Chapter 4 - Flight into the Frost
The hinges surrendered with a deafening screech. Julian reacted without thought. "Go! Through the boiler access to the garage!" he shoved Clara and Arthur toward the western exit while grabbing Maya’s arm, pulling her into the lower maintenance ramp.
Arthur dragged a screaming Clara away, choosing survival over confrontation. Julian led Maya through the freezing draft of the underground vehicle bay. The cold air hit their faces like a blade. His dark sports car was parked near the loading dock, keys already in his pocket.
Behind them, the fire door collapsed. Heavy footsteps echoed down the ramp. Julian threw Maya into the passenger seat, gently strapping the swaddled baby into her lap. He vaulted into the driver's seat, hit the ignition, and slammed the accelerator. The engine roared to life, tires screaming on cold pavement.
A hail of bullets shattered the rear windshield as the car burst through the half-open security gate, skidding sideways onto the snow-slicked mountain road. Glass rained over Julian’s shoulders, but the baby barely whimpered, nestled tightly against Maya’s chest.
"Are you hit?" Julian yelled, peering through the shattered rearview mirror. Headlights flared behind them—two black SUVs were already giving chase, their tires fitted with heavy chains.
Maya shook her head frantically, brushing glass from the infant's wool cap. "We're safe, but they won't stop, Julian. Evelyn said they have men inside your family's company."
Julian’s knuckles turned bone-white on the steering wheel. "My father's company?"
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"Evelyn stole the drive from Sterling Logistics," Maya revealed, her voice shaking. "She worked in their offshore records before she ran. Your family isn't just shipping cargo, Julian. They're trafficking weapons for the cartel."
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