Chapter 20 - The Ambush at the Ranch
Suddenly, the harsh roar of approaching vehicle engines shattered the quiet afternoon stillness of the Texas Hill Country.
Two heavy-duty black SUVs tore through the ranch's rusted iron entrance gates, kicking up a massive cloud of red dust.
The vehicles skidded to a halt outside the limestone cabin, doors flying open as six armed operatives stepped out into the yard.
"Dad, we're being ambushed!" Elena whispered urgently, drawing her service pistol from her jacket holster.
"Stay behind me, Elena; they want these journals back," General Vance commanded, his military instincts snapping into overdrive.
He drew his sidearm, taking a tactical position beside the stone window frame while Marcus—who had flown in with them—secured the rear exit.
The lead mercenary raised a suppressed rifle, firing a high-velocity round that shattered the cabin's front window glass.
Marcus returned fire instantly from the back porch, neutralizing the first attacker with a precise, professional shot.
"General Vance, surrender the archive box, and nobody else has to die today!" an amplified voice shouted from outside.
May you like
"Over my dead body!" General Vance shouted back, his voice echoing with fierce, uncompromising authority.
---
