Chapter 3 - The Shattered Glass
Nathan did not flinch, his eyes locked onto the black muzzle of Damian's revolver.
"You don't have the stomach to pull that trigger, Damian," Nathan said with icy precision.
"You only hurt defenseless women when their backs are turned."
Damian's hand trembled with erratic rage, his finger tightening visibly on the trigger shoe.
Suddenly, an antique crystal vase struck Damian hard across the temple.
Maya had grabbed the heavy ornament from the lower step and swung it with the last ounce of her strength.
The impact sent Damian sprawling, the revolver skittering across the slick marble floor.
Nathan moved instantly, kicking the weapon beneath the grand piano before sweeping Damian's legs out from under him.
Damian's head bounced off the floor with a dull crack, knocking him instantly unconscious.
The tactical guards raised their submachine guns, aiming straight at Nathan.
"Hold your fire!" Gregory commanded, stepping forward.
"I want the phone intact before we dispose of the bodies."
Before Gregory could finish his sentence, the heavy steel security shutter on the eastern balcony exploded inward.
A customized armored SUV smashed through the reinforced glass, sending chunks of steel and brick flying into the ballroom.
Marcus Kane, Nathan's former military squad commander and current head of logistics, kicked open the driver's door.
Marcus leveled a high-powered tactical shotgun at the private security team.
"Federal warrants are active for Gregory Cross and Damian Cross!" Marcus bellowed over the roar of the idling V8 engine.
"Drop your weapons or face lethal suppression!"
The private guards hesitated, their loyalties crumbling at the mention of federal charges.
Nathan lifted Maya into his arms and sprinted toward the open passenger door of the armored truck.
Toby scrambled into the back seat just as the guards began to open fire.
Bullets pinged harmlessly off the reinforced ballistic glass as Marcus slammed the vehicle into reverse.
As they tore backward through the shattered garden wall, Gregory stood amidst the dust, holding a military-grade radio to his lips.
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"Execute Protocol Omega," Gregory said into the mic with chilling calm.
"Intercept the vehicle before it reaches Saint Jude's Hospital."
