Chapter 10 - The Docks at Midnight
The rusted shipping containers loomed like monolithic steel giants against the turbulent black waters of the bay. Salt spray mixed with heavy rain, stinging Julian’s face as Arthur’s luxury sedan bounced along the gravel access road before cutting its headlights. They killed the engine, plunging the car into silence save for the relentless drumming of rain on the roof.
Julian stared out the windshield at Warehouse 14, a derelict structure with broken windows and a flickering security light above the rusted sliding door.
“Are you armed?” Julian asked, flexing his bruised, swollen fingers with a grimace.
Arthur pulled a heavy Glock from the glove compartment, checking the magazine before sliding it into his holster.
“I didn't expect a war when I signed up for a hostile takeover,” Arthur muttered, his hands steady despite the adrenaline. “Evelyn is inside. I saw her car parked behind the loading bay.”
Julian opened his door quietly, stepping out into the freezing downpour. Every muscle in his body ached from the fall, but the adrenaline had numbed the worst of the pain. He checked his phone one last time. The screen flickered to life, showing a new GPS ping originating from the center of Warehouse 14, along with a chilling text message from the Unknown Caller: Time to collect your inheritance, Julian.
They crept along the corrugated steel exterior of the warehouse, hugging the shadows. A side access door stood slightly ajar, leaking a faint yellow glow and the sound of muffled crying. Julian motioned for Arthur to take the left flank while he prepared to breach the main entrance.
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Julian kicked the side door open with a brutal force, shattering the rotten wooden frame, and surged into the room with his fists clenched, ready to tear the building apart brick by brick.
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