Chapter 4 - The Truth in the Files
I froze completely, my hands still resting on the terrifying photographs of my own life.
The cold barrel of the gun pressed lightly against the space between my shoulder blades.
"Why has Jared been stalking me for a year?" I asked, keeping my voice as steady as possible.
Miles did not lower the weapon.
"Because your abusive ex-boyfriend is not just a desperate gambler," Miles answered.
"Brendan is a high-ranking informant for the Romanov syndicate, our deadliest rivals."
I turned my head slightly, trying to process this impossible information.
Brendan had always claimed he was just a low-level mechanic.
"Jared knew the Romanovs would eventually use you as leverage," Miles continued.
"He orchestrated everything, including the military K9 case you worked on last month, just to test your psychological resilience."
My heart hammered furiously against my ribs.
My entire life for the past year had been completely engineered by a mafia boss.
Before I could demand more answers, the heavy glass windows of the penthouse shattered violently inward.
A deafening explosion rocked the entire building, throwing me to the floor.
Miles cursed loudly and fired his weapon toward the ruined windows.
Thick black smoke poured into the luxurious office, instantly blinding us.
Automatic gunfire echoed from the living room, tearing the expensive furniture to shreds.
"Get down!" Miles roared, grabbing my arm and dragging me behind the heavy oak desk.
Titan barked furiously from the hallway, his deep voice shaking the walls.
I heard Jared shouting orders over the chaotic gunfire.
"They breached the perimeter!" Jared yelled, sprinting into the office with a rifle in his hands.
He pulled me up from the floor, shielding my body with his own.
"We need to get to the panic room," Jared commanded, his dark eyes blazing with adrenaline.
We rushed into the smoke-filled hallway, coughing violently.
Four men dressed in tactical gear stepped out of the private elevator, their weapons raised.
Jared pushed me behind him and opened fire, dropping two of the attackers instantly.
"Move to the vault!" Jared yelled to Miles.
Miles raised his gun, but he did not point it at the attackers.
Instead, he pressed the barrel directly against the side of Jared's head.
May you like
"I'm sorry, boss," Miles whispered.
"But the Romanovs pay much better."
