Chapter 9 - The Newark Docks
Night fell over the massive container port of Newark, New Jersey, as heavy rain battered against rows of rusted steel shipping crates.
Ethan drove his black SUV through the deserted industrial alleyways, accompanied by Marcus Vance in the passenger seat with a rifle.
A mile behind them, four unmarked FBI tactical vans moved into position without sirens, cutting off all vehicular escape routes.
In the shadows between two industrial cranes stood Veronica's black van, its engine idling low under the stormy night sky.
Arthur Vance, Veronica's lawyer and criminal accomplice, stepped out from the driver's side holding a high-powered tactical weapon.
"Is the offshore transfer completed?" Arthur shouted through the downpour as Ethan stepped out of his vehicle alone.
"Show me my daughter first, Arthur!" Ethan shouted back, his light grey suit getting drenched in the freezing rain.
Veronica slid the van's side door open, dragging nine-year-old Lily into view with a silver gun pressed against the child's side.
"Transfer the funds on your phone right now, Ethan, or she dies in front of you!" Veronica screamed hysterically over the thunder.
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Suddenly, bright red laser sights illuminated Veronica's forehead from the tops of the surrounding shipping containers.
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