Chapter 8 - The Exchange
Aldrich closed the ledger forcefully, his mind transitioning entirely into a state of total war.
"He isn't going to hand Anel back," Aldrich stated grimly, handing Riona a loaded spare pistol.
"Then we will take our son back by force," Riona replied, checking the safety on the weapon.
They arrived at the abandoned shipping yard right at the edge of the St. Lawrence River.
Thick fog rolled off the freezing water, obscuring the towering stacks of rusted cargo containers.
Roland stood in the center of a clearing, holding a terrified Anel by the collar of his coat.
A dozen heavily armed mercenaries surrounded them, their rifles pointed directly at the entrance.
Aldrich stepped out of the shadows alone, holding the black ledger high in the air.
Riona had secretly climbed to the top of a crane, positioning herself with a stolen sniper rifle.
"Toss the book over here, boss," Roland shouted, aiming his handgun at Anel's small head.
"Let the boy walk toward me first," Aldrich negotiated, taking a slow step forward.
Roland laughed loudly, a cruel and unnatural sound that echoed across the empty docks.
He pulled a small electronic detonator out of his pocket and held it up with a wicked grin.
"I didn't bring all these men here to protect me," Roland revealed with malicious joy.
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"Every single container around you is packed tightly with military-grade C4," he announced.
He placed his thumb aggressively on the red button of the detonator.
