Epilogue Pt. 1 – Out to Sea

—Suvadiva Resort, Maldives  – One Week Later—

“Reservation for Mr. & Mrs. D’Amico.” Alexa stood beneath the sheer awning enjoying the smell of the ocean and the relaxing island life surrounding them. Taking a few steps forward, she felt the soft, golden sands slink between the soles of her sandals and looked down at the sparkling turf with a smile. A light breeze skirted more gravel across her toes and she slowly reached down to brush it away. Cool, crystal clear waters and warm, sunny temperatures was not what she expected when she stepped off the boat in the middle of December, but it was paradise. “Here you are, Mr. D’Amico. Please let us know if you need anything during your stay.”

Prologue: Mercy is for the Weak

—Brooklyn Heights – Monday, April 8, 1996—

Shafts of morning light filtered through the thick canopy of trees as a molten sun burned above the horizon. Its tangerine rays cast shadows along the high rise apartments and office buildings of downtown, glass towers in the distance gleaming all around, igniting a new dawn in Brooklyn Heights.

It was spring, and the beaches would already be filling up as they always did, the blazing heat forcing the sun worshippers to cool off among the spring breakers by mid-afternoon. Further south, down the county road leading towards the lake, resident vendors prepared for the day, ready to hock their wares to the many tourists hoping to snag a few souvenirs.