Chapter 6 - The Deadly Exchange
Vincent stepped out of the tree line, wiping a smudge of blood from his cheek.
He was flanked by six heavily armed men wearing tactical gear.
"Grab the girl and the boy," Vincent ordered his men.
Two guards stepped forward and ripped Leo from my arms.
I fought back, kicking and screaming, but a guard struck me hard across the face.
I fell to the dirt, my lip bleeding and my head spinning.
"Leave him alone!" I cried out.
Vincent knelt beside me and grabbed a handful of my hair.
"You are just a pawn in a very big game, Clara," he mocked.
Suddenly, the deafening roar of a car engine shattered the silence of the woods.
A black armored SUV crashed through the trees, slamming into two of Vincent's men.
The doors flew open, and Ricardo stepped out, bleeding from a cut on his forehead.
He held a massive assault rifle, his eyes burning with pure, murderous fury.
"Let them go, Vincent," Ricardo commanded, aiming his weapon.
Vincent quickly grabbed Leo and pressed a pistol against the little boy's head.
"Drop the rifle, Ricardo, or your bloodline ends right here," Vincent threatened.
Ricardo froze, his hands gripping the weapon tightly.
He looked at me, then at his terrified son.
Slowly, Ricardo lowered the rifle and kicked it away.
"Good choice," Vincent laughed, motioning for his men to secure Ricardo.
"Now, sign over the port territories to me, and maybe I will let the girl live."
Ricardo fell to his knees as a guard tied his hands behind his back.
"You will never hold the empire together, Vincent," Ricardo spat.
Vincent smiled and leaned closer to Ricardo's face.
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"I think I will do just fine," Vincent whispered.
"After all, I managed to kill your beautiful wife three years ago without anyone ever finding out."
