The Shadow Gate
Chapter 4 - The Sound of the Void
Roman’s hand shook as he picked up the paper.
His eyes scanned the printed transcript of Laya’s voice, each word landing like a physical blow.
“...he didn't want spend her birthday listening to you complain about being home with our baby...”
The air in the room seemed to vanish.
For the first time in ten years of violent territorial disputes and underworld dominance, Roman Moretti felt entirely, helplessly untethered.
He snatched his phone from his pocket, plugging it instantly into the wall charger by the rocking chair.
As the screen flickered to life, a torrent of missed alerts, security log warnings, and emergency texts flooded in.
Security Log 11:14 PM: Service gate sensor triggered. Unregistered vehicle departing.
He dialed Aaron’s number.
The subscriber you have dialed is currently unavailable...
“Damn it!” Roman roared, hurling his phone against the nursery wall, where it shattered into a dozen plastic pieces.
He didn't care about the phone.
He cared about the empty crib.
