Chapter 2 - The Sniper in the Rain
Santiago did not wait for his security team to mobilize.
He grabbed his keys and drove his armored SUV directly to the address listed in Ruby's file.
The rain battered his windshield as he navigated the dark Chicago streets.
He could not stop thinking about the absolute trust in Sophia's eyes when she looked at the maid.
If the Falcone family had found Ruby, they would not hesitate to kill her for running away.
Santiago pulled up to a dilapidated apartment complex on the south side.
He drew his weapon and climbed the rusted iron stairs to the third floor.
Tomas was right about the scene.
A massive smear of crimson blood stained the splintered wood of apartment 3B.
Santiago kicked the door open with a deafening crash.
The small living room was completely destroyed.
Chairs were overturned, lamps were shattered, and broken glass covered the cheap rug.
He moved silently through the wreckage, his gun raised and ready to fire.
A muffled gasp came from the narrow hallway closet.
Santiago approached slowly and yanked the louvered door open.
Ruby was huddled on the floor, pressing a bloody towel tightly against her side.
She looked up at him, her eyes wide with sheer terror.
"You found me," she whispered, her voice trembling.
Santiago knelt beside her, his anger entirely replaced by a sudden, fierce need to protect her.
"Who did this to you?" he demanded.
Ruby clutched his jacket, pulling his face closer to hers.
"It wasn't my family, Santiago."
"It was your own men."
Santiago froze, his mind struggling to process the impossible accusation.
"Sophia signed a name to me before you fired me," Ruby gasped, fighting through the pain.
May you like
"She told me who actually killed your father seven years ago."
Before Santiago could ask for the name, a red laser sight swept through the broken window and painted a perfect circle directly on Ruby's forehead.
