Chapter 7 - The Lockdown
The sound of breaking glass echoed violently from the front of the restaurant as the corrupt strike team shattered the main dining room windows.
Wealthy patrons screamed in absolute terror, diving under the expensive white tablecloths and scattering crystal wine glasses across the marble floor.
Salvatore rapidly guided his small, terrified group through the chaotic, stainless-steel maze of the commercial kitchen.
He kept his body positioned defensively, his pistol raised as he cleared every corner and checked every shadowed pantry.
Giana was fully awake now, clinging tightly to Maria's neck and crying softly into the waitress's uniform.
Brenda stumbled behind them, her mind completely shattered by the realization that her luxurious world was crumbling to violent pieces.
Suddenly, a booming, heavily distorted voice crackled through the restaurant's expensive overhead sound system, drowning out the smooth jazz.
"Attention everyone in the building, we are looking for a highly dangerous fugitive named Salvatore Marchetti."
The corrupt police captain's voice dripped with malicious intent as he casually paced through the terrified dining room.
"Anyone found hiding him will be considered an armed accomplice and dealt with lethally on the spot."
Salvatore pushed the women into a dark storage corridor, knowing that standard doors would not stop the high-caliber rifles the men were carrying.
"They are going to kill all of us," Brenda whispered hysterically, her manicured hands pulling at her hair in pure panic.
The voice on the loudspeaker returned, this time specifically demanding the manager bring the master keys to the front desk immediately.
Brenda slowly reached into the pocket of her tailored skirt, her trembling fingers wrapping tightly around the heavy brass ring of master keys.
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She held the absolute power to unlock every door in the building, including the reinforced exits that could lead to her own safe escape.
She looked at Salvatore, realizing she could easily trade the life of this quiet, dangerous father for her own guaranteed survival.
