Chapter 8 - The Blackwood Trap
The Blackwood Club was an exclusive, four-story private estate in downtown Philadelphia, accessible only to the ultra-wealthy and the underworld elite.
Rain fell in heavy sheets as dark luxury sedans lined the private driveway on Friday night. Armed guards in tuxedos stood at every entrance, checking invitations and scanning guests for concealed weapons.
Inside the grand ballroom, fifty high-ranking syndicate members sat around a massive mahogany table. At the head of the table sat Julian Caruso, flanked by two ruthless Russian enforcers.
"My uncle has gone mad," Julian was addressing the crowd, his voice full of theatrical sorrow. "He spends his days locked in his estate, mourning a blind beast while our business suffers. He is weak. He is unfit to lead the Caruso empire."
A murmur of agreement ran through the room.
Suddenly, the heavy iron doors at the back of the ballroom slammed open.
Dante Caruso walked into the hall.
He wore a tailored black tuxedo, moving with the quiet, terrifying grace of a king entering his court. He carried no weapons.
Beside him walked Dr. Maeve Hart, looking striking in an elegant dark dress, her face calm and unreadable.
And at her heel, guided by a sleek leather harness, walked Argos.
The sight of the massive, blind Cane Corso standing beside Dante caused a wave of gasps to echo through the ballroom.
Julian’s face went white. "What is this absurdity? You bring a vet and a half-dead dog to a syndicate council?"
"I bring truth to a house of lies, Julian," Dante said, his deep voice carrying over the crowd as he walked toward the head of the table.
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"He’s crazy!" Julian shouted, pulling a hidden transceiver from his pocket. "This dog was trained to tear apart anyone who threatens me! Watch!"
Julian pressed the frequency button on the remote, screaming the attack command into the room: "ATTACK, ARGOS! KILL!"
