“Dad! Look what I made”, six-year-old Tessa Smith squealed and ran excitedly to her father’s study.

It was large and antique, with its huge mahogany shelf reaching the top of the room like hands outstretched to the sky. There was a big oak desk seated in the middle with sheets of papers sprawled all over the surface of the desk.

There, her father sat down, his head down to the work on his desk.

Upon hearing Tessa’s tiny voice, he looked up and smiled broadly; a smile that was found on a man who had just met his lover after so long. With a wave of hands, he motioned her to come further into the study.

“This must be an amazing work of art that made my little princess so excited. Now, what do we have here?” he remarked, peaking into what she was holding in her hands.

She giggled, showing off a few missing teeth. “I created an invoice for a business transaction”, she responded, proudly showing the sheet of paper in her hands.

James left his seat and crouched to her level, taking the paper and examining it closely.

Most of the invoice’s arrangements were messy with the wordings out of place, it couldn’t even be called an invoice but he still stared at her with a look of surprise and unexplainable joy.

“Don’t go with your usual words of appraisal, just let me know if it’s good or not” she pouted.

“Okay fine”, he surrendered. “Most wordings are not placed in the right manner but I’m proud of you. Where’d you learn this?” There was no form of amusement or mockery in his eyes.

“I want to be a businesswoman like my father so, I learnt from the best!”

James burst into laughter and ruffled her hair, “of course, you’re daddy’s best girl”

“Oh common, dad! I’m a lady, you can’t mess up my hair” she protested.

“My apologies, milady” he bowed and arranged her hair.

A figure appeared at the door; it was Kiera Smith, Tessa’s mother, who looked on lovingly with satisfaction as the father and daughter duo played and chatted happily.

She wanted to interrupt but she couldn’t bring herself to do it, she had come to increasing love her child more and would do anything for her; as a matter of fact, Tessa was her miracle baby.

~~

Kiera Smith formerly known as Kiera Jade Stones, a strikingly, beautiful influential model fell in love with James Smith, a business mogul whose success kick started when he just clocked twenty.

Their wedding was like a dream vacation spot filled with pomp and pageantry, it was a luxurious wedding filled with wealthy influential people including the president.

It made the headlines and paparazzi as much as the sands of time were present to show the world the beauty of luxury, opulence and class.

After the ceremony, everyone had expected a baby bump photo on their timeline and subsequently, a baby or two from the affluent couple. But months turned into years and no sign of little feet around their home.

They consulted the best doctors who assured them of their fertility and there was no cause for alarm. But Kiera was still bothered, what exactly seemed to be the problem? She would ask endlessly, her mind drowned in a myriad of thoughts.

Finally their big break came; in the seventh year of their marriage, Kiera delivered the beautiful witty Tessa. But Tessa was the only child they could own as parent, the doctors had warned Kiera on the complications that would arise if she makes any attempt to conceive.

She could even lose her life.

With this heartbreaking news, Kiera took a surprising decision; she retired from her career, her sole responsibility would be her baby girl.

~~

“Hi mommy” Tessa turned to the direction her mother stood.

“I see you’ve finally paid attention to me. For a moment I thought my husband have been completely stolen from me” she joked.

“Eww, gross mom. Daddy’s too old for me, and no one is taking your man away from you”, she spoke with sass.

James chuckled and strolled to meet his wife, he held her tenderly on her waist, “you heard that right my love, no is taking you away from me, neither will I be snatched from your beautiful hands”.

He took Kiera’s hands in his and kissed it; moving up to her lips and lingered, claiming it passionately in his. Kiera’s heart warmed up at the gesture, she couldn’t ask for another man as her husband.

“Uhhh, do you guys realize you have a toddler here?” Tessa spoke at the top of her voice; she was way smarter than her age. “What’s for lunch?” she said innocently with a cheesy smile.

James chuckled and Kiera glared at her; she didn’t want this moment to end as it seemed James would be in the arms of their daughter any minute.

They sat at their humongous table with the servants placing food after food; they ate in silence with a classic tune playing from the radio.

James loved classical tunes and they would be played whenever they were having a meal or performing a serious task or the other; he believed playing tunes of such manner would bring relaxation to the mind.

