Chapter 3 - SHADOWS OF THE FEDERAL BUREAU
“Trust is a luxury the dying cannot afford.”Facebook Headline: THE MOLE IS REVEALED! A CORRUPT AGENT INFILTRATES THE MAFIA FORTRESS FOR A DEADLY CONFRONTATION! 🎭💥
The sirens wailing outside the estate were deafening. Flashbangs echoed from the lower levels, shaking the dust from the high ceiling beams.
Dante grabbed Abby’s wrist, pulling her toward a hidden panel behind a bookshelf. “Clara, get to the safe room. Now!”
“I’m not leaving without the girl,” Clara insisted.
“She’s with me,” Dante growled. “Go!”
Abby found herself pulled down a narrow, dimly lit concrete stairwell that spiraled deep beneath the estate. The sounds of gunfire and shouting faded, replaced by the low, mechanical hum of the mansion’s backup generators.
“Where are we going?” Abby panted, struggling to keep up with Dante’s long, urgent strides.
“The old smuggler tunnels,” Dante said. “They run under the lake and exit near an old boat house. We can’t trust anyone in my main security detail. The gate code was changed from the master console in the security booth. Only my inner circle has that access.”
They reached a heavy iron door. Dante punched in a code, and the door hissed open, revealing a dark, damp tunnel that smelled of lake water and cold stone.
But as they stepped inside, a flashlight beam blinded them.
“Going somewhere, Dante?”
Abby’s heart stopped. Standing in the tunnel, holding a heavy-duty flashlight and a Glock, was Leo Santini. His forehead was bandaged where Abby had hit him with the skillet, and his face was twisted in a cold, triumphant sneer.
“You’re persistent, Leo,” Dante said, stepping slightly in front of Abby to shield her. “How much are the Bianchis paying you to sell out your own country?”
“The country doesn't pay for my retirement, Dante,” Leo spat. “The Bianchis offered me ten million dollars and a diplomatic passport to a non-extradition country. All I have to do is hand over the girl and the USB.”
“You won't get the USB,” Abby said, her voice shaking but furious. “I’ll destroy it first.”
“You don't have it,” Leo laughed. “Clara has it. And my associates are securing her right now. All I need from you, Abigail, are those numbers. Tell me the passcode, and I might let you live.”
Dante moved with blinding speed. He lunged at Leo, tackling him to the wet concrete floor. The gun went off, the sound deafening in the enclosed tunnel.
The bullet chipped the stone wall right above Leo’s head. Both men froze.
Abby stood there, the heavy weapon shaking in her hands, pointed directly at Leo’s chest. Her eyes were fierce, the fear replaced by a cold, burning anger.
“Get up, Dante,” Abby commanded, her voice steady.
Dante slowly rose, keeping his eyes on Leo. He wiped a smear of blood from his cheek, a dark, dangerous smile playing on his lips. “You heard the lady, Leo. Get on your knees.”
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But before they could disarm him, Leo smiled. It was a hollow, terrifying sound.
“You think you’ve won?” Leo whispered. “The tracker in Clara’s purse... I didn't put it there. The Bianchis did. They’re already at the boathouse, Abigail. There is no escape.”
