Chapter 5 - THE MIDNIGHT ALLIANCEThe screen of Teresa’s phone lit up with a confirmation reply. A chill swept through the room as the reality of their depravity sank in. They weren't just covering up a murder; they were prepared to slaughter their own son and granddaughter to keep their empire of theft and blood intact.
Diego grinned, raising the poker higher. "Any last words, brother?"
"Just one," I said.
Before Diego could swing, my father, Ernesto, did something miraculous. Despite his stroke-paralyzed limbs, he slammed his working right hand onto the control panel of his motorized wheelchair, driving it forward with full, unexpected force.
CRASH!
The heavy metal wheelchair slammed directly into the back of Diego’s knees. With a yell of surprise, Diego buckled, tumbling forward.
That split second was all I needed.
Moving with the lethal efficiency of my years in black-ops security, I closed the distance. I swept the iron poker out of Diego’s hand with a swift kick, grabbed his collar, and slammed him face-first into the mahogany desk. He went limp instantly.
"Diego!" Teresa shrieked, raising the heavy silver candlestick to strike me from behind.
Ofelia lunged toward Sofía, trying to grab my daughter as a human shield.
"Don't you dare touch her!" I roared.
With a lightning-fast pivot, I sidestepped Teresa’s swing, letting her momentum carry her past me. I grabbed her wrist, twisted it behind her back with a sharp click of joints, and forced her face-down onto the floor beside Diego.
Ofelia froze mid-stride, her hands hovering inches from Sofía. She looked up to find me staring down at her with eyes that promised absolute destruction. She slowly raised her hands in surrender and backed away toward the bedroom door.
"Daddy..." Sofía whimpered, running to wrap her arms around my legs. "Are the bad monsters gone?"
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"They're neutralized, baby," I said, catching my breath. I pulled out my satellite-linked tactical phone—the one with an encrypted line that bypassed local jurisdiction entirely. I hit speed dial #1: Federal Anti-Corruption & Organized Crime Task Force.
"This is Commander Alejandro Vance," I said into the receiver as Teresa thrashed beneath my boot. "I need an immediate tactical extraction and arrest team at my residence. Code Red. We have a multi-layered homicide, cartel money laundering, and an active conspiracy involving local municipal officials."
