Chapter 8 - Concrete Catacombs
The subterranean tunnel beneath Dominic's estate had been constructed during the Prohibition era, a wide, damp arched passageway of forgotten brick and rusted iron pipes that led directly into the city's abandoned storm sewer network. The black armored SUV tore through the gloom, its headlights cutting through clouds of vapor.
Viktor drove with grim efficiency, his eyes darting between the rearview mirror and the subterranean map displayed on the dashboard. In the back seat, Dominic sat beside Elena, who was wrapped in a heavy trench coat, holding a sterile gauze pad tightly against her fresh surgical wound.
"The police are responding to the penthouse," Viktor reported, listening to the scrambled scanner on the console. "Sterling called it in himself. He reported a hostage situation and structural explosions. By now, the tactical units have breached the upper floors. When they find Vance's body and no sign of Elena, Sterling will know the plan failed."
"He will assume we are running for the border," Dominic said, inspecting his sidearm. "Men like Sterling believe everyone operates on fear because fear is the only language they speak. He won't expect us to head deeper into his territory."
Elena leaned back against the leather seat, gritting her teeth against the pain of every bump. "The key doesn't just open a vault, Dominic. It opens a digital archive. Dean told me my father has been selling the syndicate’s offshore routes to federal prosecutors for five years. He was planning to burn every boss in the five territories and walk away clean with the government’s immunity."
Dominic’s expression hardened. If that information became public, Sterling wouldn't just lose his position; his own allies would rip him apart limb by limb.
Suddenly, the SUV’s front suspension lurched violently. A deafening metallic screech echoed as the front axle struck something massive hidden beneath the shallow sewer water. The vehicle spun out of control, slamming sideways into the ancient brick wall of the tunnel, sending violent sparks cascading through the dark.
May you like
Viktor fought the steering wheel, but the front wheels were locked tight. "Blockade!" he shouted, unbuckling his harness.
Ahead in the tunnel, two sets of ultra-bright halogen high beams ignited, blinding them completely. Heavy boots hit the wet ground in unison, accompanied by the distinct, unmistakable click of automatic weapons taking aim.
