Chapter 9 - The Extraction
The paper trembled violently in my hands as the horrific truth washed over me.
I was not the rightful heir to the Waverly crime family.
I was the illegitimate son of my mother's greatest enemy, Dominic Rossi.
My mother had murdered my supposed father not just for power, but to hide her unforgivable treason.
And if the rest of the Waverly syndicate found out, they would execute me and my children instantly.
I shoved the thick leather folder into my tactical vest, securing the explosive secret against my chest.
I turned to leave the vault, desperate to get back to my family and disappear forever.
Suddenly, the heavy oak doors of the bedroom slammed shut, the electronic locks engaging with a loud beep.
The lights flicked on, blindingly bright.
Standing across the room, holding a customized submachine gun, was Evelyn's head of security, Victor.
"You really shouldn't snoop in other people's closets, Grant," Victor sneered, raising the weapon.
I didn't waste a millisecond trying to negotiate with a man who was paid to kill me.
I dove sideways behind the massive solid oak bed just as a hail of bullets tore through the mattress.
Feathers and splinters exploded into the air, filling the room with a blinding haze.
I returned fire from the floor, my bullets shattering the antique mirrors behind Victor.
"Your mother promised me ten million dollars to bring her your head!" Victor shouted over the gunfire.
I pulled a flashbang grenade from my belt and yanked the pin with my teeth.
I tossed it over the bed, squeezed my eyes shut, and covered my ears.
The grenade detonated with a blinding flash and a concussive boom that shattered the bedroom windows.
Victor screamed in pain, momentarily blinded and disoriented.
I vaulted over the ruined bed and tackled him to the floor, driving my knee violently into his chest.
I raised my pistol and fired twice into his chest, ending the fight instantly.
I didn't stop to catch my breath; I ran toward the shattered window and looked down at the courtyard.
The battle outside was dying down, and police sirens were wailing in the distance.
I grabbed a heavy curtain cord, tied it to the radiator, and rappelled rapidly down the side of the mansion.
I hit the wet grass running, melting back into the shadows of the forest before the police arrived.
I made it back to my stolen car, my chest heaving with exhaustion and adrenaline.
May you like
I pulled out my burner phone to call Mara and tell her I was finally on my way back.
Before I could dial, the phone rang in my hand, displaying Nurse June's private number.
