Chapter 9: Attack From the Sky

The emergency alarms echoed throughout the underground bunker, drowning out every other sound.

Red warning lights flashed across the concrete walls as guards rushed toward their assigned positions.

"Boss!" another guard shouted through the communication system. "The helicopter has crossed the outer perimeter!"

"How many occupants?" Marco asked.

"Thermal scans indicate at least six armed men."

"They're ignoring every warning."

"Activate the anti-air defense," Marco ordered.

"Already online, Boss."

Marco turned toward Devon.

"Stay underground."

"No," Devon replied immediately.

"Excuse me?"

"I'm done hiding while people risk their lives because of me."

"This isn't a discussion."

"Neither was my entire life until I met you."

Marco looked at him for several seconds.

A faint smile crossed his face.

"You're becoming more stubborn."

"I'm learning from the best."

Luca couldn't help chuckling.

"Boss... he's starting to sound like you."

"That's what worries me," Marco replied.

Before anyone could continue, a deafening explosion shook the entire bunker.

Dust fell from the ceiling.

"Impact confirmed!" a voice reported over the intercom.

"The helicopter fired a missile at the west wing!"

"Damage report!"

"Minor structural damage. No casualties."

"Good."

Marco picked up a tactical radio.

"Team Alpha, secure the mansion."

"Bravo Team, move to the rooftop."

"Charlie Team with me."

"Yes, Boss!"

Marco started toward the stairs.

Devon followed without hesitation.

"I told you to stay downstairs," Marco said.

"And I told you I'm done running."

"You don't even know how to hold a weapon."

"Then teach me after we survive."

Marco sighed.

"You're impossible."

"So I've been told."

Moments later they emerged onto the mansion's main floor.

Outside, chaos had erupted.

The black helicopter circled low above the estate while armed men leaned from the open side door, firing automatic weapons toward Marco's security team.

Guards returned fire from behind armored vehicles.

"Everyone inside!" Luca shouted.

"They're trying to draw us into the open!"

Marco studied the helicopter's movements.

"No."

"They're looking for someone."

"Me?" Devon asked.

"No."

"You."

At that moment, the helicopter slowed directly above the mansion.

A loudspeaker crackled.

"Marco De Luca!"

"This is your final warning!"

"Hand over Devon Hamilton..."

"Or we'll reduce this estate to ashes!"

The voice echoed across the property.

Marco stepped into the open courtyard despite the danger.

"Boss!" several guards shouted.

"Take cover!"

"Relax," Marco replied.

He looked directly at the helicopter.

"If they wanted to kill us... they would've already fired another missile."

"They're negotiating."

"And I don't negotiate with terrorists."

The helicopter suddenly opened fire again.

Bullets tore through the marble fountain behind Marco.

Devon instinctively pulled him backward.

"Have you completely lost your mind?" Devon yelled.

"Possibly."

"You're bleeding again!"

The bandage on Marco's shoulder had begun turning red.

"It's only a scratch."

"A bullet isn't a scratch!"

"Depends who's counting."

Even in the middle of a firefight, Marco remained strangely calm.

Luca hurried over.

"Boss!"

"The anti-air launcher is ready."

"Permission to fire?"

Marco looked toward the helicopter.

"Wait."

"They're buying time."

"For what?"

As if answering his question, three black SUVs smashed through the estate's front gate.

More armed men poured out.

"Ground assault!" one guard shouted.

"Multiple hostiles inside the perimeter!"

Marco immediately understood.

"The helicopter was a distraction."

"Their real target is the mansion."

"Protect Devon!"

"Move!"

Gunfire erupted from every direction.

The peaceful estate transformed into a battlefield.

Devon ducked behind an armored vehicle beside Marco.

"This is insane!"

"Welcome to organized crime," Marco answered dryly.

"I preferred office meetings."

"I'm beginning to understand why."

One attacker managed to reach the front entrance.

Before he could throw a grenade, Marco fired a single precise shot.

The grenade rolled harmlessly across the driveway before exploding.

"Nice shot," Devon admitted.

"Years of practice."

Suddenly, one of the attackers spotted Devon.

"There he is!"

"Take Hamilton alive!"

Half a dozen gunmen immediately charged toward them.

"They're after me!" Devon shouted.

"Obviously," Marco replied.

"Run toward the east garden!"

"What about you?"

"I'll slow them down."

"I'm not leaving you again."

Marco grabbed Devon by the collar.

"Listen carefully."

"If they capture you, everything we've done becomes meaningless."

"Now go!"

Reluctantly, Devon sprinted across the garden with two bodyguards protecting him.

Marco remained behind, exchanging gunfire with the advancing attackers.

Just as Devon reached the tree line...

...he heard a familiar voice.

"Devon!"

He froze.

Standing near the estate's side entrance was Miriam—his personal assistant from Hamilton Group.

She looked terrified.

"Miriam?"

"What are you doing here?"

Tears filled her eyes.

"Your father sent me."

"He said I had to warn you..."

"Victor Kane isn't after Hamilton Group anymore."

"He's after something much bigger."

"And your father has been hiding the truth from you for twenty-six years."