My three-year-old daughter tugged on the trousers of one of New York’s most feared mafia bosses and asked him for a stuffed dog before tomorrow. Julian Hail almost smiled until Ivy whispered, “It’s not for me. It’s for a boy who doesn’t have anybody.” Then she told him where that six-year-old boy lived, and the man who frightened half the city suddenly went completely still.

The ruined helicopter spun violently out of control as alarms blared in the cabin.

I clung desperately to Ivy, shielding her head with my arms as the world became a blur.

Julian fought the intense gravitational pull, trying to reach the emergency crash restraints.

The pilot fought valiantly with the controls, steering us away from the heavy steel beams of the warehouse.

We smashed aggressively through the aluminum siding of the building and plummeted toward the concrete docks outside.

The impact was absolutely catastrophic, tearing the landing skids completely off the chassis.

The helicopter rolled three times before finally coming to a violent halt against a shipping container.

I gasped for air, tasting thick smoke and spilled aviation fuel.

I quickly unbuckled Ivy and was massively relieved to find her crying but completely intact.

Julian kicked the jammed side door open and dragged us both out into the freezing night air.

The pilot had not survived the brutal crash, leaving us entirely on our own.

Julian was bleeding heavily from a deep gash on his forehead, but his eyes were fiercely determined.

He pulled his encrypted radio from his vest and yelled a command to his backup forces.

Dozens of armored SUVs suddenly roared into the shipyard, their headlights cutting through the smoke.

Julian had called in favors from every rival gang in the city, offering them Silas's territory in exchange for their loyalty.

An absolute war erupted across the docks as Julian's massive coalition clashed with Silas's mercenaries.

Julian led us through the chaotic crossfire, keeping us safely behind heavy metal containers.

We reached a secure command vehicle where a terrified Toby was waiting with a bodyguard.

Ivy and Toby hugged each other tightly, refusing to let go.

Julian turned to face the burning warehouse, preparing to finish his brother once and for all.

Suddenly, a loud, distorted voice echoed across the shipyard from a massive public address system.

When my newborn 'passed away,' my mother-in-law leaned in and said

My Husband Left Me Alone in My Car While I Was in Labor

“You’re Dead When We Get Home,” He Snapped

Silas announced that he had wired the entire dock with enough C4 to level a city block.

He held up a dead man's switch and swore he would release it if Julian did not surrender Toby immediately.

Chapter 8 - The Crash