09
I slid into Marco’s car, the leather seats cool against my skin. The city lights blurred past as we raced through empty streets, his driving precise and controlled despite our speed.
“The Riccis use the docks for their major moves,” I said, recalling information from my father’s dealings. “Less
eyes, easier escape routes”
“Smart girl.” Marco’s hand found mine in the darkness. “But they’re not using the main docks tonight”
“The abandoned marina?”
“Exactly. They think no one watches it anymore.” He turned down a narrow street. “Your father dealt with them
before?”
“More than I’d like to remember. Antonio always had a way of pushing boundaries, even back then.”
Marco’s jaw tightened. “And now with Shanya by his side, he thinks he’s untouchable”
We parked behind an old warehouse, the marina’s rusty gates visible in the distance. Marco pulled out his phone, typing rapidly.
“My men are in position.” He checked his gun, the metal gleaming “Stay close to me.”
“I can handle myself”
“That’s what worries me “His eyes met mine. “You’re too fearless for your own good.”
We crept through shadows, the sound of waves masking our footsteps. Ahead, trucks lined up near the wa edge. Men moved boxes in organized chaos, their voices low and urgent.
“Those aren’t normal shipments.” I pointed to the distinctive markings. “Those are weapons. Military grade.”
Marco nodded. “They’re preparing for war.”
“Against you?”
“Against anyone who stands in their way” He pulled me behind a container as footsteps approached, “Including your family.”
My heart pounded, but not from fear. The reality of what Antonio and Shanya planned hit harder than any threat.
8:57 AM & ct
“We need evidence,” I whispered. “Something concrete”
Marco’s thumb brushed my cheek. “Already handled. My men are documenting everything.”
“You’re always three steps ahead, aren’t you?”
“In this world?” His lips curved. “You have to be.”
A shout echoed across the marina Marco pulled me deeper into the shadows as flashlights swept the areal
“Someone’s here!” A gruff voice called out
“We need to move,” Marco whispered, his grip tightening on my hand. “Now.”
We slipped between containers, the sound of approaching footsteps growing louder. My heart raced, but years
of dealing with dangerous situations kept my movements steady.
“Wait” I tugged Marco’s sleeve, pointing to a small office near the water. “That’s where they keep manifests. If we’re going to get proof-”
“Too risky.”
“Since when do you play it safe? I broke free from his grip, darting toward the building.
“Isabella!” His harsh whisper followed me, but I was already picking the lock
The door clicked open just as Marco caught up. He pushed me inside, closing it behind us. Files covered every surface, papers scattered across desks.
“You’re going to get us both killed.” he said, but his eyes held a hint of admiration.
“Found it.” I grabbed a folder marked with today’s date. “Shipping manifests, contact lists-”
“Drop it”
We froze. Antonio stood in the doorway, gun trained on us. His wedding ring – the symbol of his alliance with
Shanya – caught the dim light.
“Trying to play hero, Isabella?” He stepped closer. “Or just stupid?”
Marco moved in front of me. “This doesn’t have to get messy, Antonio.”
“It got messy the moment you stuck your nose where it doesn’t belong.” Antonio’s smile turned cold. “Though
I’m surprised. I expected better security from the great Marco Ver Antonio’s smile turned cold. “Though
I
“Who says I came without backup?”
Gunfire erupted outside. Antonio’s head turned toward the sound – just for a second. But it was enough. Marco knocked the gun from his hand, sending it skittering across the floor.
I snatched the manifests, shoving them into my jacket as Marco and Antonio grappled. The fight was brutal,
neither man holding back.
“Isabella, run!” Marco’s voice cut through the chaos.
But I wasn’t about to leave him behind.
I grabbed a heavy paperweight from the desk and swung. It connected with Antonio’s shoulder, throwing balance. Marco used the opening to land a solid hit to Antonio’s jaw.
“I told you to run,” Marco growled, blocking Antonio’s counter–attack.
“And I don’t take orders well.” I backed toward the door, manifests clutched tight. “Even from you.”
More gunfire outside. Glass shattered somewhere nearby. Antonio wiped blood from his lip, eyes darting
between us.
“You have no idea what you’re getting into, Isabella.” Antonio’s laugh held no humor. “You think Marco here is just another player? Ask him about-”
Marco’s fist cut him off. The two men crashed into a filing cabinet, papers flying. I used the chaos to slip through
the door, but stayed close the sound of tighting spired out into the night.
“Isabella” Shanya’s voice rang out across the marina “I know you’re here!”
I pressed against the wall, heart pounding. Her heels clicked on concrete, getting closer. Of course she’d be here this was as much her operation as Antonio’s.
The office door burst open Marco emerged, knuckles bloody He grabbed my arm, pulling me into a run
“Antonio?” Lasked between breaths.
“Taking a nap.” Marco’s eyes scanned the area. “But we need to move. Now”
Bullets pinged off metal containers around us. Marco shoved me behind cover, returning fire.
“There’s something you’re not telling me,” I said, clutching the stolen documents
Marco reloaded his gun “Now isn’t the time.
His hand found mine in the darkness. “Trust me. Please.”
More of Shanya’s men appeared, forcing us deeper into the maze of shipping containers Marco’s phone buzzed – a signal from his people.
“Car’s two blocks cast,” he whispered “Ready to run?”
Egripped the manifests tighter. “Born ready”
