Chapter 6 - The Gates of Pier 44The heavy iron security gates of Pier 44 parted automatically as our black SUV approached, recognizing the encrypted transponder code.
Inside the sprawling, dimly lit shipping container yard, towering stacks of steel cargo boxes towered over us like geometric mountains. At the center bay, three sleek speedboats and a massive private yacht bobbed against the choppy, dark waters of the harbor.
Waiting on the concrete dock were six armed men in tactical gear, bearing the insignia of the Vale private security detail.
As I cut the engine and brought the SUV to a screeching halt, the men rushed forward. The lead guard—a scarred veteran with a patch over his left eye named Marcus—pulled open the passenger door, his expression turning to sheer shock.
“Mr. Vale... they said you were brain dead,” Marcus breathed, helping Dominic out of the vehicle.
“Reports of my death were greatly exaggerated, Marcus,” Dominic rasped, leaning heavily on the guard’s shoulder. He gestured toward me as I stepped out from the driver's side. “Get her inside the command yacht. Make sure she’s safe. We have a war to finish.”
“Wait—go inside?” I protested, crossing my arms against the freezing wind. “I’m a nurse, Dominic! Not your hostage, and not your bodyguard!”
Dominic paused, turning back to face me. The harsh harbor lights caught the sharp angles of his face, casting deep shadows across his jaw.
“You’re not a hostage, Clara,” he said softly, stepping closer until I could feel the heat radiating off his battered body. “You’re the only person in this city who didn't let me drown in the dark. I don't leave my anchors behind.”
Before I could answer, the distant wail of police sirens echoed across the water. Headlights swept across the outer gates.
Julian’s strike team had tracked us.
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“Move!” Marcus barked, gently shoving me toward the yacht's gangplank.
Dominic drew his titanium pistol, racking the slide with a sharp metallic clack, and turned to face the entrance of the dock as the first enemy vehicles smashed through the security gates.
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