Chapter 9 - The Ambush at Crane Four
The headlights were mounted on an unmarked armored van that had silently rolled into the corridor between two rows of shipping containers. Elena froze, Lily clinging tightly to her neck, crying silently into her collar.
The driver’s side door swung open. A tall, sinewy woman with cropped platinum hair stepped out, holding a silenced pistol. She wore tactical combat gear, her movements fluid and practiced.
""Drop the child, Elena,"" the woman said in a flat, emotionless tone. ""Dr. Vance was quite clear. Mr. Sterling’s empire requires an heir, but it doesn't require a mother.""
Elena took a slow step backward toward the crane ladder, using her own frame to shield Lily. ""Who are you?""
""I’m the person who cleans up loose ends,"" the woman said, leveling the firearm at Elena’s chest. ""Four years ago, I was paid to burn down that clinic with you inside it. You were supposed to die in your sleep from smoke inhalation. It seems the orderly took pity on you and dragged you out before the flames hit the ward. A mistake I intend to rectify.""
Elena’s heart pounded violently. The sheer malice of this invisible web of greed disgusted her. She had been treated like cattle, discarded, and hunted.
""I won't let you touch her,"" Elena said, her voice steadying with sudden, fierce defiance.
""You don't have a choice,"" the mercenary said, her finger tightening on the trigger.
A sudden deafening roar tore through the fog. Julian struck from above, dropping from the top of an adjacent container like an avenging fury. He landed directly on the mercenary, the sheer force of his descent knocking the weapon from her grip and slamming her onto the concrete.
The two tumbled violently across the wet ground. The mercenary drew a combat knife, slashing viciously, catching Julian across the shoulder. Julian grunted, ignoring the pain, his fists striking with brutal, calculated efficiency until the woman went limp against the asphalt.
Julian stood up, panting heavily, his white shirt now soaked in crimson. He turned to Elena, his eyes fierce.
May you like
""Up the ladder,"" he ordered, his chest heaving. ""Now!""
Elena didn't question him. She began climbing the metal rungs, one hand gripping Lily firmly against her chest. But as Julian reached the base of the ladder to follow, three black sedans screeched into the container yard, boxing them in completely.
