Chapter 6 - The Uninvited Guest
“Captain! We’ve got movement on the ground floor perimeter!”
The voice crackled over the tactical radio, sharp and urgent.
Elena’s head snapped toward the hallway. She tapped her comms piece, her professional demeanor locking back into place with lethal precision. “Report. Who breached the gates?”
“It’s not a breach, ma’am,” the operative’s voice came back over the static, laced with sudden confusion and tension. “It’s local state police cruisers—three of them, led by an unmarked black sedan. They’re flashing their lights, demanding we stand down and release the civilian detainees under local jurisdiction.”
Elena cursed under her breath. “Corrupt local muscle. I figured Sterling’s father had the county sheriff in his back pocket, but I didn't expect them to mobilize this fast.”
Daniel handed his son gently to one of Elena’s trusted tactical medics who had followed them upstairs. “Take him down to the armored transport outside. Keep him secure. Do not let anyone—badge or no badge—touch him.”
“Understood, Captain,” the medic nodded, shielding the infant against his tactical vest as he hurried toward the rear service stairs.
Daniel turned back to Elena, rolling his shoulders as he cracked his knuckles. His face was a mask of cold, controlled fury. “Looks like we have company, Sergeant. How do you want to play this? Federal protocol, or field rules?”
Elena offered a cold, dangerous smile, unholstering her sidearm and checking the chamber. “Federal protocol requires us to cooperate with local law enforcement, Captain. But field rules apply when local law enforcement is working for a criminal enterprise.”
Downstairs in the grand foyer, the heavy oak front doors were pounded open with a violent crash.
“State Police! Drop your weapons and step away from the premises!” a booming, authoritative voice echoed up the grand staircase. “You are operating outside your jurisdiction without local warrants! Step down or we will open fire!”
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Elena looked at Daniel, her eyes flashing with adrenaline. “Looks like they brought friends.”
“Let them come,” Daniel said, stepping out into the second-floor landing, his boots clicking sharply against the hardwood. “Let’s see how loyal the local badge is when they realize they’re defending a nest of murderers.”
