Chapter 7 - The Underground Escape
The air in the subterranean cellar was growing thicker, foul with the smell of smoke leaking down from the ruins of the restaurant above.
"We can't stay down here," Viktor said, shining his tactical flashlight down the long, brick-lined drainage tunnel that stretched away into the darkness. "The structural integrity of this whole block is compromised. If the fire department arrives and starts hosing down the ruins, this basement is going to flood or cave in completely."
Valente nodded in agreement. He turned back to Ruby, his expression serious and protective. "This tunnel leads out to the old shipping canal two blocks away. Viktor has a secure vehicle waiting there. You're coming with us, Ruby."
"I... I can't," Ruby stammered, pulling back slightly. "I have a sister at home. I need to get back to my apartment. I need to check on her."
"You can't go back to your apartment," Valente stated flatly, stepping closer. "The men who planted that bomb know you were on duty tonight. If they realize you saw the device before it went off, you are a loose end. And in their world, loose ends are eliminated permanently. Until I dismantle the East River syndicate and ensure your absolute safety, you are safer with me than anywhere else in this city."
Ruby stared at him, the terrifying reality of his words sinking in. She was just a waitress who poured water and cleared plates, but because of a glint of green light under a table, she had just stepped straight into the bloody underworld of the city. She had nowhere else to run.
"Okay," Ruby whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "Lead the way."
Viktor took the lead, sweeping his flashlight down the damp, brick-lined utility tunnel while Valente walked directly behind Ruby, acting as a human shield against any unseen threat from behind.
As for Councilman Arthur Davis, Viktor hauled the sobbing, broken politician to his feet and practically carried him along the damp stone floor, muttering curses under his breath every time Davis stumbled.
They walked in silence for ten minutes through the winding subterranean labyrinth, the distant wails of police sirens and fire truck horns echoing faintly through the concrete grates above them.
Finally, the tunnel opened up into a wide, concrete loading dock hidden beneath an abandoned brick warehouse along the dark, mist-shrouded waterfront of the city's old harbor.
Parked in the shadows of the loading bay was a sleek, matte-black armored SUV with tinted windows and its engine idling silently.
Viktor shoved the whimpering Councilman Davis into the backseat of the vehicle, slamming the heavy door shut behind him. Then he turned to Valente and handed him a secure satellite phone.
May you like
"The cleanup crew is already moving in, boss. The East River syndicate thinks you were vaporized in the blast. They're already scrambling to carve up your territory."
Valente took the phone, a cold, dangerous light flashing in his dark eyes. "Good. Let them think they won. Let them step out into the open where we can see them." He turned to Ruby, opening the rear passenger door for her. "Get in, Ruby. It's time to settle some accounts."