Suddenly, there was a huge sound like a missile was thrown to the ground. Everyone was alert, thinking of the next line of action. It was very unusual for anyone to infiltrate their home.

“Impossible!” James was more was flagger basted.

“What’s going on?” Tessa and Kiera asked at the same time, fear rising on their voice.

Their house was a manor located on the top of a hill. It was considered a villa as the manor had an expanse land with well trimmed hedges and garden, a lovely fountain at the centre, they had neighbors’ who lived far away from their environs and they had a collection of the best high-end security in the country.

Whoever must have gone past the long line of tight security personnel’s was no ordinary person and must definitely bear ulterior motives towards them.

“Go to somewhere safe in the house. And don’t come out till I give the signal” he turned towards the guards, “make sure everyone is safe”

“Daddy, will you be alright?” Tessa asked in fear.

“Of course my princess, daddy would be safe. Now go”

Kiera’s thoughts were messed up; so was Tessa. She wondered why a bunch of thugs would come to their manor of all places.

Who amongst them was their target?

How were the thugs able to break into their house despite the excellent security they had

Would they survive this?

She was scared that by the time they policemen would arrive, something would happen to them.

She prayed that they would be safe; she was clearly frightened and was almost wetting her panties with sweat and urine. Never in her life had she witnessed a robbery attack.

Or was it something else?

Tessa was terrified; she was only six and feared she might lose her life and cause grief to her parents. Worse, she feared for her father who was standing in the face of the danger.

She fought back tears and looked at her mother. Kiera held her closer and ran upstairs to their room. They hid in a secret room behind the wardrobe, it was small but enough to contain them both.

Downstairs, James took out his gun, pointing to the thugs who had infiltrated his home and causing chaos. He used both his hands and the pistol alternatively; it was a bloody fight.

After hours of listening to the deafening sounds of bullets in the air, the slash of knives and the cries of those taken down, everywhere seemed to be deathly calm. It was as if the fight had ended with no winning side and Kiera’s heart skipped a bit.

She looked through the crack from in the center of the wardrobe; she left the secret room door ajar so as to see if they were any danger around.

Soon the bedroom door was opened and a figure like James entered the room. Without a second thought, Tessa ran out innocently with excitement before Kiera could stop her.

“Dad! I’m so glad you’re safe….” The last word trailed off as she realized the man standing before her was not her father, but one of the thugs.

“No Tessa!” Kiera screamed and bolted out. Immediately, the man cocked his gun and pointed it towards them. They both closed their eyes expecting the worst.

Soon a gunshot was heard but they were too scared to open their eyes. They didn’t want know who had taken the fatal blow. Kiera prayed desperately it wasn’t Tessa as she could not feel any form of pain.

A body hit the floor with a dull thud, and as Kiera peered with an eye, James hugged them tightly. She opened her eyes properly to find out it was the thug, his life lying lifeless. She breathed a sigh of relief.

“I thought I had lost you both”, he said with a muffled tone.

“Me too” Kiera whispered. This was going to be an experienced that wouldn’t be forgotten easily.

Tessa opened her eyes as well but she could neither move her body nor speak; she was visibly shaken. Kiera dashed to the bathroom to get a cloth and a bowl of water while James held her in his arms rubbing her back gently. Such experience was gruesome for a child to witness.

Kiera dabbed the Tessa’s body, saying soothing words to her to calm her nerves. They equally administered water to her, and then finally she motioned to them.

“I saw them…… I saw the thugs in the uniform of our guards” she spoke and fainted.

Kiera was on the verge of bursting into tears, she looked up at James and his look of assurance steadied her. He checked Tessa’s pulse and motioned the servants to prepare the car.

“She’s still breathing. This incident has shaken her to the core. We have to take her to the hospital”

“There’s no need for that” she objected. “We should call the family doctor instead, Tessa’s pediatrician” she suggested.

James nodded and took Tessa to her bedroom, laying her on her bed. Kiera’s heart sank at the pitiable sight of her daughter. Her skin pale like a ghost; her hair disheveled and visible lines of tears running down her cheeks.

Soon, the pediatrician arrived after what seemed like forever and while he was examining Tessa, James seemed to be lost in thoughts. The words Tessa spilled from her mouth before she collapsed held deep meaning.

