Chapter 10 - The Cabin in the Mist
Dante killed the engine and doused the headlights, plunging the Mercedes into absolute, eerie darkness save for the dim amber glow of the dashboard clock.
The rain drummed a heavy, relentless beat against the roof.
“They’re already inside,” Dante murmured, his voice dropping into a tactical whisper. He reached into the glove compartment and pulled out a heavy, matte-black Sig Sauer pistol, checking the magazine with a smooth, practiced click before sliding it into an internal holster beneath his suit jacket.
My heart hammered against my ribs like a trapped bird. I looked down at my hands—hands that yesterday only knew how to teach piano scales and arrange white garden roses.
“Dante,” I whispered, catching his sleeve as he reached for the door handle. “I’m coming with you.”
He paused, turning his head to look at me with a sharp, incredulous frown. “No. You’re staying in this car with the doors locked. That cabin is crawling with armed mercenaries who won't hesitate to shoot.”
“My grandfather built that cabin,” I retorted, my voice ringing with a fierce, unbreakable authority that left no room for argument. “He hid those blueprints under a floorboard that only a Vance family member knows how to spring without triggering the explosive demolition relay.”
Dante’s eyes widened slightly. Explosive demolition relay?
“He didn't just build a secure server room, Dante,” I whispered, a cold, vengeful smile touching the corners of my mouth. “He built a trap. And if Sterling’s men think they’re walking out of those mountains with twelve million dollars and my family’s legacy, they’re about to learn what happens when you corner a music teacher.”
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Dante stared at me for a long, silent beat. Then, slowly, a dangerous, appreciative smile broke across his handsome face. He reached into his coat pocket, pulled out a compact tactical earpiece, and clipped it securely over my left ear.
“Stay behind me,” Dante said softly, pushing open his door into the pouring mountain rain. “Let’s go burn down an empire.”
