Chapter 3 - The Trap in the Garage
The acrid smell of burning plastic choked the air.
Dominic grabbed Norah by the arm and pulled her toward the private executive stairwell.
"We cannot use the elevators during a fire," he stated calmly.
They rushed down three flights of concrete stairs in complete silence.
The heavy fire doors slammed shut behind them, sealing off the toxic smoke.
Norah struggled to keep up in her sharp black stilettos.
She reached down and kicked the expensive shoes away, running barefoot on the cold concrete.
Dominic glanced back at her and nodded in silent approval.
They emerged into the dimly lit underground parking garage.
The massive space was eerily silent and completely devoid of any security personnel.
Dominic's heavily armored black SUV was parked in its usual VIP spot.
He drew a suppressed pistol from his shoulder holster with terrifying speed.
"Stay exactly behind me," Dominic whispered, his eyes scanning the dark shadows.
They moved carefully toward the vehicle.
Suddenly, the garage's overhead fluorescent lights flickered and died completely.
The deafening screech of heavy tires echoed through the cavernous space.
Three unmarked black vans sped down the exit ramps, blocking their only way out.
The side doors of the vans slid open simultaneously.
A dozen heavily armed men stepped out into the darkness.
Caleb walked out from behind the lead van, holding a silver handgun.
He did not look like a corporate banker anymore.
He looked like a man who had just sold his soul to the highest bidder.
"I have the drive, Dominic," Caleb shouted across the dark garage.
"Now give me the girl, and you get to live."
Dominic raised his weapon and aimed it directly at Caleb's head.
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"I do not negotiate for what is already mine," Dominic replied coldly.
Before Dominic could pull the trigger, a red laser sight appeared directly on Norah's chest.