This can only mean one thing: someone amongst his guards had given these thugs access!

Each and every one of the security personnel had IDs; they were registered, so access to the gate included scanning and ID cards. It was almost impossible to break into their home unless given access.

Immediately Tessa treatment ends, he swore to fish out the betrayer.

His phone rang, prompting him to step outside as the doctor gave Kiera instructions on what to do. She still had the same questions about the thug attack, she decided to discuss with her husband after they had been properly settled.

For now, it was time to fix all attention on their daughter. When James came back, the doctor was still giving out instructions in a low voice to Kiera, while all she did was nod her head and ask a dew questions.

The doctor walked towards the door, and stopped directly opposite him. “You did a great job today and I’m glad nothing went wrong, please take care of yourself and your family”

“Alright, thank you Doc.” He walked to the bed where Kiera was seated. “Are you okay?” His eyes were filled with compassion and guilt. “I’m sorry I couldn’t prevent you or Tessa from witnessing such event”

Her brows were furrowed, what did he mean by preventing us? She thought. She felt she was getting paranoid and waved off the thoughts.

Kiera shook her head vigorously. “None of this was your fault. You did your best and fought for us, nobody lost their lives. I’m proud of you” she smiled and gave him a peck on the cheek.

“By the way, while I was running, I saw you holding a gun. Where did you learn how to handle a gun and where did you get it from, Mr. Smith?” she teased.

“Self-defense is a virtue. You don’t have to bother yourself or develop fear because I got you, every step of the way” he said with pride, showing off his abs and muscles.

“Oh really?” She chuckled.

Outside, there were sounds of sirens with agitated and excited voices filling the air. The policemen and paparazzi had crowded the manor.

A servant appeared at the entrance of Tessa’s door; she knocked and entered. “Your presence is required sir, ma. The policemen have arrived and they are waiting”

“Alright Mina. Please stay back and look after Tessa” Kiera spoke instead with James glaring and fixed a sturdy eye on Mina, making her uncomfortable.

“If what Tessa said is true, I’m beginning to lack trust in these staff” he blurted out, his eyes still fixed on Mina. The latter shuffled her feet backwards and lowered her head.

“I….I….I will do as you have said ma’am” Mina stuttered.

Kiera noticed the tension and decided to ease the environment; she was uneasy as well but didn’t want to show it. “Common babe, we have to get freshened up. We don’t want to keep them waiting; we also need lots of rest. Besides, I’m also exhausted” she pulled James out of the room and went in the direction of theirs.

One could see the servant cleaning one spot or the other; there were the security personnel were inside as well, inspecting the manor and giving reports. The policemen were still kept outside waiting on the owner to carry out their investigation.

This was becoming a norm as the country was plunged into a state of unrest. For decades, the country has experienced one form of terrorists’ attacks from unknown sources or groups.

In previous times, the country was declared the safest in the continent. Even when there were attacks, the armed forces always solved the case and caught whoever was behind it; no case was too insurmountable or mysterious to them.

Then all of a sudden, mysterious attacks were taking place, there was nothing that could be used as a lead or evidence. Both poor and rich all suffered the blow, so no suspect was found among the citizens.

It became disturbing for so long, the detectives who they had placed their hope and safety on had failed them. They had unfortunately acclimatized to their new fate, the policemen and detectives went to every crime scene religiously with no hopes of solving the case.

Soon, James and his wife joined the policemen outside to give their statement. They belonged to a wealthy class and didn’t need to go to the station to drop their statement; it was brought to their doorstep.

The couple gave every detail of the incident and managed to stay calm in the midst of the numerous paparazzi and journalists throwing multiple questions at them all at once. They would be on the news headlines as quickly as possible and they would have to lay low till another story makes the headline.

After the charade, everywhere was still and calm. Tessa was beginning to stir in her sleep; she was getting disturbed by the dream displayed in her mind.

“No, no, no, not my mom. Please don’t kill her, don’t shoot her. Help! Help me!” She yelled and turned in her bed uncontrollably, shaking her head vigorously and sobbing.

Alarmed, Mina ran downstairs to inform Kiera and James. They quickly rushed up to Tessa’s room.

“I hope this incident doesn’t traumatize my baby. She’s all I have” Kiera said with worry masking her face, they were lines etching on her face.

