Chapter 6 - The Sniper’s Red Dot
A sharp, high-pitched whine cut through the mechanical roar of the water pumps as a laser targeting dot flickered across the concrete wall inches from Viktor’s head. High above us on the upper crane gantry, a sniper from my private security division had locked in their position, waiting for a single word. Viktor stopped struggling, his breath coming in ragged, terrified gasps as the red dot danced across his forehead. “The game is over, Viktor,” I said quietly, stepping closer to the edge of the platform. “You tried to play a high-stakes game of corporate warfare in my waters, and you lost.” I turned my head slightly toward Vivian, who was shaking violently under her cashmere wrap. “Tell me, Vivian—did your father promise you total control of the European arms routes once my mother’s cross was melted down for its digital components?” She couldn't speak. Her lips moved silently, her eyes locked on the dark barrel of the sniper’s rifle glinting from the catwalk above. “Marcus,” I ordered without breaking eye contact with my kneeling prisoner. “Cut the water off and haul him up. Put him in the solitary holding cell. I want a full confession signed in triplicate before sunrise.” As Viktor was unchained and dragged away coughing and shivering toward the steel lifts, I turned my attention back to the woman who had orchestrated the entire nightmare. The trial in the vault was about to begin.
