Chapter 6 - The Blade and the BloodThe cold steel of the knife rested against Lily’s pale skin, a thin bead of crimson appearing where the blade pressed too hard.
"Don't hurt her," Elliot said, raising both hands slowly, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Blood soaked through the shoulder of his charcoal coat, staining the fabric dark crimson. "Take whatever you want. Take the cars, take the accounts, take the entire company. Just let the child go."
The operative sneered behind his mask. "The boss doesn't just want the company, Vance. He wants complete erasure. Drop to your knees."
Elliot didn't hesitate. He dropped heavily onto the wet gravel, the sharp stones biting into his knees. His eyes locked onto Lily’s tear-filled eyes.
"Remember what I told you, Lily," Elliot whispered, his voice steady despite the pain. "You are never alone. And nobody will ever hurt you again."
The operative laughed, raising his hand to strike Lily with the butt of the knife handle to knock her out.
Clack.
A sharp, metallic sound echoed through the courtyard.
Before the operative could swing, a red laser dot appeared dead-center on his chest.
Bang.
A silenced sniper shot echoed from the rooftop of the orphanage. The operative’s eyes widened in shock as the force of the round threw him backward, dropping the knife and releasing Lily. He crumpled instantly onto the ground.
From the shadows of the roof, Viktor lowered a high-precision tactical rifle, flashing a brief signal down to Elliot.
Elliot didn't wait a second longer. He lunged forward, scooping Lily into his arms and pulling her tight against his chest.
"I've got you, Lily. I've got you," he choked out, burying his face in her dark hair as she sobbed into his shoulder, still clutching the rag doll.
May you like
Margaret rushed over, trembling violently, helping Elliot get to his feet. "Mr. Vance, your shoulder—you're bleeding badly!"
"It's nothing," Elliot said grimly, his face hardening into a mask of pure vengeance. "Get the children into the secure basement. Marcus betrayed us. My uncle's people are cleaning house. We are leaving right now."
