LORENZO D’AMATO

Derek and Rafe stood frozen by the window.

Two black vans rolled in, stopping before the damaged entrance. Their engines hummed softly before falling silent.

The doors slid open.

Police officers stepped out first, alert and professional, scanning the surroundings. Moments later, two men in dark suits followed, their movements calm yet purposeful.

Derek’s chest tightened as he recognized them.

“The contractors,” he murmured. “The ones I called.”

Rafe studied them closely. “And the police came with them?”

Downstairs, the officers formed a loose perimeter while the suited men approached the building, taking in the shattered glass, scorched walls, and ruined lobby.

Derek and Rafe headed down to meet them.

“Mr. Derek Morgan?” one of the taller men asked as they reached the entrance. His voice was steady and businesslike. “I’m Victor Hale, lead operations manager for Stonebridge Restoration. This is my partner, Aaron Cole.”

Derek nodded. “Thank you for coming on such short notice.”

Victor surveyed the scene again. “From what we’ve seen already, the damage is mostly structural and surface-level vandalization. Broken glass panels, burned interior walls, damaged doors, ceilings, and furniture. First, we’ll secure the building so no one else can enter.”

Aaron opened a tablet and began documenting the area. “We’ll board up the entrances, replace all shattered glass, repaint and treat scorched surfaces, restore the elevators, and clear debris from every floor. Some wiring may need replacement where the fire touched.”

Derek folded his arms tightly. “How long will that take?”

Victor answered, “Emergency securing starts today. Full physical restoration should take between ten to fourteen days, assuming no hidden structural issues.”

“And the cost?” Derek asked quietly.

Aaron tapped the screen and turned it toward him.

“Cleanup, glass replacement, interior reconstruction, labor, and materials, your estimate falls between $2.3 million and $2.9 million.”

Derek inhaled slowly, then nodded. “Proceed. I want the place to be safe and functional again.”

Victor smiled faintly. “We’ll start immediately.”

Police officers moved inside with the contractors, setting boundaries while teams began measuring, photographing, and marking damaged areas.

Derek turned toward the lobby desk where he sighted a file on the floor. He walked over, picked up the file and saw a phone, he dialed Steve’s number. It rang once with no response. Derek dialed again, and after a while, Steve answered but stayed silent, waiting for the caller to speak.

“Steve, what took you so long?” Derek asked, his voice firm.

Steve kept silent. “Steve!” Derek called, louder, the way he always did when anger crept in.

“Yes sir,” Steve’s voice came through.

“How are you doing? Have you recovered?” Derek asked.

“Yes sir, I’m fine. Sorry for not responding in time, I thought it was the bad guys,” he answered. Rafe walked closer but kept a bit of distance as he watched.

“Can you resume work?” Derek asked, though he already knew Steve would accept. He loved being his assistant and always did his best.

“Yes sir,” he answered.

“Very well then,” Derek said, nodding. “The company was vandalized, but it’s being repaired. I don’t know if anyone was hurt?” he asked.

“I heard Mr. Sam and six others were shot and taken to the hospital. Dr. Felix has been trying to reach you but hasn’t been successful,” Steve said.

Dr. Felix was Derek’s company doctor, owner of Elix Hospital, where Morgan workers were treated and Derek paid the bills.

“Is there a problem?” Derek asked.

“We lost two lives already, sir,” Steve revealed.

“Holy crap!” Derek exclaimed, broken. “Who are they?” he asked, brushing his face in exhaustion.

“Mr. Shalom and Mrs. Haber,” Steve announced.

“F**k,” he muttered.

“The remaining survivors will be discharged tomorrow,” Steve added.

“Great. After their discharge, give them two extra weeks of rest. I’ll compensate them, and if they’re ready to return after, fine, and if not, it’s still fine. Also, about the two deceased workers, get me more details. We’ll compensate the families,” Derek said.

“Yes sir.”

“Those who weren’t hurt, contact them. I have an offer to raise their pay if they resume work, and tell them our security will be very tight so this never happens again,” Derek continued.

“If possible, I want essential staff back tomorrow morning. We’ll operate manually where we can. No system access until Liora arrives.”

“Yes sir, I’ll work on everything,” Steve answered.

Derek ended the call and exhaled.

Rafe was still watching him. “You lost some staff?”

“Yes. And now I feel guilty for their deaths. Two died because of me, and I can’t blame others if they refuse to come back,” Derek replied.

“It wasn’t your fault. Life happened,” Rafe said, forcing himself to sound consoling.

“At least Lucas, the greedy bitch who wants everything I have, got what he deserved,” Derek said, forcing a faint smile.

Then realization struck, how Lucas’s lips had curled into a cold smile.

“Maybe, but cowards live long.”

“You fool. You think I’m the only one after you? Your life is priced cheaply. Many people besides me want you dead.”

“Of course I won’t just get away. I’ll be rewarded. It seems you don’t know about the life deal your late father made with Lorenzo D’Amato.”

Lucas’s words echoed in his head. A shiver ran down his spine. His hands and legs began to tremble.

He faced Rafe, feeling slightly relieved, then walked toward him.

“Please, let’s leave here,” he said, heading for the car as the sound of drills and voices echoed behind them while the contractors began working.

Rafe opened the door for him.

“Where to?” he asked.

“My penthouse,” Derek said quietly. “I need space… and answers.”

Rafe slid in about to start the engine, Derek’s heart pounded while Lucas’s words echoed:

“The reason I haven’t shot your bodyguard is because I find him interesting.”

“You’ve got skills and potential. Work with me. Be my bodyguard, and let’s make the world ours.”

“He’s too good to be on your side.”

“Wait!” Derek yelled, louder than intended as he panted in fear.

“What’s wrong?” Rafe asked, calm but worried.

“Nothing. I’m fine,” Derek lied, realizing he was acting crazy.

“Are you sure you’re fine?” Rafe asked again.

“Yes… I’m just worried,” Derek admitted.

“About what?”

“Earlier Lucas mentioned a strange name, saying my father made a life deal,” Derek said.

“What’s the name?” Rafe asked, confused.

“I think… ‘Lorenzo D’Amato.’”

Hearing the name, Rafe’s expression changed, like he already knew the man.

“Do you know him?” Derek asked, his heart beating fast.