Chapter 9: Thunder on the Helipad
She flew up the service stairs, her bare feet tearing across the cold floors toward the rooftop helipad. If they were taking Leo out of the city, they would do it by air.
When she burst onto the roof, the helicopter blades were already roaring, kicking up a violent wind. Sylvio was carrying Leo toward the open cabin door, Mrs. Higgins running right behind him.
“Stop!” Cameron screamed, sprinting across the tarmac.
Sylvio spun around, cursing as he dropped Leo onto the deck and reached into his jacket for his gun. But before he could draw, the heavy rooftop doors exploded open.
“Sylvio!”
Matteo Duca stood in the doorway, his black overcoat whipping in the wind, his face pure fury. He held a compact automatic weapon.
Sylvio swung his gun upward, but Matteo fired first. Three precise, deafening shots. Sylvio dropped instantly. Mrs. Higgins screamed, collapsing to her knees as Matteo's tactical team swarmed the roof to restrain her.
Cameron didn't look at the violence. She threw herself onto the deck beside Leo, pulling his small, drowsy body into her arms.
“Cam'ron...” he mumbled, his eyes fluttering.
“I'm here, baby,” she sobbed, holding him tightly. “I've got you.”
May you like
A second later, Matteo was on the ground with them, discarding his weapon and his pride. He wrapped his powerful arms around both of them, burying his face in Cameron's neck. He was violently shaking.
“You saved him,” Matteo choked out, his voice fracturing. “You saved my son.”
