Chapter 10
Miller’s earpiece crackled with frantic, high-pitched static.
The federal agent’s hand flew to his ear, his eyes widening in disbelief as a voice screamed through the encrypted channel:
"Command! This is Sector Four! The main fuel manifolds at the deep-water berths just blew their emergency seals! We have crude oil flooding the northern docks! The Coast Guard has declared an immediate maritime hazard zone—they’re ordering an evacuation of all federal personnel within two miles!"
Miller took an involuntary step back, his face turning an alarming shade of gray under the tactical floodlights. "You... you flooded your own port?"
"I flooded the buffer basin," Roderic said calmly. "It will take the Environmental Protection Agency six months to clear the inspection permits. And until those permits are cleared, no federal receiver can seize the assets. The terminals are legally frozen in maritime limbo."
Miller’s jaw clenched so hard the muscles strained against his cheek. "You crazy son of a bitch. You just destroyed thirty million dollars of your own shipping revenue."
"Money can be earned back, Miller," Roderic replied, stepping closer until his shadow fell over the federal agent. "My daughter cannot."
The marshals around them hesitated, their rifle barrels drifting slightly downward as they realized the jurisdictional foundation of their raid had just collapsed into an environmental disaster zone.
"You still assaulted your fiancée," Miller said, desperate to salvage the operation. "You still assaulted Kenneth Ross inside this building. We have ninety witnesses in that ballroom."
"Kenneth Ross drew an illegal submachine gun in a crowded hotel," Roderic countered, gesturing smoothly toward the mezzanine where Gage was already escorting the terrified guests out through the emergency exits. "I defended the room. Senator Albright will confirm my testimony under oath on Monday morning. Isn't that right, Senator?"
Behind Roderic, Senator Albright stumbled through the double doors, clutching his coat, his eyes darting frantically between Miller and the mob boss.
"Mr. Haversham acted in self-defense!" the Senator shouted, his voice shaking with terror. "Ross was armed and threatening the guests! Roderic saved our lives!"
Miller stared at the Senator, then looked back at Roderic. The defeat in the federal agent’s eyes was absolute, bitter, and venomous.
"This isn't over, Roderic," Miller whispered, his voice trembling with contained rage. "The Commission won't let you keep the city. They’ll send crews from every family from Boston to Philadelphia."
"Tell them to come," Roderic said softly. "I have plenty of room in the harbor."
Roderic turned his back on the federal tactical team, completely unbothered by the dozens of assault rifles behind him. He walked toward the private elevator at the end of the lobby, Silas trailing two paces behind him.
Inside the quiet brass-lined elevator, the doors slid shut, cutting off the blinding tactical lights and the frantic shouts of federal agents.
Annelie yawned softly, resting her cheek against the wool lapel of Roderic’s suit, her small fingers still holding the half-eaten crust of bread Silas had given her.
"Daddy?" she mumbled, her eyelids drooping with heavy, infant exhaustion.
"Yes, little bird?"
"Are we going to see Mommy in the Catskills?"
Roderic’s hand went still against her back.
He looked down at his daughter, his jaw tightening into that familiar, unyielding iron line. He had told her for two years that her mother was resting in the mountains, waiting for the war to end. But the war had never ended.
Before he could answer, the encrypted satellite phone in his interior breast pocket vibrated with a sharp, double pulse.
Roderic pulled the sleek black device from his pocket.
The screen illuminated with an unknown, unlisted number originating from an offshore satellite relay in the Mediterranean.
A single text message flashed on the glass:
The girl’s mother didn't drown in the harbor, Roderic. She’s sitting in a villa in Palermo. And she wants her daughter back.
The elevator chime rang, signaling their arrival at the rooftop helipad where the twin turbines of his private chopper were already spinning into a deafening roar.
Roderic looked down at the sleeping child in his arms, then looked out through the glass doors toward the dark night sky.
May you like
The domestic treason was finished.
The real war for his daughter’s life had only just begun.
