Chapter 5 - Blood on the Hardwood"Clear!" shouted the lead mercenary, sweeping his assault rifle into the living room.
Claire threw herself protectively in front of Lily, shielding the little girl behind the living room sofa. "Get away from us!" she screamed.
Miller stepped forward, his tactical visor reflecting the terrified faces of the mother and child. "Hand over the silver locket, Claire. You know you can't outrun Mr. Kane."
Before Claire could reach for the brass fireplace poker, the rear kitchen window shattered with an explosive roar.
BANG! BANG!
Two precision sniper rounds from the treeline tore through the kitchen drywall, instantly dropping the two rear mercenaries. Daniel and a squad of Moretti enforcers poured through the broken window and back doors, weapons blazing.
Miller grabbed Claire by the arm, hoisting her up like a human shield. "Drop your weapons or her brains paint this wall!"
The front door slowly swung open wide.
Adrian Moretti stepped into the room. He wasn't wearing his tactical vest or a coat. He wore a crisp black shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, his expression completely devoid of human warmth.
"Let her go, Miller," Adrian said quietly, his voice cutting through the smoky room like a razor.
"Step back, Moretti! Toss your gun or she dies right now!" Miller yelled, pressing the cold barrel of his pistol against Claire’s temple.
Adrian didn't blink. He raised his Sig Sauer with terrifying calmness—and fired straight through Miller’s shoulder blade with pinpoint accuracy.
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Miller shrieked, dropping Claire instantly as he collapsed to the floor in a heap of blood and tactical gear.
Adrian walked forward, standing over the wounded mercenary, pressing the toe of his shoe heavily against Miller’s chest. "Tell Victor Kane his game is over. I'm coming for him."
