Chapter 11 - The Dark Corridors
The darkness was thick and suffocating, illuminated only by the rhythmic flashes of lightning outside. Julian pulled Claire into the dining room by her arm, shoving her toward the corner where Eleanor sat with Lily.
"Stay down, both of you," Julian commanded in a whisper. "Lily, close your eyes and cover your ears. Don't open them until Daddy tells you to."
"Daddy, I'm scared," Lily whimpered in the dark, her small fingers wrapping around Eleanor's wrist.
"Grandma is here, my brave girl," Eleanor whispered back, her voice remarkably steady. "Your father and uncle will protect this house."
Julian crept back to the foyer where Marcus stood against the marble pillars. "How many?" Julian whispered.
"Six. Breaching team from a private maritime contractor," Marcus whispered back, sliding a spare magazine across the floor to Julian. "They aren't here to negotiate. Ward knows that if Claire gets caught with those papers, he faces federal indictment. They’re here to sanitize the site. House, documents, witnesses."
"Then we don't let them reach this room," Julian muttered, clicking the safety off his weapon.
A flash of lightning illuminated the grand staircase. Two figures clad in urban combat gear moved down the steps, suppressed assault rifles leveled at the low ready.
Julian didn't hesitate. He stepped out, squeezing the trigger twice. The sharp, concussive cracks illuminated the hall. The lead operative tumbled down the remaining stairs with a heavy crash. Marcus moved simultaneously, his shotgun roaring, blowing through the wooden banister and dropping the second intruder before he could bring his weapon to bear.
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"Fall back!" a voice barked from the corridor behind them.
"They're flanking through the conservatory!" Marcus yelled over the ringing in their ears. "Julian, the safe room—get Mother and the girl to the safe room now!"
