Chapter 4 - The Ransom
I shoved the phone into my pocket and ran toward my hidden armory.
I strapped a Kevlar vest over my chest and loaded three extra magazines into my coat.
I was a wealthy businessman to the public, but I had built my empire on blood and violence.
Julian was about to remember exactly why I was the head of the Moretti family.
I bypassed the compromised garage and slipped out through the underground wine cellar.
I reached my secondary vehicle, a heavily armored black SUV, hidden in the carriage house.
I sped out into the torrential rain, tearing through the empty streets of the city.
The drive to Pier 4 took exactly twenty minutes of reckless, high-speed evasion.
I parked the SUV a block away and approached the abandoned shipyard on foot.
The rusted metal gates were chained shut, but I scaled the perimeter fence with ease.
Warehouse Number 4 stood at the edge of the water, completely dark and silent.
I drew my weapon and kicked the side access door open.
I stepped into the cavernous, echoing space, keeping to the shadows.
A single, harsh spotlight suddenly clicked on in the center of the concrete floor.
Underneath the bright light, Lily was sitting on a metal chair, clutching her rabbit.
She was crying softly, her small shoulders shaking in the freezing damp air.
I scanned the upper catwalks for snipers before stepping out into the light.
I walked toward the little girl, keeping my gun raised and ready.
May you like
As I reached her, a slow, mocking applause echoed from the darkness.
Julian stepped into the light, holding a heavy revolver pointed directly at my chest.
