Chapter 8 - The Ambush at the Docks
Before Ethan could retreat toward the side exit, heavy boots echoed across the concrete floor of the warehouse. Two masked enforcers sent by Marcus Vance stepped out from the shadows, blocking the primary exit while holding heavy iron pipes and suppressed sidearms. “Well, look what we have here,” the lead enforcer sneered, flashing yellow teeth in the dim light. “The great Ethan Caldwell playing detective. Drop whatever you’re holding, wealthy boy, or you won't live to see your little brat again.” Ethan’s tactical instincts, dormant beneath years of boardroom comfort, flared instantly. He slammed his heavy metal flashlight directly into the lead enforcer’s face, shattering his nose, just as Thorne and two private security guards burst through the side doors from the outside. A chaotic, brutal scuffle erupted across the freezing warehouse floor. Thorne tackled the second enforcer, pinning him to the concrete while Ethan subdued the first, his fists striking with the raw fury of a father defending his family. Within seconds, Vance’s thugs were handcuffed and immobilized. Panting heavily, Ethan looked down at the captured thugs, grabbing the lead enforcer by the collar of his jacket. “Who sent you?!” Ethan roared. “Where is Grace Bennett?!” The thug spat blood onto the floor, laughing weakly. “You’re too late, Caldwell. Boss Vance already tracked her down to the charity hospice by the river. If your goons don't hurry, you’ll only find a cold body.” Absolute terror seized Ethan’s heart. Releasing the thug, he sprinted out to the waiting town car, screaming at Thorne to step on the gas and head toward the riverside hospice with sirens blaring.
