Chapter 14 - The Confrontation on the Porch|
The heavy wooden door of the Fairmount row home rattled under a firm, rhythmic knock.
"Mrs. Harrison!" a rough voice called out through the wood. "Mr. Harrison sent us to collect your personal items and escort you to the Center City office!"
Catherine stood in the hallway, holding Claire tightly against her chest, while Rachel stood behind her with a heavy metal fire poker held in both hands.
"Go away!" Catherine shouted toward the door. "I'm calling the police!"
"The police won't help you tonight, ma'am," the voice replied coldly. "Open the door, or we’ll use the master key."
Before the lock could turn, the sharp sound of screeching tires echoed down the quiet street.
A dark blue SUV pulled onto the curb directly behind the black sedan, its high beams cutting through the darkness, illuminating the two men in black coats standing on the porch.
Daniel Brooks stepped out of the SUV, carrying a heavy metal tire iron in his right hand.
"Get off the porch," Daniel commanded, his voice cold, flat, and absolute as he walked up the small brick steps.
The two guards turned, surprised, their hands drifting toward their jacket pockets.
"Mind your own business, doc," the lead guard growled, stepping toward Daniel. "This is family business."
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Daniel didn't wait for the guard to draw a weapon.
With a swift, practiced movement, Daniel swung the tire iron, striking the lead guard’s wrist with a loud crack, sending a black handgun clattering onto the concrete steps. Before the second guard could react, Daniel stepped inside his reach, driving an elbow directly into his jaw, sending him crashing backward over the porch railing into the small bushes below.