“If anything should go wrong to Tessa, you all will have yourselves to blame! I’ll make sure you all rot in the depths of jail and hell!” he yelled to no one in particular. He was skidding while his heart thumped in his chest.

When they got there, Tessa had jumped out of bed crying hysterically running towards her parents. To her relief, she finds them whole as much as she was.

“Daddy! I’m so scared”

“Everything is fine darling. You’re safe now” James said while comforting his baby girl.

“Sir, Master Draco is here to see you” a servant informed him and left. His heartbeat stopped and the world was as if it was at a standstill. Master Draco was a childhood friend and now business partner.

He eyes twitched, his hands faltered behind Tessa’s back, his body trembled, and he tried to shake off the nagging feeling he was having. He wondered why Draco was here to see him at a time as this.

Surely he must have heard the news but his friend was not a person to make such hasty visits.

“Darling, let me take Tessa to her room. I’ll come down to greet Draco later”. Kiera spoke, breaking James out of his reverie.

“Alright” he mumbled. Reluctantly, he shuffled his feet downstairs with sweat breaking out of his skin. Although his heart thumped in his chest, he refused to show fear.

“Ah! The old master of the house of Draco” James hailed, “What brings you to my crib at an hour as this?”

Draco or Master Draco as he was known amongst his peers and business partners was a fat, stout man who had a humorous face but there was nothing humorous about him. His name made people’s skin crawl and instill fear in their hearts.

It was worse for those he had dealings with, he was a terror. He was their worst nightmare.

“I heard the news, you know how stories fly and nothing goes by me without my hearing even before it’s on the news” Draco said smirking. “I came to check on the family”.

“Sure” James mused, his facial expression carrying disbelief.

“But that’s not why I’m here fare dama” he lowered his voice, his Spanish accent more visible than before.

James gulped inwardly.

“Master Draco” Kiera’s voice rang out “It’s a pleasure to have you here”

“The pleasure is all mine, mi ama” he took Kiera’s hands and kissed it lightly making James sick with fury. But there was nothing he could do. “How is our little princess doing? I hope this incident hasn’t troubled her so” he wondered.

“It shook her to her bones. I worry for her health” Kiera responded, her voice laced with worry.

“Take it easy mi ama. She will definitely get better” He consoled.

“I hope so”

James stood there fidgeting; his wife Kiera and his daughter Tessa loved Draco while he was wary of him. He hated having Draco around but he was completely hopeless.

“Babe, I’ll have to see Master Draco personally. Business calls” he laughed nervously hoping Kiera wouldn’t suspect anything fishy. But she was a sensitive person and she hid her suspicion well.

“Why don’t we talk in my study?” He turned to Draco.

She let out a small smile and turned around to leave. “See you some other time master Draco”

“Most definitely mi ama”

Kiera waited till they were behind closed doors to sneak and eavesdrop, what she heard was more than unbelievable. All she knew about her husband was that he is an honest businessman; she didn’t expect him to con and murder people to get to the top.

“You didn’t do what I asked of you” Draco said as they were out of earshot; or so they thought.

“I did what I had to do. Not in your way” James protested.

“You just did the legal takeover. Who did you think came for you today?” his eyes widened as Draco spilled.

“Exactly, it was Miles. You think he’d let you take control over his company just like that?”

“How dare he attack me and my family?” James curled his fist and bellowed in anger.

“You’ve really gone soft, fare dama. If you don’t take action now, you might lose something precious to you”

“Not on my watch! I’ll do as you have suggested Draco” James boomed with solid determination.

“I’m leaving everything in your care, you know what to do” Draco tapped his shoulders, his footsteps fading into the hall. “Remember my business and that of the gang are in your hands”

Dinner was quiet and cautious. The family ate as though another attack was to begin; the afternoon event was bound to shape their lives for a long time if not forever.

At night, while everyone has retired to bed, Kiera sat James down for a chat. She was known to spill whatever seemed to bother her, to her; it saved her from a lot of things.

“Do you belong to any shady group?” she went straight to the point.

“What do you mean?” James raised an eyebrow.

“I happened to pass through the hallway of the study and what I heard was alarming”

“Where you eavesdropping on my conversation?” his anger was gradually brewing.

