Chapter 8 - The Deal
The screeching tires of the black vans echoed violently against the concrete walls of the underground garage.
Dozens of heavily armed men poured out of the vehicles, forming a lethal barricade across the only exit.
Fay dropped the duffel bag, raising her hands instinctively as laser sights painted bright red dots across her chest.
Dominic did not raise his hands.
He sat perfectly still in his wheelchair, staring into the blinding glare of the headlights.
A tall, imposing figure stepped out of the center van, walking slowly toward them with a cane.
It was Leo Moretti.
Fay trembled uncontrollably as her father approached, his face completely devoid of any paternal warmth.
Leo stopped ten feet away, looking down at Dominic with a triumphant, mocking smile.
He told Dominic it was a tragedy to see a once-great king broken in a chair.
Dominic replied that a broken king was still far more dangerous than a cowardly rat.
Leo laughed, a dry, rasping sound that made Fay's blood run cold.
He turned his cold, dead eyes toward Fay, looking at her as if she were a piece of garbage on the floor.
Leo thanked Dominic for keeping his runaway daughter safe until he could arrive to discipline her.
Fay took a step backward, knowing exactly what her father's discipline entailed.
Dominic shifted his chair slightly, placing himself between Fay and the ruthless mafia boss.
He told Leo that the girl belonged to his household now, and she was no longer Moretti property.
Leo’s smile vanished instantly.
He reminded Dominic that he was surrounded by thirty guns and had absolutely no leverage to negotiate.
Dominic reached into his jacket pocket, moving slowly so the snipers would not shoot him.
He pulled out a small, black detonator with a single red button on top.
He held it up to the light, ensuring Leo could see it clearly.
Dominic explained that when he became paralyzed, he knew his physical weakness would eventually invite a siege.
He casually informed Leo that the entire foundation of the mansion, including the garage they were standing in, was wired with C4 explosives.
Leo’s face drained of color as he stared at the small device in Dominic’s hand.
Dominic stated that if anyone fired a shot, his thumb would slip, and they would all be buried under a thousand tons of marble.
He offered Leo a simple deal.
Leo and his men would leave the property immediately, and Fay would stay with Dominic under his absolute protection.
Leo gritted his teeth, his pride warring with his basic instinct for survival.
He looked at Fay one last time, promising her that this was far from over.
Leo ordered his men back into the vans, and the vehicles slowly backed out of the garage, disappearing into the rainy night.
Fay collapsed to her knees, weeping tears of profound relief and exhaustion.
Dominic lowered the detonator, letting out a breath he had been holding for minutes.
Fay looked up at him, her voice filled with overwhelming gratitude.
She thanked him for risking everything to save her life.
Dominic looked at her with a strangely hollow expression.
He pressed the red button on the detonator, and absolutely nothing happened.
May you like
He tossed the useless plastic garage door opener onto the floor.
He told Fay he had been bluffing the entire time.
