Chapter 9: The Choice**
Marcus returned inside and lifted the kitchen trapdoor. Lily was huddled in the corner beneath a stack of wool blankets, her eyes squeezed shut. When she heard three distinct knocks on the wooden beam, she opened them and saw Marcus extending his hand.
"Game's over," he said softly, lifting her out of the cellar and cradling her against his chest.
"I heard thunder," Lily whispered, burying her face into his neck.
"Just a storm passing through. But we have to take another trip."
Marcus packed a single leather duffel bag with forged passports, cash, and essential supplies. He had two choices: he could take Lily and flee across the Canadian border, vanishing forever into South America or Europe. But as long as Dominic drew breath, contracts would remain on Marcus’s head, and Lily’s existence would remain a target for rival syndicates looking for leverage.
True peace required an absolute end.
He drove south toward the city of Chicago, stopping at a quiet suburban home nestled in a peaceful neighborhood. It was the residence of Sarah, a retired pediatric nurse and the only person outside the criminal world Marcus had ever trusted with his life.
"Take care of her for just twelve hours, Sarah," Marcus pleaded at the front door, kneeling down to Lily’s level.
Lily clung to his sleeve, tears finally spilling over her eyelashes. "Don't go, Marcus."
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"I have to fix something, Lily," he whispered, pressing a small silver wolf pendant into her tiny palm. "Keep this safe for me. I will come back. I promise."
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