“I am sorry but it isn’t what you think” she heaved “I just want to be sure of your standings. I your wife and the man I married is a honest man, I want to know if you were coerced into anything illegal”

“You have nothing to worry about. I am still the man you’ve always known, and I promise to stand by you and our baby girl without compromising my status and integrity”

James was many things, but an honest man? He had given up integrity when he vowed to change his financial status as a younger. Now, he has dined with the devil.

Kiera looked at him unconvinced, she was still waiting for more explanation. Seeing there was none forthcoming, she spoke up

“I heard Draco talking about killing your other business partner, your competitor” she persisted.

James blood boiled.

“That is not what he meant, although he suggested it. You know I would never engage in such. Wait” he paused, “are you suspecting me of murder and fraud?” he accused.

Kiera’s attitude was beginning to infuriate him. All thanks to Draco, she might begin her endless suspicion.

“No babe, I trust you. But there are times we can be tempted to do things that do not speak well of us, I don’t want what happened the last time to occur. And this might be worse” she confessed.

He remembers the incident that played years ago when they were waiting for a child. Kiera saw him with his secretary; he was so close to cheating on her in a bid attempt to try his luck outside for a child.

Tessa’s birth put ended that episode and made him dedicate so much time to his family.

If he had done what he was asked to, there wouldn’t be an attack at his house neither would Draco visit him with such urgency, and would give no chance for his wife a reason to doubt his honesty.

I should have killed that fool when I had the chance, he gritted inwardly.

“I know what you are talking about and I understand your fears. For the sake of you and Tessa I would never do anything to jeopardize our future” he took her hand in his and assured confidently.

“I believe you. Sorry for doubting your capabilities” she chuckled.

“I think it is time we go to bed. Tomorrow is going to be a long day” whatever intention Kiera had to engage him in a conversation was killed by his lack of enthusiasm.

“Yeah, good night babe”

“Good night my love” he said and kissed her lightly on the cheek.

The night was young and long, but James thoughts were longer. Killing Mr. Binder would be a hassle, but he was willing to take chances.

And for his wife, he would apply an extreme form of caution. Although Kiera was a celebrity, she stood strongly in good values and norms. She would never relent when speaking the truth or doing the right thing, even if it means jailing any of her loved one.

He tiptoed to his study when he found out she was fully asleep, sending an encrypted text to Draco. A call comes in immediately.

“You will have to handle that yourself or else no one is to be blamed for whatever befalls her” Draco’s voice boomed immediately.

“Leave her to me. And please whatever happens, protect my wife and daughter. Please” James whispered.

“I can’t make such promises. But I’ve got your back fare dama”

“We strike at dawn”

“Listo” Draco commented.

Kiera’s phone chimed, signaling a text notification. That text was the beginning of a whole new discovery.

The weeks that followed were horror for Kiera after she saw the encrypted text on her phone.

‘Tread with caution, the things you say and do. For it may likely cost you your life or that of your loved one’, the text read.

“What’s going on with mummy? She’s been cranky for a long time” Tessa looked up at her father who was scribbling words on a text.

James wondered too but he was hesitant to check her phone, it would be an easy thing to do only that she was never known to be secretive ever since he married her.

He decided to give her time to come clean, or maybe, he was scared of what he might be faced with.

Fidgeting, checking her phone and looking over her phone was something she never thought she would do in her entire life. Not even when she was always on the screen.

James and Tessa looked at her in worry as she was looking thin with fear.

“I really don’t know love. I’m worried as well, I’ve tried to ask her many times but she’s out of my reach” he mumbled, a little less audible to Tessa’s hearing.

Tessa stood up and ran towards her mother hugging her tightly. At first fear gripped Kiera, then she felt warmth beneath her. She turned to look at Tessa and smiled sadly.

“What’s going on mummy? You are always scared and worried? Is it because of what happened that day? Daddy has assured us that we are now safe”

Kiera looked at her husband in the distance and looked back to Tessa and shook her head lightly, tears streaming down her face.

How was she going to explain to her lovely daughter that things would never be the same again between her and her husband.

“I will be fine sweetheart. Although I’m scared, I’m still relieved that daddy saved us”

“Don’t worry mummy. You will be fine” Tessa consoled, buying the story.

