Chapter 7 - The Hostage
Red emergency lights flashed violently through the hallway as the alarms continued to scream.
Dean had realized the betrayal and locked down the entire perimeter of the mansion.
Massimo gripped the wall for support, his legs burning as if they were on fire.
"We have to make it to the garage," Massimo grunted, taking one agonizing step forward.
Carla supported his weight, wrapping her arm tightly around his waist to help him walk.
They made it halfway down the corridor before a horrifying sound stopped them dead in their tracks.
It was the high-pitched, desperate scream of a terrified child.
"Mommy!" Nina cried out from the main foyer downstairs.
Carla dropped Massimo's arm and sprinted toward the top of the grand marble staircase.
Massimo leaned heavily against the wall, gripping his revolver with a sweaty hand.
He forced himself to walk to the balcony railing, looking down at the nightmare unfolding below.
Dean stood in the center of the foyer, gripping little Nina by her delicate shoulder.
Camille stood beside him, clutching a small silver pistol in her manicured hand.
Ten heavily armed guards surrounded them, their assault rifles aimed toward the upper level.
Dean grabbed a microphone from the security desk and turned it on.
"I know you are awake, Massimo," Dean's voice boomed through the mansion's intercom speakers.
"Come out with your hands up, or the little girl dies in ten seconds," Dean threatened.
Carla fell to her knees at the top of the stairs, screaming and begging them to spare her daughter.
Massimo looked at his shaking legs, knowing he was massively outnumbered and physically broken.
He could surrender and guarantee his own brutal execution, or fight and risk Nina's life.
May you like
He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and finally pushed himself away from the wall.
He stepped out into the open light of the balcony, standing tall and proud on his own two feet.
