Chapter 5 - The Reunion and the Ambush
"Mama," Leo choked out, dropping his weapon to the floor as he fell to his knees beside the bed. He buried his face in her frail, cold hands, tears finally breaking free from the dam of his grief. "I thought you were dead. Franco told me... he said you were gone."
Elena Rossi stroked her son’s dark hair with trembling fingers, a weak, loving smile touching her pale lips. "Franco... that monster. He wanted the keys to the Swiss vaults. When I refused to sign over my holdings, he drugged me, faked my death, and locked me away in this hellhole. He threatened to kill you if I ever tried to send word."
Clare stood near the doorway, watching the tender reunion with tears in her own eyes. For a moment, the dangerous world of the mafia faded away, replaced by the raw, undeniable power of a mother and son reunited.
Then, the red light of the hallway smoke detector blinked twice.
Click.
Leo froze. His instincts, honed by a decade in the underworld, screamed at him. He snatched his pistol from the floor and spun toward the doorway just as the heavy oak door slammed shut with a resounding crash.
Outside in the hallway, heavy boots echoed against the linoleum. Multiple pairs. Moving with military precision.
"We're trapped," Clare gasped, rushing to the window. "It's barred shut. There's no way out!"
"Leo," Elena whispered, her eyes wide with terror. "They've come. Franco knows you're here."
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The door handle jiggled. The heavy lock clicked, and the door swung inward to reveal three men in black tactical gear, automatic submachine guns raised and leveled directly at Leo’s chest.
Behind them, stepping out of the shadows with a smooth, sickeningly polite smile, was Uncle Franco.
