Chapter 7 - The Fortress in the Pines
Rain began to fall in sheets as Marcus’s black SUV navigated the switchbacks of Blackwood Ridge. Maya was curled in the backseat under Marcus’s spare tactical jacket, clutching the white floral purse that had started the entire unraveling. Julian sat in the front passenger seat, stripping the formal cuffs and necktie from his wedding tuxedo, transforming himself from an unsuspecting groom into a desperate father.
“The facility is disguised as an environmental research station,” Marcus explained as the wipers swept water across the windshield. “Three subterranean levels. Victoria’s father built it during the bio-tech deregulation ten years ago. They hold political dissidents, whistleblowers, anyone whose assets require probate bypass.”
“How many guards?” Julian asked, checking the magazine of the spare firearm Marcus had slid across the console.
“Six on the perimeter. Two technicians inside the ICU pod. Victoria took four personal bodyguards with her from the estate,” Marcus replied grimly. “They won’t negotiate. They know if Elena walks out of that facility, all of them face life imprisonment for high treason and human trafficking.”
Through the dense pines ahead, high concrete walls topped with razor wire loomed into view. Heavy floodlights cut through the downpour, illuminating two armored gates.
Marcus pressed the radio transmitter on the dash. “Gate control, this is Transport Lead. I have the child and the drive. Prepare the lower cleanroom for processing.”
A brief static hummed before a harsh voice responded: “Hold your position, Marcus. Victoria is already on Level Three. She wants the asset brought directly to Pod B. No delays.”
“Understood,” Marcus said, cutting the channel. He glanced at Julian. “Pod B is where they keep Elena. We don’t have to search the building. She’s taking us straight to her.”
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The heavy steel gates groaned open. Marcus accelerated the vehicle smoothly into the courtyard, past the watchtowers, and down the concrete ramp that descended into the subterranean belly of the facility.
As the heavy hydraulic doors sealed behind them, cutting off the sound of the rain, Julian saw Victoria’s silver limousine parked in the center of the subterranean garage. Next to it stood a medical transport gurney covered with a black biohazard bag.
