Chapter 7 - The vanishing act
The discovery of the mole meant the estate was no longer secure. Vincent made the executive decision to move Noah and Maya to a heavily fortified penthouse in the heart of the city until the Falcone threat was entirely eradicated.
The next morning, a convoy of three black SUVs departed the estate. Vincent rode in the lead car to draw any potential fire, while Maya and Noah rode in the heavily armored middle vehicle with two trusted guards.
As they navigated the busy downtown streets, a massive commercial garbage truck suddenly pulled out of an alleyway, violently T-boning the lead SUV.
The convoy screeched to a halt. Men in gray tactical gear poured out of unmarked vans, swarming the vehicles. Maya’s guards drew their weapons, engaging the attackers, but they were vastly outnumbered.
“Maya, get him out of here!” one of the guards shouted, unlocking the rear door.
Maya didn't freeze. She grabbed Noah’s hand, kicking the heavy door open, and sprinted into the chaotic, crowded city streets. She knew these streets. She had lived on them. She knew every alley, every blind spot, and every abandoned building.
“Keep running, Noah. Don’t look back,” Maya urged, her voice steady and calm despite the terror chasing them.
She ducked into a narrow, damp alleyway, pulling Noah behind a row of overflowing dumpsters just as two Falcone men ran past, their weapons concealed beneath long coats. Maya held her breath, wrapping her arms tightly around Noah, pressing his face into her chest so he wouldn't make a sound.
Once the men were gone, she led Noah through a broken chain-link fence and into an abandoned, decaying theater where she used to sleep on cold nights. The air smelled of dust and old wood. She guided him up into the darkened balcony, crouching behind a row of velvet seats.
Hours passed. The sun began to set, casting long, frightening shadows across the ruined stage below. Noah was shivering. Maya took off her soft cashmere sweater and wrapped it around his small shoulders, holding him close.
Suddenly, the heavy wooden doors of the theater creaked open. Heavy, disciplined footsteps echoed on the floorboards below.
Maya’s heart stopped. She pulled Noah tighter, holding her breath.
A tall, broad-shouldered shadow moved into the center of the stage. The man looked up into the darkness of the balcony.
May you like
“Maya,” a deep, rough voice called out.
It was Vincent.
