Chapter 17 - Blood and Water
Chaos erupted on Pier 44.
From the top of the stacked shipping containers, Carlo and twenty heavily armed men from the old Chicago syndicate revealed themselves. They had been in position for hours, hiding in the dark, waiting for Annie’s signal.
Drop the weapons, or we paint the docks with your brains! Carlo’s gravelly voice boomed through a megaphone from the high ground.
Vance’s mercenaries, realizing they were completely surrounded and severely outgunned from an elevated position, hesitated. They were paid contractors, not loyal soldiers. The math had suddenly changed, and they knew it.
Do not surrender! Vance yelled, his sophisticated facade finally cracking in sheer panic. I pay you to fight!
A single, suppressed gunshot echoed through the pier.
The rifle flew out of the hands of the mercenary closest to Vance, shattered by a perfectly placed sniper bullet from a mile away.
Silas stepped out of the shadows behind Annie, a massive tactical rifle slung over his shoulder, his sidearm drawn and leveled directly at Vance’s chest.
The next bullet goes through your heart, Victor, Silas rumbled, stepping protectively in front of Annie.
The mercenaries immediately dropped their weapons, raising their hands in the air. Money was useless if they were dead.
Marcus stumbled backward, his face completely drained of color. He looked at the armed mobsters on the containers, then at Silas, and finally at the seventeen-year-old girl who had completely outplayed them all.
No, Marcus gasped, shaking his head in denial. This is impossible. You’re just a kid.
Annie walked forward, stepping past Silas. She did not even look at the armed mercenaries. She walked straight toward Sylvia, who was frozen in absolute terror, the fake briefcase dropping from her trembling hands.
Did you really think I didn't verify the encryption on the message you sent me? Annie asked Sylvia, her voice colder than the freezing lake water. I own the telecommunications grid in this city. I traced your signal back to Vance’s penthouse ten minutes after you sent it.
Sylvia fell to her knees, tears streaming down her carefully made-up face.
Annie, please, Sylvia begged, her arrogance entirely broken. I was forced! Marcus made me do it!
Annie looked down at the woman who had tried to murder her grandfather ten years ago.
You are a viper, Sylvia, Annie said quietly. And the mistake we made ten years ago was putting you in a cage instead of cutting off your head.
Annie turned to Carlo, who had climbed down from the containers with his men to secure the prisoners.
Tie her up and leave her for Agent Miller, Annie ordered without an ounce of pity. She just violated her federal parole. She will die in a concrete box.
Vance, realizing his entire operation had just collapsed in a matter of minutes, tried to maintain his dignity. He adjusted his tie, glaring at Annie.
You think you won, little girl? Vance sneered, though his voice shook. I am a billionaire. I have lawyers who can bury this entire incident. You cannot touch me legally.
Annie turned to face Vance, a small, terrifying smile touching the corners of her mouth.
I know I can't touch you legally, Mr. Vance, Annie agreed softly. That is why I didn't bring lawyers.
She gestured to the brutal, scarred mobsters surrounding him.
I brought the men whose shipping routes you tried to steal, Annie said, her eyes burning with dark amusement. Carlo, Mr. Vance is going to sign over all of his offshore shell companies to the Moretti Foundation right now. If his hand shakes while he signs the digital transfers... break his fingers.
Carlo grinned, cracking his massive knuckles. With pleasure, Boss.
As the mobsters dragged the screaming billionaire toward the SUVs, Annie turned around to face the final loose end.
But Marcus was gone.
In the chaos of the ambush and the blinding floodlights, Marcus had slipped into the heavy fog, fleeing into the dark like the coward he truly was.
He is running, Silas said, raising his weapon. I can track him down.
Annie looked at the empty space where her uncle had stood, her mind racing, calculating his next move.
No, Annie said sharply, a cold realization hitting her like a physical blow. He has no money, no mercenaries, and no way out of the city. He is a desperate, cornered animal.
Where would he go? Silas asked.
May you like
Annie’s heart hammered in her chest as she looked toward the city skyline.
He is going to the only place he thinks he can still hurt us, Annie whispered, breaking into a dead sprint toward the armored car. He is going to the hospital!
