Chapter 14 - The Cartel's Retaliation
The morning sun cast a bleak, gray light over the sprawling stone estate.
Harper sat at the massive dining table, staring blankly at a cup of untouched black coffee.
Chloe sat across from her, nervously shredding a paper napkin into tiny pieces.
What did he say to you last night? Chloe asked in a hushed whisper, glancing at the armed guards stationed by the doors.
Harper looked at her younger sister.
Chloe had only been three years old when their father died.
She had no memory of the blood, the gunshot, or the terror of that night.
Harper decided in that exact moment to carry the burden alone.
He just wanted to finalize the transfer protocols, Harper lied smoothly.
We are safe here until the heat dies down.
Before Chloe could respond, the heavy wooden doors of the dining hall burst open.
Roman marched into the room, flanked by the giant guard with cauliflower ears.
Roman was wearing a tactical vest over his dress shirt, and he was carrying an automatic rifle.
Get up, Roman ordered.
Harper leaped to her feet, her chair scraping violently against the stone floor.
What is happening? she demanded.
Davis has mobilized the entire local cartel, Roman said, tossing a bulletproof vest onto the table in front of her.
They breached the outer perimeter three minutes ago.
The deafening crack of a sniper rifle echoed through the compound, followed by the shattering of a massive stained-glass window in the hallway.
Chloe screamed, dropping to the floor and covering her head.
Harper grabbed the heavy Kevlar vest and threw it over her sister’s trembling shoulders.
Put this on! Harper yelled over the sudden eruption of automatic gunfire outside.
Roman grabbed Harper’s arm, pulling her toward a hidden door disguised as a bookshelf in the corner of the dining room.
Leo, secure the western corridor, Roman shouted into his radio.
Do not let them breach the main armory.
The giant guard nodded and sprinted into the hallway, his weapon raised.
Roman shoved the hidden bookshelf open, revealing a dark, narrow stone staircase leading underground.
Go down, Roman commanded Harper.
At the bottom is a reinforced panic room.
It has an independent ventilation system and enough rations for a week.
Harper pushed Chloe into the dark stairwell, but she stopped and turned back to Roman.
What about you? Harper asked.
Roman racked the bolt of his rifle, his eyes burning with a violent, terrifying focus.
This is my house, he said coldly.
I do not hide in the basement when rats enter my house.
An explosion rocked the eastern wing of the mansion, sending a shower of plaster and dust raining down from the ceiling.
Lock the steel door behind you, Roman ordered.
Do not open it for anyone except me.
He turned and ran toward the sound of the gunfire, disappearing into the smoke and chaos.
Harper pulled the heavy bookshelf shut, sealing herself and her sister in absolute darkness.
May you like
She could hear the muffled sounds of a brutal war raging above them.
She prayed to a God she didn't believe in that the monster who killed her father’s assassin would survive to protect them once again.
