Chapter 14 - The Shot That Never Landed and the Handcuffs of Absolute Defeat
The microsecond before Mara’s finger pulled the trigger, the heavy crack of a high-powered sniper rifle echoed across the dark tarmac from the roof of Hangar 12.
A single bullet struck the frame of the aircraft door just inches from Mara’s hand, sending a shower of aluminum splinters flying into her face.
With a sharp cry of absolute terror, Mara lost her footing on the wet metal stairs, stumbling backward and dropping the heavy revolver down onto the concrete below.
The gun clattered loudly against the floor, sliding across the blood-stained surface until it came to a rest against Sebastian’s polished leather shoe.
Sebastian didn't even look down at the weapon; he simply stepped forward, catching the bottom of the boarding stairs with his hand as Mara scrambled backward into the cabin.
Before she could reach the emergency cockpit escape hatch, Nick Vance bounded up the stairs with blinding speed, grabbing Mara by the shoulders and slamming her hard against the luxury bulkhead.
"Federal marshals! You're under arrest for treason, conspiracy, and attempted murder!" Nick barked, pulling a pair of heavy steel handcuffs from his belt and cinching them painfully tight around her wrists.
Mara sobbed hysterically as she was dragged backward out of the jet cabin and down the metal stairs, her expensive designer heels clicking uselessly against the steps.
As Nick shoved her roughly down onto the concrete floor of the hangar beside the incapacitated mercenaries, Mara looked up at Sebastian with tear-streaked eyes full of bitter defeat.
"You won't survive the trial, Sebastian," she spat venomously. "The syndicate will find a way to silence you before you ever step foot inside a courtroom."
"Let them try," Sebastian replied coldly, looking down at her like she was nothing more than an insect crushed beneath his heel.
"I built this empire out of blood and ash long before you ever learned how to draft a corrupt contract, Mara. And I will still be standing long after your name is entirely forgotten."
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Nick hauled Mara up to her feet, dragging her out into the pouring rain toward the unmarked federal transport vehicles that were now swarming the hangar apron.
The hangar door slowly slid shut behind them, cutting off the harsh wind and leaving Sebastian and Valerie standing alone in the warm, golden glow of the Gulfstream’s cabin interior.
