Chapter 8 - The Fall
Darius launched himself across the concrete helipad like a missile.
He did not care if he went over the edge with his former friend.
He only cared about his son.
He crashed into Marcus with devastating force.
The impact knocked the breath out of the corrupt CFO, causing his grip to loosen.
Leo slipped from his hand, falling toward the edge of the roof.
Nia dove forward, her hands scraping against the rough concrete.
She grabbed the collar of Leo's jacket just as he slid past the protective railing.
She pulled backward with all her strength, dragging her screaming son into the safety of her arms.
Evelyn rushed over and wrapped them both in a fierce, protective embrace.
Meanwhile, Darius and Marcus were locked in a brutal struggle on the ground.
Marcus managed to pull a tactical knife from his belt.
He slashed wildly, cutting a deep gash across Darius's shoulder.
Darius ignored the searing pain.
He grabbed Marcus's wrist and twisted it until the bone made a sickening pop.
The knife clattered away across the roof.
Darius pulled Marcus up by his shirt and slammed him against the concrete wall.
He raised his fist, fully prepared to beat the man to death for threatening his child.
"Do it," Marcus choked out, blood spilling from his lip.
Darius looked at the pathetic, broken man who had caused so much suffering.
He heard his son crying behind him.
He heard the soothing voice of the woman he loved.
Darius slowly lowered his fist.
"You are not worth my soul," Darius whispered.
He threw Marcus onto the ground just as the stairwell doors burst open again.
A dozen heavily armed SWAT officers swarmed the roof, their rifles raised.
"Get down on the ground!" the commander shouted.
The police quickly secured Marcus in heavy steel handcuffs and dragged him away.
Darius turned around and walked slowly toward his family.
Nia looked up at him, tears streaming down her beautiful face.
She stood up, still holding the little boy tightly against her chest.
Darius wrapped his arms around both of them, burying his face in Nia's neck.
"I have you," Darius promised, crying freely for the first time in his adult life.
"I will never let you go again."
Suddenly, the police commander tapped Darius on the shoulder.
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"Mr. Bennett, we need you to come with us," the officer said grimly.
"Marcus just told us that you orchestrated the entire embezzlement scheme."
