Chapter 6 - Facing the Threat
In the shattered doorway stood two tall, imposing figures dressed in pitch-black tactical gear, their faces half-obscured by dark balaclavas. The one in the lead held a heavy-duty suppressed pistol, the muzzle gleaming coldly under the dim light of the bedroom lamp.
"Well, well, well," a harsh, grating voice sneered from behind the mask. "Look what we have here. A happy family reunion."
David instantly stepped in front of us, spreading his arms wide to shield Lily and me. "Get out of my house! The authorities are already aware of everything you've done!"
The lead intruder let out a low, mocking chuckle. "Authorities? David, my friend, the only authorities coming tonight are the ones on our payroll. Now, step aside. We just want the boxes. Hand over the cold wallets and the cash, and maybe—just maybe—we'll let you and your lovely wife live to see the sunrise."
My mind raced. We couldn't fight them. They were armed, professional, and ruthless. But I knew David was right about one thing: if they got what they wanted, leaving us alive was a risk they wouldn't take. I needed to buy time—any amount of time.
"The digital keys aren't here," I said suddenly, stepping out from behind David's protective bulk, forcing my voice to remain steady despite the absolute terror gripping my chest.
The intruder paused, tilting his head. "Is that so? And where would they be, Mrs. Miller?"
"They're in a safety deposit box at the downtown central bank," I lied smoothly, keeping my eyes locked onto the masked man's cold gaze. "My husband only brought the physical cash home. The access codes require both of our biometric signatures, and they are stored off-site. If you kill us, you will never unlock them."
The second intruder muttered something low to the leader, leaning in close. The leader narrowed his eyes, studying me carefully, trying to determine if I was bluffing.
"You're a brave woman," the leader said slowly, raising his pistol slightly, pointing it directly at David's chest. "Let's test that theory. If you're lying, your husband pays the price first."
May you like
My heart stopped. I had pushed too far. The pistol clicked as the hammer was pulled back.
Suddenly, a blinding flash of white light flooded through the shattered bedroom window, accompanied by the deafening roar of a bullhorn echoing from the front lawn.
