Chapter 7 - Ambush in the Shadows
The black sedan’s engine growled in the subterranean garage, its high beams blinding Liam and Clara. Two men emerged from the vehicle, dressed in utilitarian leather jackets, their faces obscured by the harsh glare of the headlights. One of them held a heavy iron wrench loosely at his side, tapping it against his palm with an intimidating, rhythmic beat.
""You're not going anywhere, Mitchell,"" the taller man said, his voice deep and raspy. ""Julian Vance sends his regards. He said you ruined his daughter's life tonight, and now you owe a lot more than just the principal balance.""
Liam didn't hesitate. He thrust Maisie into the back seat of Clara’s SUV, slammed the door shut, and stepped in front of it, shielding the vehicle with his body. ""Clara, get in and lock the doors,"" he ordered between clenched teeth.
""Liam, there are two of them!"" Clara shouted, her hand already reaching into her purse.
""Get in!"" Liam roared. He didn't wait for the men to close the distance. Adrenaline surged through his veins, dulling the pain in his cut hand. As the taller man lunged forward with the wrench, Liam stepped inside the swing, driving his forearm into the man's throat with crushing force. The man gagged, stumbling backward onto the concrete. But the second man slammed into Liam from the side, tackling him against the hood of Clara’s SUV.
Metal dented under the impact. Liam wrestled with the attacker, gripping his wrists to keep a pair of brass knuckles away from his face. The man grinned evilly, spitting on the windshield. ""Your pretty little girl would fetch a high price in the border markets, rich boy—""
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A deafening bang echoed through the concrete enclosure.
The attacker froze, his eyes widening in shock. Clara was standing near the driver's side door, holding a compact, black handgun with both hands, aiming directly at the concrete inches from the man's boot. Smoke drifted lazily from the barrel. ""Get off him,"" Clara said, her voice terrifyingly calm. ""The next bullet won't hit the pavement.""
