Chapter 5 - The Bitter Betrayal
Vincent placed his body entirely between the gun and Charmian.
"Put the weapon down, Mrs. Gable."
His voice was terrifyingly calm.
Tears streamed down the older woman's wrinkled face.
"Anton Petrov took my grandson."
Her hands began to shake violently.
"He said he would send him back in pieces if I did not deliver the girl."
Charmian gasped in horror from behind Vincent's broad shoulders.
"You blew up half my house."
Vincent took a slow, calculated step forward.
"I had to create a distraction for the assault team."
Mrs. Gable sobbed aloud.
"Please, Vincent."
"Step aside and let me take her."
"You know I cannot do that."
Vincent closed the distance between them with impossible speed.
He grabbed the barrel of the pistol and twisted it forcefully upward.
The gun fired harmlessly into the concrete ceiling.
He ripped the weapon from her hands and shoved her against the wall.
Mrs. Gable collapsed to the floor and wept hysterically.
"They are going to murder my boy."
Vincent looked down at the woman who had practically raised him.
"I will get your grandson back."
He locked the heavy steel door to the panic room.
"But you are going to sit in this hallway and think about your loyalty."
He turned back to the keypad and initiated the absolute lockdown protocol.
Thick titanium plates slammed down over every window and door in the estate.
The fortress was now entirely sealed from the inside.
Vincent looked at Charmian, who was shaking uncontrollably.
He handed her the suppressed pistol he had just taken from the housekeeper.
"Do you know how to shoot?"
Charmian stared at the heavy weapon in her bandaged hands.
Before she could answer, the lights in the panic room flickered and died.
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A heavy, mechanical drilling sound echoed against the steel door.
The mercenaries were cutting their way inside.
