Chapter 6 - The Hostile Takeover
"Don't move a single muscle, Mr. Vance," Briggs whispered from behind him.
The massive security chief had tracked Ethan to the catwalk using the building's thermal sensors.
Briggs kicked the back of Ethan's knees, forcing him to kneel on the metal grating.
Down below, Marcus continued his arrogant speech to the crowd of wealthy elites.
Marcus loudly proclaimed that the current owner was a negligent ghost who was running the company into the ground.
He urged the board members to sign the emergency proxy documents right then and there.
Briggs laughed softly, taunting Ethan about how easily his empire was being stolen.
The guard proudly explained that Marcus had planned this coup for six months.
They just needed Ethan out of the picture long enough to finalize the legal paperwork tonight.
Ethan kept his hands raised, his mind racing to find a tactical advantage in the narrow space.
He noticed that Briggs was standing dangerously close to the catwalk's heavy electrical junction box.
Ethan asked Briggs how much Marcus was paying him to commit federal kidnapping and treason.
Briggs scoffed and leaned in closer, bragging that he was going to be the new Vice President of Security.
That momentary lapse in concentration was all Ethan needed.
He aggressively threw his body backward, slamming his heavy boots directly into Briggs's shins.
As the large man stumbled, Ethan grabbed the barrel of the gun and shoved it toward the ceiling.
A loud shot rang out, echoing through the massive ballroom below.
The entire crowd screamed in terror as shattered glass from a chandelier rained down on the tables.
Marcus froze on stage, looking up at the catwalk in absolute horror.
Briggs roared in anger and charged at Ethan like a raging bull.
Ethan sidestepped the clumsy attack and used the man's momentum against him.
He shoved Briggs hard into the electrical junction box, sending a shower of sparks into the air.
Briggs collapsed onto the metal grating, completely unconscious.
Ethan picked up the dropped handgun and unloaded the magazine, tossing the weapon aside.
He walked to the edge of the catwalk and looked down at the terrified crowd and the pale general manager.
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Marcus pointed a shaking finger up at the catwalk and screamed at the remaining guards to kill the intruder.
Suddenly, the main double doors of the ballroom burst open with explosive force.
