Chapter 9 - The Confrontation at the Pier
Marcus had no choice but to divert the SUV down the only open path—a descending ramp leading straight into the abandoned municipal shipping piers.
The vehicle screeched to a halt between rows of rusted shipping containers, the rain lashing against the reinforced windshield. Behind them, two more black sedans rolled into the entrance of the pier, cutting off their retreat.
“They boxed us in,” Marcus muttered, checking his magazine. “Daniel, stay in the vehicle. The glass is bullet-resistant.”
“They aren't here to shoot us,” Daniel said, his eyes scanning the shadow of an old warehouse thirty yards ahead.
A lone figure emerged from the warehouse office, holding an umbrella in one hand and a thick manila folder in the other. He was thin, withered, and leaning heavily on a cane, but there was no mistaking the hollow, predatory eyes of Victor Cole.
Beside him stood three armed men, their rifles pointed directly at the Suburban’s engine block.
“Dad, please don't go,” Leo sobbed, grabbing Daniel’s sleeve.
Daniel turned to his son, his heart breaking. He cupped Leo’s face in his hands. “Leo, listen to me carefully. You saved us today at the church. You are the smartest, bravest boy in the world. But right now, I need you to stay down on the floorboards with Marcus. No matter what happens, you do not come out. Do you understand?”
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Leo nodded through tears. “I love you, Dad.”
“I love you more than anything,” Daniel whispered. He kissed Leo’s forehead, stepped out of the SUV, and slammed the heavy door shut behind him.
