Chapter 21 - The East Wing Stand
Julian sprinted down the dimly lit corridor of the east wing, the emergency red lighting casting long, sinister shadows against the expensive artwork lining the walls. He reached the heavy steel door of the panic room and immediately keyed his radio. "Vance, they are moving toward the safe room! I need backup here now!"
"We are pinned down in the dining room, Julian! Hold your position, the police SWAT team is three minutes out!" Vance’s voice cracked over the radio amidst the continuous sound of heavy gunfire.
Julian took a deep breath, stepping in front of the panic room door, acting as the final, impenetrable barrier. Heavy, tactical boots pounded up the secondary staircase at the end of the hall. Two mercenaries rounded the corner, their rifles instantly snapping up to target Julian.
Julian didn't hesitate. He fired his shotgun, the blast tearing through the drywall and forcing the intruders to dive for cover behind a heavy oak credenza. They returned fire, bullets shattering the antique vases and tearing chunks of plaster from the walls around Julian’s head. He ducked low, reloading his weapon with trembling, adrenaline-fueled hands.
"Give us the girl, Thorne, and we walk away!" one of the mercenaries shouted from behind cover. "Elena is paying us double for the child!"
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"Elena is going to burn in hell, and you're going with her!" Julian roared back.
Suddenly, a new sound cut through the chaos—the distinctive, rhythmic thumping of a heavy helicopter rotor outside. Julian glanced at the reinforced window at the end of the hall. A black, unmarked chopper was hovering dangerously close to the estate's flat roof, preparing for a rooftop extraction. Elena wasn't just directing the assault from afar; she was here to personally collect her prize. The final confrontation was hurtling toward him.
