Chapter 34 - The Grid in the Crosshairs
The realization hit the room like a physical blow. The Moretti estate wasn't the primary target; it was merely the gatekeeper. To control the province, an adversary didn't need to blow up the mansion—they needed to hold the infrastructure hostage, crippling the economy and forcing the regional government to beg whoever held the master decryption keys for mercy.
"They’re trying to recreate the syndicate through economic and infrastructural collapse," Sophia said, her mind racing as she pulled up the structural schematics of the provincial power grid. "If they execute a complete override at the main municipal substation in Palermo, the entire regional water supply and electrical network goes dark within minutes."
"And who controls the municipal security contracts for that substation?" Rocco asked grimly.
"A private security firm called Vanguard Logistics," Leo replied instantly, his eyes narrowing. "Registered in Malta last month. Owned by a holding trust managed out of... Montenegro."
The circle closed with terrifying precision. Valentina’s final resting place wasn't just a prison; it had become a command post.
"We don't have time to wait for the regional police or state authorities," Leo said, turning toward the armory locker embedded in the archive wall. He punched in his biometric passcode, swinging the heavy steel doors wide open. "If Vanguard initiates the override protocol tonight, millions of people lose power, and our entire region becomes a lawless war zone."
Sophia grabbed a secure tactical tablet, syncing it directly with her portable engineering kit. "I’m coming with you. The municipal substation was built using the same architectural framework as our estate vaults. If they’ve locked down the digital interface, I’m the only one who can bypass their firewall without triggering a catastrophic system wipe."
"No," Leo said firmly, stepping between her and the equipment locker. "It’s too dangerous. We don't know how many men they have stationed at the substation."
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Sophia met his gaze with absolute, unyielding resolve. "Leo, you know how to clear a room with a gun. But I know how to dismantle their entire operation from the inside out before they even touch the main switch. We go together, or you spend half your time trying to cover my back instead of securing the objective."
Leo stared at her for three long seconds. Then, a faint, proud nod touched the corners of his mouth. He handed her a suppressed 9mm sidearm and a tactical vest. "Stay behind me. Always."
