Chapter 17 - The Traitor Within
Before we could celebrate our digital victory, a sharp, metallic click echoed behind us in the dark corridor of the safehouse.
We spun around. Standing in the doorway with a silenced pistol raised was none other than Marco’s second-in-command, a veteran operative named Javier.
“I’m sorry, boss,” Javier said, his voice completely devoid of emotion as he aimed the barrel directly at Santiago’s chest. “The Calabrians offered a billion euros and safe passage out of the country. The Vitale era is over.”
“Javier, you son of a bitch,” Marco growled, stepping forward instinctively, but Javier cocked the trigger.
“Don't move, Marco, or your boss dies right here on the concrete,” Javier sneered.
My heart hammered against my ribs. I looked at Javier, then at the heavy steel wrench resting on the tool rack beside my computer desk. Without a second thought, I grabbed the heavy wrench and hurled it with every ounce of strength I had left.
Clang!
The heavy tool struck Javier’s wrist squarely, knocking the pistol flying out of his hand.
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In a fraction of a second, Santiago closed the distance, sweeping Javier’s legs out from under him and pinning him to the floor with a chilling, bone-crushing thud.
“You picked the wrong day to test my patience,” Santiago whispered, his face inches from the traitor’s.
