Chapter 15 - THE STORM|
BANG! BANG! BANG!
The office erupted into absolute chaos.
Costello loyalists stationed in the outer corridor charged through the doors, engaging Hector’s enforcers in a deafening, short-range firefight. Glass shattered, wood splintered, and smoke filled the executive suite.
Arthur held Beatrice firmly against his chest behind the heavy mahogany desk, using his broad frame as an impenetrable shield.
“Stay down,” Arthur growled into her hair, his pistol raised as he fired three precise shots over the edge of the desk, dropping two of Hector’s gunmen near the doorway.
Beatrice didn't scream. She buried her face into the lapel of his dark suit, holding onto his shirt with both hands, feeling the massive, steady thud of his heart against her cheek.
Within forty seconds, the shooting stopped.
The smoke cleared to reveal Don Hector kneeling on the floorboards, his weapon disarmed, surrounded by five of Arthur’s senior enforcers. Marco was weeping on the carpet near the shattered glass, clutching his bleeding shoulder.
Leo stood near the window, holding a smoking pistol, panting for breath.
Arthur stood up slowly, keeping one hand securely wrapped around Beatrice’s waist, helping her up beside him.
He looked down at Don Hector.
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“The deal is off, Hector,” Arthur said, his voice dropping into a register of pure, absolute murder. “You walk out of my city today, and if I ever see your ships at my docks again, I will sink them in the river.”
Hector swallowed hard, nodding once in absolute defeat, before being escorted out by Arthur’s men.
