I can barely breathe as reality settles over me.
Someone has taken my son.
After everything I've done to keep my children safe, I've failed.
LUCA
My son is gone. After six days of fatherhood, I’ve lost my child.
"I want every man we have searching," I bark into my phone, pacing the festival grounds while Elena clutches our other two children to her sides. Her face is ashen, eyes wide with terror. "Check every camera, every exit. Someone saw something."
I hang up and turn to Dom. "How the hell did this happen? We have men everywhere."
"I've got people checking the security footage now."
The festival continues around us, families laughing and shopping, completely unaware that my world is collapsing.
Christmas music blares from speakers, making it hard to think. I scan the crowd, looking for any sign of a Santa suit.
"Did you see what car he took Rocco to?" I ask Elio, kneeling to his level.
Adalina shakes her head. "He said it was his sleigh."
I pull Marco aside when he arrives. "Get someone to track every vehicle that left the parking lot in the last twenty minutes."
"Already on it," he says. "Roman's checking the traffic cameras and Leo is contacting the head of the event to see who Santa is."
I move through the crowd, scanning faces, checking behind booths, even looking in trash cans.
My hands shake with a mixture of rage and fear. The very thing Elena feared has come true.
And it’s likely my fault.
After all, those kids have been coming to this event all their lives. Only now, only when it’s known I’m their father, does something happen.
My phone buzzes. It's Nic. “I’ve got a civilian witness who thinks they saw Santa taking a boy through the east exit. Cameras don't cover the parking lot there."
"Any distinguishing features? Height? Build?" I demand.
"Santa… red suit. White beard. Average height. Moved quickly."
I look at Elena, at the tears streaming down her face. I’m fucking breaking inside. I will find our son. And whoever took him will pay with their life.
We regroup near the hat stand. Isabella has her arm around Elena, whose body shakes with silent sobs.
Gabriella sits opposite, holding Elena's hands in hers, speaking softly.
My remaining children huddle against their mother, their eyes wide with fear.
"We'll find him," Isabella promises. "Roman is already coordinating with our security teams."
Gabriella nods. "Marco has called in every favor we have with local law enforcement."
I pace at the edge of the group, my mind racing through scenarios, each worse than the last.
"Elena," Dom says, stepping forward. "You and the kids should come to my house. I've already doubled security. You'll be safe there until we find Rocco."
Something primal and possessive rises in me. "No. They go to my house.”
