Chapter 8 - The Silent Rescue
The glass roof shattered into thousands of pieces. Viktor and the tactical elite of the Volkov family rappelled down like shadows emerging from the void.
Smoke grenades burst across the room, blinding Moretti’s gunmen. Automatic gunfire erupted inside the enclosed warehouse.
Because she couldn't hear the sounds, Lila didn't panic at the terrifying gunshots. She remembered her mother’s rule: If anything bad happens, lie down and close your eyes. She immediately curled herself beneath a heavy wooden crate.
Damian moved through the smoke like an unleashed predator. He neutralized two gunmen blocking his path with lethal precision. Elena, in a frenzy, aimed toward Lila’s spot on the floor, but Damian was faster.
BANG!
A bullet struck Elena’s shoulder, sending her gun flying. Damian closed the distance, tackling her to the ground and disarming her completely.
Don Moretti tried to escape through the rear exit, but Viktor cut him off, tackling him to the cold concrete.
The firefight lasted less than three minutes. The entire enemy force was either neutralized or captured.
Damian ignored the fallen enemies. He sprinted straight to the wooden crate, collapsing onto his knees beside Lila. His hands trembled as he untied the ropes and peeled the tape from her mouth.
"Lila! Are you hurt? Look at me!" Damian held her close, frantically checking her for injuries.
Lila looked up at Damian. She couldn't hear his voice, but she saw the tears streaming down his rugged face.
She pressed both of her tiny hands against his chest.
His heart was beating wildly, erratically, overwhelmed by the terror of losing her.
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Lila smiled, signing gently with her small fingers: "Heart beat fast. But heart okay. Daddy is here."
Damian buried his face in his daughter’s shoulder, weeping uncontrollably. The man who had once terrified an entire city was now just a father trembling with gratitude because he had saved his little girl.
