Chapter 7 - The Final Sacrifice
The bitter, freezing wind howled violently across the dark, desolate pier.
I looked at Celeste, who was sobbing uncontrollably and begging for her life in Victor's cruel, unforgiving grip.
She had undoubtedly betrayed me for money, but she was still carrying an innocent, unborn child.
I turned my gaze to Eleanor, whose intelligent eyes were wide with genuine, paralyzing terror.
"Give him the ledger, Eleanor," I commanded softly, completely accepting the grim reality of our situation.
Eleanor shook her head stubbornly, holding the thick leather book tightly against her chest.
"If I give him this book, he will just slaughter all of us anyway to eliminate the witnesses."
Victor laughed a cold, wicked laugh and dramatically cocked the heavy hammer of his weapon.
"Your brilliant wife is much smarter than you ever were, Lucian."
I slowly raised my empty hands and walked deliberately toward the ruthless mafia boss.
"Let Celeste go, and take me as your prisoner instead."
"I am the undisputed don of the powerful Moretti family."
"Executing me publicly is the only way you can effectively legitimize your hostile takeover of my vast territory."
Victor smiled greedily, clearly heavily tempted by the prospect of parading his biggest rival's demise.
He shoved Celeste roughly onto the hard, snow-covered concrete, discarding her like absolute trash.
She crawled desperately away from the armed mercenaries, clutching her stomach and weeping loudly.
Two of Victor's massive guards grabbed my arms forcefully and kicked the back of my knees, forcing me to the icy ground.
Victor stepped forward and aimed his heavy pistol directly at the center of my forehead.
"Do you have any pathetic last words, Don Moretti?" he mocked, his finger tightening on the trigger.
Eleanor suddenly pulled a hidden, brightly colored flare gun from her deep coat pocket.
May you like
She fired a blinding red streak directly into the dark, snowy, churning sky.
"My last words are that my brilliant wife always plans ten steps ahead of everyone else."
