Chapter 13 - The Setup
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Arthur moved with terrifying efficiency. He didn't lock Marco in the basement or execute him in the living room. Instead, he used the traitor to weave a fatal web for Malcolm Croft.
Arthur called Marco into the study an hour later, making sure a specific, highly detailed map of the city was spread across the desk.
“Marco,” Arthur began, rubbing his forehead as if he were exhausted. “I need you to run a message to the warehouse district. Tell the capos that I am moving Chloe and the baby to the secondary safehouse in New Jersey tonight at midnight. The convoy will take the lower tunnel.”
“Understood, Boss,” Marco nodded smoothly, his eyes flashing briefly to the map.
“We are completely vulnerable during the transport,” Arthur added, feeding the lie perfectly. “Ensure the route is cleared. I won't have any heavy security with us. I want to keep a low profile.”
“I’ll make sure it’s handled personally,” Marco promised, turning and leaving the room.
The moment the door closed, Arthur looked at Leo.
“He’s going to call Croft the second he’s out of the building,” Leo grunted. “They’ll set up an ambush in the lower tunnel.”
“Exactly,” Arthur agreed coldly. “Malcolm Croft is desperate. He will bring his entire remaining strike force to the tunnel to execute me and Chloe, hoping to end the war in one decisive blow.”
“And what will we be doing?” Chloe asked from the doorway, having listened to the entire exchange.
“You will be safely locked inside the panic room of this penthouse,” Arthur said softly, walking over to her. “While Leo and I take fifty heavily armed men into that tunnel and slaughter every single Croft soldier who shows up.”
Chloe’s breath hitched. The reality of the violence was horrifying, but she knew it was the only way to secure their future.
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“You come back to me,” Chloe demanded, grabbing his collar.
“I always do,” Arthur promised.
