Chapter 6 - Blood on the Cobblestones
Adrian did not have time to think about betrayal or heartbreak.
He lunged toward the shattered window, ignoring the sniper’s line of sight.
A bullet grazed his shoulder, tearing through the fabric of his black suit and drawing hot blood.
He ignored the burning pain and threw himself out of the second-story window into the rainy night.
He crashed through the wooden pergola below, shattering the lattice and landing heavily on the cobblestones.
Just as he scrambled to his feet, a massive shockwave threw him forward.
The house exploded behind him in a blinding ball of orange fire.
The heat scorched his neck as debris rained down on the narrow street.
Adrian rolled behind a parked car, his ears ringing with a deafening, high-pitched whine.
Red and blue lights flooded the street as six police cruisers skidded to a halt at the end of the alley.
Dozens of heavily armed officers swarmed out of their vehicles, raising their rifles toward the burning wreckage.
Adrian knew he could not surrender.
If he was taken into custody, Claire would completely absorb his remaining loyal men and his fortune.
He drew his weapon, calculating a non-lethal path through the blockade to reach his escape vehicle.
Suddenly, a black armored SUV smashed through the police barricade, sending officers diving for cover.
The vehicle drifted to a violent stop right next to Adrian, the passenger door swinging open.
Victor was behind the wheel, his face pale and covered in sweat.
“Get in, Boss!” Victor screamed over the roar of the flames.
Adrian threw himself into the passenger seat, slamming the door shut as bullets pinged off the armored glass.
Victor slammed the gas pedal, tearing through the narrow streets and leaving the police behind.
Adrian leaned his head back, clutching his bleeding shoulder.
“Thank you, Victor,” Adrian breathed out, his chest heaving.
Victor did not reply.
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Adrian looked over and saw Victor pointing a loaded revolver directly at Adrian’s ribs.
“I am so sorry, Boss,” Victor whispered, his hand shaking violently. “She has my family.”
