Chapter 5 - Fire on the Tarmac
Chaos erupted before the engines could spin down. A bullet shattered one of the jet’s double-paned windows, showering the cabin floor with crystalline shards. Victoria screamed, diving behind the reinforced bar, while the bodyguards drew automatic weapons.
""Down!"" Mateo roared, shielding Elena and the baby with his own body. His broad frame absorbed the impact of splintered wood as a round struck the cabin bulkhead behind them.
Elena curled around baby Leo, heart pounding in terror, yet her primary instinct remained entirely focused on keeping the newborn shielded from harm. Leo began to cry again, frightened by the deafening noise.
""Can you run?"" Mateo yelled near her ear, his hand firmly grasping her shoulder.
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""Yes,"" Elena gasped, adrenaline surging through her veins.
The jet's secondary emergency hatch blew open, and Mateo’s tactical team returned fire, creating a smoke screen toward an armored SUV waiting on the tarmac. Mateo pulled Elena up, but as they reached the hatch, a heavy shadow stepped into the doorway—aiming a weapon straight at Elena’s chest.
