Chapter 13
The transition from the ruined bedroom to the subterranean bunker was a tense, heavily guarded procession. Cameron moved with the terrifying, predatory grace of an apex predator defending its den. He kept Liora and Milo tucked securely behind his broad, tailored shoulders, his customized automatic weapon raised and ready. The bright, cinematic lighting of the upper floors was completely extinguished, leaving only the harsh red strobes of the emergency system to paint the marble corridors in a violent hue. "Boss, the eastern wing is secure. The Shaw mercenaries are retreating to the outer perimeter," the security chief reported over the encrypted comms, his voice cracking with adrenaline. "They have an armored transport blocking the main gates. They are dug in." "Will you hold them at the gates until I arrive?" Cameron commanded, his volume incredibly low. "Yes, Mr. Ashford. We are laying down suppressing fire." Cameron reached the heavy steel blast doors of the panic suite. He keyed his biometric code, and the doors hissed open, revealing a brightly lit, heavily fortified sanctuary beneath the estate. He ushered Liora and Milo inside. "Are you safe here?" Cameron asked softly, kneeling in front of his trembling son. "Daddy, don't go," Milo pleaded, clinging to Cameron's dark suit. "Would I ever let them take this house from us?" Cameron asked, gently pulling the boy's hands away. He kissed Milo's forehead, then stood up, his cold, observant eyes locking onto Liora. "Will you lock this door behind me, Liora? And open it for absolutely no one but me?"
