Chapter 5 - THE THREAT AT THE GATE
Before Evan’s hand could reach inside his jacket, the library doors flew open.
Viktor stepped into the room, a heavy suppressed pistol held low at his side, pointed directly at Evan’s chest. Behind Viktor stood two armored security guards.
Evan stopped his movement immediately, raising his hands slowly into the air.
"Take his weapon," Gabriel ordered coldly.
Viktor stepped forward, reached into Evan’s jacket, and pulled out a sleek 9mm pistol, tossing it onto the desk.
"Search his bay in the garage," Gabriel added. "Retrieve the black envelope."
"Already done, boss," Viktor said, pulling the slim black leather folder from his coat and laying it gently on the table next to the blue key. "Nolan gave us the combination code. The documents are intact."
Gabriel picked up the envelope, opening it to inspect the pages. As he expected, three pages had been replaced with forged documents containing fake signature lines for federal immunity agreements—a masterclass in evidence fabrication designed to make Gabriel look like a traitor to the syndicate.
Gabriel looked at Evan, who was sitting with his hands raised, his eyes full of bitter defiance.
"You were going to let Vance execute me," Gabriel whispered, a profound sense of sadness settling over him. "After fourteen years."
"You changed, Gabriel!" Evan spat out, his face contorting with rage. "You got soft! You started caring about morals, about housekeepers, about clean books! You forgot where we came from!"
Before Gabriel could answer, the security intercom on his desk buzzed loudly.
Gabriel pressed the button. "Speak."
"Mr. Rowan!" the gatehouse guard reported, panic evident in his voice. "We have a situation at the main entrance! Three black suburban SUVs just rammed through the outer security barrier! Marcus Vance and twelve armed men are in the courtyard right now!"
Evan let out a dark, breathless laugh. "Vance didn't wait for the courier, Gabriel. He knew you canceled the downtown meeting. He brought the execution team directly to your doorstep."
Gabriel didn't panic. He slowly stood up, placing the black envelope safely inside his inner suit pocket.
"Viktor," Gabriel said calmly. "Move the staff to the safe room in the sub-basement immediately. Ensure Hannah Bennett and her daughter Lucy are secured first."
"What about Mr. Cross?" Viktor asked, gesturing toward Evan with his gun.
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Gabriel looked at the man he had once considered a brother.
"Bind his hands," Gabriel commanded coldly. "Bring him to the grand foyer. If Marcus Vance wants a war in my home, I want Evan to have a front-row seat to the consequences of his betrayal."
