Chapter 8 - The Siege
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The backup generators kicked in after three agonizing seconds, bathing the estate in a dim, red emergency glow. Sirens wailed across the grounds.
Marco burst into the library, an assault rifle already in his hands. "Boss! We have a breach. Multiple vehicles crashed the front gates. Heavily armed."
Damian didn't flinch. He walked to a bookshelf, pulled a specific volume, and the wall slid open to reveal a hidden armory. He grabbed two handguns, sliding extra magazines into his pockets.
He turned to Norah and shoved a compact pistol into her hands. "Do you know how to use this?"
"I type eighty words a minute," Norah said, her hands shaking as she held the cold steel. "I don't shoot people."
"Safety off. Point and pull," Damian instructed, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Marco, lock down the west wing. Give them hell."
"Yes, Boss." Marco sprinted out the door.
Gunfire erupted outside, the deafening rattle of automatic weapons shattering the estate's windows. The sound was terrifying, vibrating in Norah's chest. She had never been near real violence before.
Damian grabbed her arm. "We have to move to the panic room. Stay behind me."
They moved into the hallway just as the front doors blew inward with a massive explosion. Smoke filled the foyer, and the shouts of Romano hitmen echoed off the marble walls.
Damian pushed Norah behind a heavy stone pillar and leaned out, firing three rapid shots. Two men dropped instantly.
"Move!" Damian yelled, covering her as they ran toward the grand staircase.
Bullets chipped the stone around them, showering Norah in dust. She kept her head down, her heart pounding so hard she thought her ribs would crack. A hitman appeared at the top of the stairs, aiming directly at Norah.
She didn't think. Instinct took over. Norah raised the compact pistol, squeezed her eyes shut, and pulled the trigger.
The recoil snapped her wrists back. When she opened her eyes, the man was tumbling down the stairs.
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Damian looked at her, his eyes wide with surprise. "Nice shot."
"I'm going to throw up," Norah gagged.
