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CHAPTER 1
Arlet
The plane touched down in the Pacific Northwest. A rush of cool air hit me as I stepped onto the tarmac. A world away from the concrete jungle of New York City. I took a deep breath, the scent of pine and saltwater filling my lungs. It was a far cry from the smell of exhaust and garbage that permeated the city.
The rented car carried me towards my new home, the towering evergreens and snow-capped mountains a stark contrast to the skyscrapers and bustling streets I was used to. A sense of awe flowed through me as I took in the breathtaking scenery.
But with every mile that passed, the weight of my decision grew heavier. I was no longer Charlotte Bruno, the mafia princess, the daughter to the big boss. I was Arlet Rune, a name I had chosen for myself. It was a fresh start, a chance to leave the violence and corruption of my past behind. But it was also a life of secrets and lies. And really, I had no choice. Stay in New York as Charlotte Bruno and remain the target of the Bruno’s rival family, or die and become someone else.
I pulled into the driveway of a small cabin nestled in the woods. It was quaint and cozy, a far cry from the penthouse I had grown up in. But it was mine, and for the first time in my life, I had a sense of ownership.
I unpacked my bags and settled in, trying to push the memories of my past life away. But it was hard to forget the life I had left behind. The life of luxury and power, but also the life of violence and corruption. I was the daughter of a mafia boss, and I had grown up in a world where my father bought loyalty with blood and money.
But that was all behind me now. My name was Arlet Rune, a name I had chosen for myself. I was in the witness protection program, and I had to keep my identity a secret at all costs. It was a daunting task, but I was determined to make it work. Back in New York City at a cemetery on the outskirts of a suburb, a grave with the name Charlotte Bruno held a graveside service recently. The contents of the coffin, an urn with the ashes of Jane Doe with blonde hair, and similar to me.
The first few days, I explored the area and got to know my new surroundings. The long hikes in the woods brought me to the breathtaking scenery. While visiting local shops and restaurants, trying to blend in with the locals, I made a few friends, something I had never done before.
My new role as an environmental researcher at Wild Trust, a non-profit committed to safeguarding the Pacific Northwest’s pristine landscapes, gave me an opportunity to contribute to a cause with real impact. My new career excited me.
On my first day, I entered the office to a warm welcome from a group of friendly colleagues. My boss, Sarah, introduced mearound and led me on an office tour, showcasing the innovative equipment and the team’s passionate dedication.
“We’re thrilled to have you with us, Arlet,” Sarah smiled warmly. “Your expertise in biology and conservation is precisely what we need.”
Sarah tasked me with a wildlife conservation project, working alongside researchers to study local fauna, their habitats, and devising protection strategies.
This project was a dream come true. My passion for animals and the environment now had a direct outlet through my work.
I quickly immersed myself in the project, learning about local wildlife and joining field trips for direct observation and data collection. Collaborating closely with my team, we shared ideas and planned strategies.
My colleagues’ commitment and expertise struck me. Each person shared a deep passion for their work, striving to make a real difference. I had found my tribe.
With each passing day, my involvement in the project deepened. I spent hours in the field, scrutinizing wildlife and gathering crucial data, and stayed up late analyzing our findings to craft effective conservation strategies.
Making a tangible difference was exhilarating. I had transitioned from a passive observer of the world to an active contributor, positively impacting the environment.
However, despite my love for the job, the shadow of my past lingered. Arlet Rune was my chosen identity, yet Charlotte Bruno’s legacy remained a hidden, ever-present specter.
I struggled to compartmentalize, focusing on my present work and life. Yet escaping my former life of opulence, power, and its underlying violence and corruption proved challenging. Raised as a mafia boss’s daughter and secured loyalty in my past life through blood and money.
Hidden within the witness protection program, maintaining my new identity was critical. Despite the challenges, I resolved to succeed.
“Hey Arlet, you coming to the team meeting?” my colleague, Jake, interrupted my reverie.
“Yeah, I’ll be right there,” I responded, managing a smile.
Taking a deep breath, I followed Jake to the meeting room, determined to compartmentalize my past.
The first solo trip into the forest was like stepping through a portal to another world. The canopy above shielded me from the rest of existence, a mosaic of green filtering the sunlight into emerald hues that danced on the forest floor. With each step, the sounds of civilization faded, replaced by the rustle of leaves and the calls of hidden birds.
The air was fresh here—alive and vibrant. I inhaled deeply, the earthy scent of moss and soil mingling with the subtle sweetness of wildflowers. I relaxed as the unconscious tension easing its grip.
I found a rhythm in my stride, my boots crunching over fallen branches and pine needles. My hands brushed against ferns that unfurled like green scrolls holding ancient secrets. This was my mission, to uncover the mysteries of these woods for conservation. Yet, as I walked further into the heart of the forest, it seemed to reveal something far more personal.
My gaze fell upon a stream, its waters a clear ribbon winding through stones and roots. I crouched beside it, watching as tiny fish darted in the shallows, sunlight glinting off their scales. The icy water swirled around my fingers, a stark contrast to the warmth that seeped through the canopy.
I followed the stream for a while, letting it guide me deeper into the wilderness. The trees stood like silent sentinels around me, their trunks marked by time and weather. It was here that an unexpected connection to the land grew within me, a sense of belonging that had eluded me amidst concrete and steel.
There was peace here—a peace I hadn’t realized I was seeking. In this solitude, without expectations or pretense, I could simply be Arlet Rune.
