Chapter 17
The next morning, the grand living quarters of the penthouse were peaceful and warm. Josephine sat at the kitchen island, happily eating a bowl of oatmeal. She wore a bright yellow winter coat and a small knit hat, completely unaware of the lethal violence brewing in the freezing streets below. Bennett adjusted his tie in the mirror. His face was a mask of cold, calculating darkness. He walked over to his daughter and kissed the crown of her head with a fierce, protective tenderness. "Are we going to school, Daddy?" Josephine asked, her large blue eyes shining with innocent trust. "Not today, sweetheart," Bennett said softly. "Today, you're going to stay right here with Marcus and play with your new rocking horse. Daddy has a very important meeting to attend." Josephine smiled, oblivious to the fact that the penthouse was currently locked down by a dozen heavily armed tactical operators. Marcus approached Bennett, his voice lowered to a whisper. "The decoy vehicle is ready, sir. We have rigged the rear cabin with ballistic mannequins. Are you certain you want to be in the driver's seat? It is highly dangerous." "Silas wants to see me," Bennett replied, his American accent carrying a devastating, absolute finality. "I am going to give him exactly what he wants. Deploy the convoy." "Keep her away from the windows, Marcus," Bennett added, his icy eyes locking onto his chief of security. "If anyone breaches this floor, authorization is lethal force." "Understood, Mr. Sterling. Happy hunting," Marcus nodded.
