Chapter 8 - Danger Close
“Turn the car around!” Arthur yelled to the driver. “Independencia! Now!”
The limousine's tires screeched as it took a sharp U-turn, speeding through the rain-slicked streets of Ironwood.
Maya was shaking violently.
“If he hurts her... Arthur, if he hurts her...”
Arthur grabbed her hand, holding it tightly.
“He won't. I won't let him.”
He pulled out his phone and dialed his head of security.
“Marcus. Meet me at Maya's apartment. Bring everyone. Lethal force authorized.”
They arrived at the run-down apartment building in record time.
Arthur's security SUVs were already pulling up onto the curb.
Maya didn't wait for the car to stop completely. She threw the door open and sprinted up the stairs to the second floor.
Her apartment door was splintered off its hinges.
“Grandma!” Maya screamed, running inside.
The living room was trashed. The TV was smashed, and the coffee table was flipped over.
“Maya!” a frail voice called out.
Maya ran to the bedroom.
Catherine was on the floor, clutching her chest, struggling to breathe.
Two large men in dark jackets were standing over her, tearing the room apart.
“Hey!” Maya yelled, picking up a heavy lamp.
One of the men turned, pulling a gun from his waistband.
Before he could raise it, a deafening gunshot rang out.
The man dropped his weapon, screaming in pain as he clutched his bleeding shoulder.
Arthur stood in the doorway, his own pistol raised, his face devoid of mercy.
Behind him, Marcus and the security team flooded the apartment, tackling the second man to the ground.
Maya dropped the lamp and fell to her knees beside Catherine.
“Grandma, I'm here. Breathe. Just breathe.”
Catherine gasped for air, her face pale.
“They... they were looking for a book,” Catherine wheezed.
Arthur lowered his weapon and crouched beside them.
“Call an ambulance,” Arthur ordered his men. “Tell them they are treating Catherine Snyder, under the protection of Arthur Penhaligon. If anything happens to her, I'll buy the hospital and fire the entire board.”
Maya looked at Arthur, tears streaming down her face.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
May you like
Arthur reached out and gently wiped a tear from her cheek.
“I lost my family, Maya,” he said softly. “I'm not letting you lose yours.”
