Chapter 19 - THE LAKESHORE INCIDENT
Back in Chicago, crisp autumn winds whipped whitecaps across the surface of Lake Michigan outside the Thorne estate.
Marcus was working in his second-floor study when his encrypted tactical alarm system suddenly flashed red.
Vance’s voice crackled instantly over the secure intercom speaker on the mahogany desk.
"Boss! We have movement on the perimeter! A professional sniper has set up position in the northern tree line!" Vance shouted.
Marcus’s face hardened into a mask of pure, lethal fury; his worst fear had just materialized.
"Protect Rory! Do not let her leave the conservatory!" Marcus commanded, grabbing his loaded sidearm from the desk drawer.
He moved with terrifying speed, descending the grand staircase and bursting through the rear French doors into the gardens.
In the distance, among the dense oak trees, a flash of metallic reflection caught Marcus's sharp eye.
Kane, the mercenary, adjusted his sniper scope, aiming directly toward the conservatory glass where Rory was playing.
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Before Kane could squeeze the trigger, Marcus raised his weapon and fired a precise, calculated warning shot that shattered his tree branch.
***
