” the woman gasped, rushing forward when she saw the bruise on Margaret’s cheek and her damp, mud-stained coat. “Martha, get the medical kit from the upstairs bath immediately.”
“I’m fine, really,” Margaret stammered, overwhelmed by the sudden warmth and kindness.
“You’re battered, soaking wet, and standing in my home,” Austin said simply, shrugging off his wet overcoat and handing it to a waiting guard. “Mrs. Gable will take care of you. Get some dry clothes on, eat something, and get some rest. Tomorrow, the real work begins.”
“Where will you be?” Margaret asked, noticing the way he checked his watch.
“I have a meeting with the Board of Trustees at St. Ambrose Hospital,” Austin replied, his eyes dark and calm. “It turns out they’ve been wondering why their cardiac research endowment is short four million dollars. And I happen to have a very interesting ledger that explains everything.”
Margaret watched him walk toward the door. Just before he stepped out into the night, she called out his name.
“Austin.”
He paused, looking back over his shoulder. It was the first time she had used his first name without his title.
May you like
“Thank you,” she said softly.
“Don't thank me yet, Margaret,” Austin replied with a slight smirk. “We haven't even begun to ruin his life.”
