Chapter 9 - The Unexpected Army
The men pouring out of the black SUVs were heavily armed and highly coordinated.
They wore tactical gear bearing the crest of the South Side syndicate.
Victor Romano had come to the estate after all.
Gunfire erupted downstairs as Victor's men clashed with Silas's mercenaries.
The mansion turned into a warzone within seconds.
Gabriel dragged a bloodied and unconscious Silas out of the library.
Camilo led Joanna and Gabriel toward the master balcony.
They looked down and saw Victor Romano standing calmly in the courtyard holding an umbrella.
Victor looked up and tipped his hat to Camilo.
He shouted over the gunfire that he had changed his mind about the deal.
Victor's men systematically cleared the estate, neutralizing Silas's remaining loyalists.
Camilo realized Victor had used this chaotic opportunity to wipe out a mutual enemy.
They walked down the grand staircase as the shooting finally ceased.
Victor stepped into the foyer, his shoes crunching on broken glass.
He looked at the black ledger in Camilo's hands and smiled.
Victor said that book would keep the federal police busy for the next ten years.
Camilo handed the ledger over, knowing it was the price for their survival.
He demanded to know where Eileen Callahan was.
Victor waved his hand dismissively and said his men had intercepted the transport van hours ago.
He assured Joanna that her mother was completely safe in a luxury hotel downtown.
Joanna collapsed to her knees, weeping with profound relief.
Camilo knelt beside her and gently pulled her into an embrace.
He told her that it was finally over.
Victor watched them for a moment before clearing his throat.
May you like
Victor pointed directly at Joanna and said there was one last piece of business to discuss.
He pulled a folded piece of paper from his coat and held it out to her.
