Chapter 4 - The Threat in the Dark
Before Elena could respond, the diner front windows were illuminated by bright, harsh headlights.
A heavy silver armored truck pulled into the parking lot right behind Damian’s three SUVs, blocking the exit.
Damian’s two security guards inside the doorway instantly drew their suppressed firearms, taking defensive positions behind the counter and the coat rack.
"Boss," one of the guards said in a low, tense tone. "It's Arthur's crew. They tracked us from the docks."
Damian stood up smoothly, his entire posture transforming back into that of a lethal, calculating leader. He placed himself firmly in front of Elena and Maya, shielding them from the glass windows.
Arthur Vale was Damian’s ruthless cousin—a man who had been vying for total control of the Vale enterprise ever since the old patriarch had passed away.
"Arthur knows I came north to sign the final port acquisition contracts," Damian said coldly, pulling a dark custom pistol from his inner suit jacket. "He doesn't know about Maya. And he never will."
"Damian, what is happening?!" Elena cried out, clutching Maya tightly against her chest as the little girl began to weep in fear.
"Stay behind the stainless steel kitchen counter, Elena! Now!" Damian commanded, his voice leaving no room for argument.
The glass front doors shattered inward as armed men in heavy rain gear opened fire!
RAT-TAT-TAT-TAT!
Sparks flew off the napkin dispensers and metal napkin rings as bullets ripped through the diner booths! Customers screamed, diving under tables, while Patty scrambled out the rear service exit!
Damian moved with terrifying speed and precision. He leaned over the counter, firing four methodical rounds through the rain, dropping two attackers before they could cross the threshold.
May you like
"Dominic! Flank the left side!" Damian shouted into his earpiece. "Protect the rear kitchen exit at all costs!"
Elena crouched behind the thick industrial grill in the kitchen, holding Maya against her heart, humming the same soft lullaby she used to sing when Maya was a baby, trying to drown out the horrifying sounds of gunfire and breaking glass.
