Chapter 7 - The Hostage
Carmine smiled, revealing a row of crooked, yellowed teeth.
"You really should pay your staff better, boss," Carmine sneered.
"The Russians offered me three million dollars for this little piece of brass."
Leo stepped firmly in front of Mave, shielding her entirely with his broad body.
"Put the gun down, Carmine," Leo commanded with lethal calm.
"You will not make it out of this house alive."
"I think I will," Carmine laughed dryly.
He reached out and dragged someone roughly into the doorway from the dark hall.
It was Sarah.
Mave's best friend was battered, bruised, and sobbing uncontrollably.
Carmine pressed the barrel of the shotgun directly against Sarah's temple.
"Drop your weapon, Leo, or the girl loses her head," Carmine threatened.
Mave screamed and tried to run forward.
Leo caught her by the waist and held her back with one strong arm.
"Do not test me, Leo," Carmine yelled, cocking the shotgun loudly.
Leo looked at the terrified woman, then down at the weapon in his own hand.
With a heavy sigh, Leo tossed his pistol onto the hardwood floor.
It slid across the room and stopped directly at Carmine's heavy boots.
"Smart move," Carmine praised mockingly.
"Now, the two of you are going to walk down to the basement."
Carmine shoved Sarah forward and gestured with the shotgun for them to move.
Leo kept his arm securely around Mave as they walked down the narrow basement stairs.
The concrete cellar was freezing and smelled strongly of copper and damp earth.
"Get on your knees," Carmine ordered as they reached the center of the room.
Leo slowly lowered himself to the cold concrete, pulling Mave down beside him.
Carmine raised the shotgun, aiming directly at Leo's chest.
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"Nothing personal, boss," Carmine said.
Suddenly, a deafening gunshot echoed from the stairwell.
