Chapter 10: Pier 42
The rain began to fall just as the SUV slipped silently into the shadows of the industrial harbor district. Heavy, cold drops drummed against the roof of the vehicle as it rolled to a stop behind a row of rusted shipping containers near Pier 42.
The old fish-processing plant loomed ahead like a massive concrete beast against the dark, churning waters of the bay. Faint yellow light spilled from the high, dirty windows of the upper office level, while the ground-floor loading dock doors stood partially open, revealing a cavernous interior filled with shadows and stacked pallets.
"This is as far as the vehicle goes," Miller whispered, turning around from the front seat. He looked back at Jax, then briefly at Leo. "Boss, the perimeter is active. At least four armed men inside the main loading bay, two on the catwalks above. Standard mercenaries."
Jax nodded. He checked the heavy gold watch on his wrist—3:42 AM—then pulled a suppressed semi-automatic pistol from a holster beneath his trench coat, checking the chamber with a quiet, practiced click. He slipped the gold chain necklace inside his black shirt, ensuring nothing would catch or reflect unwanted light.
"Miller, take the rear fire exit with Davis. Secure the stairwell leading to the office block," Jax instructed quietly. "If things go sideways, get the mother out first. Do not wait for me."
"Understood, Mr. Vance," Miller said, opening his door and stepping out into the pouring rain, blending into the darkness like a ghost.
Jax turned to Leo, who sat frozen in the back seat, his hazel eyes wide and fixed on the looming warehouse.
"Remember our deal, Leo," Jax said, his voice softening. "You stay right here. Lock the doors from the inside. Do not roll down the window. If anyone approaches this car who isn't me or Miller, you honk the horn continuously and hit the gas."
"Be careful," Leo whispered, his voice trembling slightly.
Jax gave a single, reassuring nod. He pushed open the car door, stepping out into the cold rain. The wind whipped his dark hair across his forehead as he moved with silent, purposeful strides toward the partially open loading dock doors of Pier 42.
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Inside the warehouse, the air smelled of salt, rust, and old decay. Jax slipped through the gap in the metal door, vanishing into the deep shadows of the interior.
Leo pressed his face against the side window of the SUV, wiping away the condensation with his sleeve. He watched the dark silhouette of the man disappear into the massive building, his heart pounding in his throat as the rain beat a relentless rhythm against the metal roof.
