Chapter 8 - THE STANDOFF AT THE WATER'S EDGE
Luca kicked the rotting wooden door open. It splintered into a thousand pieces. He stepped into the boathouse. His black coat was soaked with rain. His dark eyes locked onto Vanessa. And onto his trembling daughter. “Let her go, Vanessa,” Luca said. His voice was terrifyingly calm. “Drop your gun, Luca!” Vanessa screamed. “Kick it across the floor!” Luca slowly unholstered his pistol. He laid it on the wet wooden planks. He kicked it toward the corner. “Are you happy now?” Luca asked. “Step back!” Vanessa demanded. “Further!” Luca took two steps back. “You're insane, Vanessa,” Luca said. “Throwing away your entire life for money.” “Power is everything!” she laughed hysterically. “Your father ruined my family's reputation!” “He took our shipping contracts!” “And now I'm taking everything back!” Sofia looked at her father. “Daddy...” she whispered. “Don't worry, sweetheart,” Luca said, his eyes never leaving Vanessa. “I'm right here.” “You're not getting her,” Vanessa hissed. She raised her foot, ready to push the child over the edge. At that exact moment, a shadow dropped from the rafters above. Max. He landed silently behind Vanessa like a panther. Before Vanessa could react, Max struck. He slammed his good arm into her back. The iron pipe slipped from her hands. It clattered against the wood and fell into the dark lake below. “No!” Vanessa shrieked. She lost her balance. She stumbled forward. Her high heel caught on a rotting plank. Vanessa screamed as she pitched over the edge. She grabbed for the railing. Her fingers missed.Splash. The icy lake water swallowed her whole.
