Chapter 8 - The Coup
The sprawling estate descended into absolute, violent chaos.
The sound of shattering glass and heavy gunfire echoed through the luxurious hallways as the Rossi family assassins stormed the mansion.
Silas took up a defensive position at the top of the grand staircase, raining hellfire down on anyone who tried to climb the marble steps.
Daniel shoved Marcus and Sylvia into a heavy walk-in closet, locking the door from the outside to deal with them later.
He turned to Eleanor and Annie, his face a mask of fierce, protective determination.
“Margaret, take the child into the panic room behind the master bath,” Daniel ordered over the deafening sound of gunfire.
“It is reinforced with steel and has an independent air supply.”
Eleanor coughed violently, gripping the doorframe to stay on her feet.
“What about you?” she asked worriedly.
“I have to get to the secure communication line in the basement,” Daniel explained, reloading his weapon.
“The cell jammers are blocking our signal. If I can reach the hardline, I can call the Federal Task Force.”
“I bought the lead FBI agent three years ago. He will clear the corrupt cops and wipe out the Rossi men.”
Daniel looked down the hallway, watching as more heavily armed men poured through the broken front doors.
“But they have the basement completely cut off. I can't fight through fifty men in my condition.”
Annie tugged gently on Daniel’s silk pajama sleeve.
“I can do it,” Annie said quietly.
Daniel looked down at her, completely horrified by the suggestion.
“Absolutely not, little bird. It is too dangerous.”
Annie shook her head stubbornly.
“Grandma taught me how to move through the city at night,” Annie explained, her eyes wide and honest.
“Small. Quiet. Invisible.”
“I saw the air vents when we came upstairs. They are big enough for me, but too small for the bad guys.”
Silas retreated into the bedroom, slamming the heavy doors shut and locking them as bullets splintered the wood.
“Boss, they are pushing hard! We don't have much time!” Silas yelled, taking cover behind a massive dresser.
Eleanor dropped to her knees, looking Annie directly in the eyes.
“Are you sure you can do this, little bird?” Eleanor asked, tears mixing with pride on her face.
Annie nodded bravely.
“I have to. You don't leave people alone when they are hurting.”
Daniel quickly scribbled a phone number and a complex authorization code on a piece of paper, handing it to Annie.
He opened the heavy iron grate of the air conditioning vent on the wall.
“Go straight down the main shaft. The third grate on the left opens into the basement server room,” Daniel instructed, his voice thick with fear for her safety.
“Use the red phone on the desk. Read these numbers exactly as they are written.”
Annie slipped into the dark, dusty vent, her small blue coat blending into the shadows.
May you like
“I will be right back, Grandpa,” Annie whispered.
Then, she disappeared into the walls, becoming completely invisible, just as she was taught.