Aside the threat text, Kiera also heard other disturbing talks and conversation her husband had over the phone. She had secretly told her mum of her findings as a text and her mother had in turn advised she keep it to herself until they confirm their suspicion.

She had even followed James to most of his meetings; more like stalked him. What she heard made her sick to the bones with fear.

She made a mental note to visit her mom to conclude whatever they had been suspecting.

The hours dragged on. She kept brooding, keeping to herself and ignoring James. Finally, a new day arrived and Kiera drove to see her mother.

**************************************************************************

“I’m sorry baby. You really did not have to witness all of this” Mary, Kiera’s mother spoke as soon as Kiera was seated in her living room.

“It’s my home mom” Kiera sighed sadly.

“No, no darling. I didn’t say you should leave him, I’m proud of every action you took since the incident”

“Never in my life did I think James would be involved in such” Kiera whimpered and rested her head on her mother’s lap.

“I think you have to confront him. You know, he might have the bad eggs among his partners” Mary suggested.

“I have done that mom. He assured me he wasn’t part of anything, but his action proves otherwise” she protested.

“Ah! Kiera the inquisitive one. When would you learn to trust someone even if they do otherwise? Right now, you have endangered your life and that of Tessa’s own” her mother scolded.

“But I need to let my conscience be free and clean. That incident has shaken me to my core, why does it have to be my husband? If anyone should find out, I can’t hold my head up high again”

“I understand why you want to live a pure life, but others have chosen their path. Let them be, iron things with him and tread with caution”

“It is most likely that his gang is responsible for the unfortunate events happening in the city. I have to do the right thing and make an official report; my influence would make it easier” Kiera insisted, raising her head promptly.

“Don’t be stupid!” Mary bellowed. “You mean you would report your husband all for the sake of what?! How do you think Tessa would see you? Lie low for the sake of peace!”

Kiera thought otherwise. The whole city might be suffering just because of her husband, why not sacrifice one man to save millions? Besides his sentence might not be as harsh as it should be since he had accomplices and didn’t do the dirty work.

Kiera was about to protest when a voice interrupted.

“Good day madams” the voice greeted. Kiera turned, she wasn’t familiar with the face but she was sure the person had come for the issue at hand.

“You are welcome Mr. Kendra. Thank you for honoring my invitation” Mary greeted cordially.

“It’s my pleasure”

“Let’s get down to business then, shall we?” she pointed to a couch, while Kendra the tech guy sat down and arranged his gadgets.

He began his job, requesting Kiera’s phone, he plugged it in and began his search. Deep down, Kiera wished James wouldn’t be involved in this; all she could do is pray and wish.

After what seemed like hours, Kendra shot up his head and looked at Mary. She immediately gave him a sign. He got the clue and straightening himself, he cleared his throat. Kiera shot her attention back to him immediately, eagerly waiting for the dreaded result.

“At the moment, there are no results of your husband being involved in any mafia organization” he stated.

“Then where is the text coming from?” Kiera asked impatiently.

“Patient child” Mary rubbed Kiera’s shoulders gently

.

“It is coming from the biggest mafia group in the country if not the world. The name of this group is the shadow organization, there is no other specific information I could draw from them” he explained.

“Little wonder they are called the shadow” he muttered.

Kiera felt disappointed but also, relief washed over her. She just imagine her own husband a part of a mafia group but she was half a mile from the truth.

“Mr. Kendra, can I see you in private?” Mary requested. “I think you should go home darling, take off any doubt from your heart and live happily. The truth will surely come out one day, I don’t just want your life to be the price to get it” she said to Kiera.

“I’ve heard you mom, I’ll be on my way now” Kiera turned to leave after hugging her mom.

“That’s alright. Greet my lovely granddaughter, I’ve missed so much”

Kiera went into her car and pretended to drive home. Luckily for her, her mom had a road track at the back that no one visited. She parked her car at a safe distance and walked back to the house, but instead of entering inside, she tiptoed to the window of the room her mother had led Kendra to.

Her stubborn determination to find the truth and clear her conscience was going to be the death of her. But she was willing to risk everything for the truth.

Her heart sunk when she heard her husbands’ name.