Chapter 5 - Fire and Escape
The subterranean parking garage was a maze of concrete pillars and flashing yellow emergency lights.
Two massive black armored SUVs sat idling near the private exit ramp, their heavy V8 engines roaring like caged beasts. Eight of Gideon’s top tactical guards, dressed in black Kevlar vests and carrying submachine guns, were already forming a defensive perimeter around the vehicles.
“Get in the rear vehicle!” Gideon commanded, shoving Mallerie toward the open door of the second SUV.
Mallerie scrambled inside, pulling Owen into her lap. The interior was lined with thick leather, heavy steel reinforcements, and bulletproof glass three inches thick.
Gideon climbed in right behind her, slamming the heavy door shut. The lock engaged with a solid, hydraulic THUD.
“Drive!” Gideon yelled to the front seat driver.
The SUV surged forward, its tires screeching against the polished concrete floor as it accelerated up the steep exit ramp into the rainy night.
The moment the lead vehicle broke through the security gate into the alleyway outside, chaos erupted.
Two dark delivery vans parked across the street swung open their side doors. Muzzle flashes lit up the darkness like strobe lights as heavy automatic fire rained down on the convoy.
THUD-THUD-THUD-THUD!
Bullets slammed against the armored plating of the SUV, sounding like heavy iron hammers striking the doors.
Mallerie screamed, throwing her body over Owen, shielding his head with her arms. The baby was wailing, terrified by the deafening noise and the violent sway of the vehicle.
Gideon didn't flinch. He leaned over Mallerie, adding his own weight to shield her and the baby, while reaching for the tactical radio mounted on the center console.
“Lead car, ram the blockade!” Gideon shouted into the mic. “Do not stop! Clear the alley!”
Up ahead, the lead SUV slammed into the side of the blocking delivery van with a sickening crunch of tearing metal and shattering glass. The force of the impact shoved the van aside, opening a narrow gap.
Gideon’s driver floored the accelerator, blasting through the gap, spraying sparks and shattered plastic into the night air.
They burst onto the main avenue, speeding through red lights, the rain lashing against the windshield in sheets.
Through the rear window, Mallerie saw two dark sedans pull out from the shadows, pursuing them at full speed.
“They’re on our tail!” the driver shouted, glancing in the rearview mirror. “Three hundred yards and closing!”
Gideon unbuckled his belt. He reached under the rear seat, pulling out a heavy tactical rifle. He hit a button on the ceiling, lowering a small firing port in the rear armored window by two inches.
“Keep her steady,” Gideon said calmly.
He leaned back, raised the weapon, and sighted through the narrow port.
Mallerie watched in stunned awe as the feared mafia boss moved with absolute, terrifying precision. There was no panic in his face, no hesitation. Every movement was calculated, smooth, and lethal.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
The sharp, concussive blasts of Gideon’s rifle shook the interior of the SUV.
Through the window, Mallerie saw the front tire of the lead pursuing sedan explode into shreds. The vehicle swerved violently, flipped onto its side, and skidded across the wet asphalt in a shower of sparks before slamming into a light pole.
The second sedan swerved to avoid the wreckage, losing control and crashing into a storefront window.
The street behind them fell silent, save for the sound of distant sirens.
Gideon pulled his weapon back inside, sealed the firing port, and sat back down beside Mallerie. He immediately set the rifle aside, reached out, and checked Owen’s small body for any sign of injury.
“Is he okay?” Gideon asked, his breathing slightly heavy, his gray eyes filled with intense concern.
“He... he’s okay,” Mallerie gasped, her voice trembling violently. She looked at Gideon, seeing the dark smear of gunsmoke on his cheek and the fierce, protective fury in his eyes.
She realized then that this man had just put his life on the line to save her and her son. He hadn't used her as a human shield; he had used himself as a shield for both of them.
Owen’s crying began to taper off into small, shuddering gasps. He reached out with one tiny hand, grabbing Gideon’s sleeve.
Gideon looked down at the child’s small fingers holding onto him. His face softened, the lethal killer vanishing instantly, replaced by the devoted father Mallerie had seen at the gala.
Gideon gently stroked Owen’s head with his thumb. “You’re safe, little guy. I’ve got you.”
Mallerie looked at Gideon, her heart swelling with an emotion she didn't quite know how to name.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
Gideon met her gaze, his expression solemn. “You don't need to thank me, Mallerie. As long as I am breathing, no one touches either of you.”
The SUV turned off the highway, heading down a dark, winding coastal road lined with pine trees.
An hour later, they pulled through a massive wrought-iron gate that opened into a heavily fortified coastal estate perched high on a cliff overlooking the roaring ocean.
The compound was surrounded by high concrete walls, security towers, and armed guards patrolling the perimeter with dogs.
The SUV stopped in front of a grand stone manor.
Declan opened the door, looking relieved. “Perimeter is secure, Boss. We’ve locked down the entire peninsula. Vane’s men can’t get within two miles of this place.”
Gideon stepped out of the vehicle, then turned and held out his hand to Mallerie.
May you like
Mallerie took it. His grip was warm, strong, and steady.
As they walked up the grand stone steps into the safety of the fortress, Mallerie held her son tight against her chest, knowing that while the night had been filled with fire, the real battle was just beginning.
