Chapter 9 - THE SHADOW OF BRIDGEPORT
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Dominic did not flinch, but the gentle warmth in his dark gray eyes vanished instantly, replaced by the lethal, calculating instincts of an underworld king.
He pulled his phone from his pocket, his thumb flicking the encrypted tactical switch.
“Marcus, report casualties,” Dominic commanded, his voice cold and steady.
“Both federal marshals were wounded but are alive, boss,” Marcus answered over the roar of approaching sirens.
“The ambush was executed by the Volkov cell.”
“They took Daniel into the industrial rail corridor near 35th Street.”
Dominic’s jaw locked like granite.
“The Volkovs don't rescue associates out of loyalty,” Dominic said flatly.
“They rescued Daniel because Daniel holds the digital access keys to the Western Avenue rail accounts.”
“They know the trust is being transferred to Margaret and Rose tomorrow morning.”
“If they force Daniel to execute an offshore transfer tonight, thirty million dollars leaves the country before sunrise.”
Dominic lowered the phone, turning to look at me on the mist-shrouded terrace.
He took both of my shoulders in his hands, his grip firm, grounding, and protective.
“Nora, listen to me carefully,” he said softly.
“I have to go to the south rail yards.”
“The Volkovs have been encroaching on our river terminals for six months.”
“This ends tonight.”
“Dominic, it’s a trap!” I cried, clutching the lapels of his heavy coat.
“They staged the transport ambush to draw you away from the estate!”
“They know this estate is guarded by sixty heavily armed sentries,” Dominic replied with absolute confidence.
“They don't want the estate, Nora.”
“They want the money, and they want to cripple our supply lines.”
He reached up, his thumb brushing away a stray tear that had escaped onto my cheek.
“I am taking three tactical units with me.”
“Marcus is sealing the third floor with biometric locks.”
“You, Rose, and Margaret will remain inside the reinforced vault suite until I return.”
“Promise me you will come back alive,” I whispered, looking into his eyes with all the fierce love burning in my chest.
Dominic leaned down, pressing his lips firmly against mine in a kiss that tasted of rain, danger, and an unbreakable vow.
“I swear it on my father’s soul, Nora,” he whispered against my lips.
“I will be back before the sun breaks over the lake.”
He turned and sprinted through the French doors, barking orders into his radio as he descended the grand staircase.
Within three minutes, the deep, thunderous roar of four armored black Suburbans tore through the front courtyard, their tires shrieking against the wet asphalt.
I stood by the balustrade, watching the red taillights vanish into the dense city fog.
Behind me, Rose walked out onto the terrace, wrapping a woolen shawl around her white bridal gown.
Her dark eyes were fixed on the empty driveway.
“He’s going after Daniel, isn't he?” Rose asked quietly.
“He’s going to protect your family, Rose,” I replied, turning to take her trembling hand.
Rose looked down at the lace veil Margaret had sewn, her fingers tracing the pale-blue thread running through the border.
“My mother told me something twenty minutes ago, Nora,” Rose whispered.
“She said my father Arthur spent five years trying to buy those rail yards so our family would never have to bow to the mobs or the syndicates.”
“He wanted an honest business for his daughter.”
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Rose looked up, her jaw setting with the same stubborn courage that defined Margaret Ellis.
“We are not going to let the Russian mob steal my father’s dream tonight.”
