Chapter 9 - The Ashes of the Empire
The library erupted into a blinding storm of shattered wood, flying plaster, and lethal crossfire.
Carlo Moretti screamed as multiple heavy-caliber rounds tore through his tactical vest and threw him violently backward.
He crashed through the heavy glass windows and plummeted two stories down into the courtyard below.
Valentina crawled frantically across the floor, miraculously avoiding the automated hail of bullets.
She scrambled out of the library doors and disappeared into the dark, smoke-filled hallway.
The sentry turrets ceased firing as soon as they detected no more moving threats in the room.
Rocco struggled against the thick zip-ties binding his wrists to the heavy chair.
Sophia slowly lifted her head from the floor, shaking off the dust and debris.
She crawled over to the dead mercenary, picked up his combat knife, and hurried over to Rocco.
Her tiny, trembling hands sawed through the thick plastic bindings until Rocco was finally free.
"You are a very brave girl, Sophia," Rocco said, rubbing his raw wrists.
He picked up his dropped submachine gun and checked the ammunition.
"We need to find your mother and the baby before Valentina intercepts them," Rocco stated urgently.
He led Sophia down the grand staircase, stepping carefully over the bodies of Carlo's fallen mercenaries.
The mansion was heavily damaged, with small fires breaking out in the drawing rooms.
They rushed through the kitchen and found the hidden entrance to the smuggling tunnel left wide open.
Rocco activated the tactical light on his weapon and descended into the dark, damp stone corridor.
The smell of the river grew stronger as they moved quickly through the shadows.
He expected to find Valentina lying in wait to ambush them at the tunnel exit.
They finally reached the heavy iron door of the underground boathouse.
Rocco kicked the door open, raising his weapon to secure the room.
He expected a bloodbath, assuming Valentina had caught up to the vulnerable housekeeper.
Instead, he lowered his weapon in complete astonishment.
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Valentina was lying dead on the concrete floor, her throat cleanly slit from ear to ear.
Elena stood over the lifeless body, holding a bloody combat knife and looking completely calm.
