Chapter 5 - Fire on the Grand StaircaseThe smell of cordite and burning mahogany filled the grand hallway as Hannah and Adrian moved stealthily down the corridor toward the nursery. The pulsing red emergency lights cast long, twisted shadows across the family portraits lining the walls.
From below, heavy boots slammed against the marble steps.
“Clear the landing!” a rough voice shouted from the foyer. “Find the kid! Vale’s weak spot is upstairs!”
Two armed men in tactical gear crested the top of the grand staircase, rifles raised.
They didn't expect a woman with flour-stained sleeves and a cold, murderous glare to be waiting behind the carved mahogany pillar.
Bang.
Hannah fired before they could adjust their sights. The bullet shattered the light fixture above them, showering the stairwell in sparks and blinding the lead intruder. Marcus and Adrian followed instantly, neutralizing the threat with ruthless, silent efficiency as the two attackers tumbled backward down the marble steps.
“That was your first shot?” Adrian murmured, glancing sideways at her with a hint of grim amusement as they ducked behind a marble column.
“I told you, Mr. Vale, I know how to handle pest control,” Hannah whispered back, her breathing controlled and steady.
Suddenly, a heavy thud echoed from the nursery door behind them.
Hannah’s blood ran cold. They had flanked them through the service elevator.
“Adrian!” she screamed, spinning around.
A massive, scarred operative from the Morosco crew had kicked open the nursery door. Evelyn, the nurse, was cowering in the corner, holding her hands over her head. The operative stepped inside, his rifle aimed directly at the crib where Lucas was sleeping.
“Got the prize!” the operative roared into his radio communicator.
Hannah didn't think. She didn't hesitate. She threw herself down the hallway like a sprinter, raising the compact Glock.
“Hey!” she yelled.
The operative spun around, raising his rifle barrel toward her.
Before he could pull the trigger, a heavy, deafening roar echoed through the hallway. Adrian’s bullet struck the operative square in the shoulder, spinning him around. Hannah closed the distance in three long strides, bringing the heavy iron fireplace poker down across the man’s helmet with a sickening crunch.
The intruder collapsed instantly, unconscious on the Persian rug.
Hannah dropped the poker, her legs suddenly trembling as she lunged into the nursery. She scooped Lucas out of the crib. The baby stirred, whimpering softly, but he was completely unharmed.
Adrian stepped into the nursery behind her, his gun smoking, his eyes scanning the windows to ensure no one else was coming.
“Is he safe?” Adrian asked, his voice cracking slightly for the first time.
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Hannah pulled Lucas tight against her chest, glaring at the mafia boss over the baby’s blanket.
“He’s safe,” she said, her voice shaking with adrenaline and anger. “And the moment these men are dealt with, I am packing my bags and taking this baby far away from your fortress of death.”
