Chapter 10 - Midnight at the Docks
The rain fell in relentless sheets over the Brooklyn Navy Yard, turning the asphalt into a black mirror reflecting the distant, amber lights of the Manhattan skyline.
Julian pulled the stolen delivery van to a halt behind a row of rusting shipping containers near Pier 42. Beside him, Sarah was holding Leo, who had finally fallen back asleep, his small face peaceful against her chest despite the howling wind outside.
"Dr. Evans' team is waiting at the end of the pier with a private boat," Julian said, turning to look at Sarah, his hand resting gently over hers. "They'll take you and Leo across the bay to a private airfield in New Jersey. From there, a plane is prepped to fly you to a secure estate in New Zealand."
Sarah stared at him, her heart sinking. "What about you?"
"I have to stay," Julian said quietly, reaching up to gently wipe a speck of dirt from her cheek. "The federal prosecutors will need my testimony to execute the arrest warrants for my father and the Vance board. If I leave, they'll claim the leaked files were fabricated by a rogue heir."
"Julian, no!" Sarah choked out, tears welling in her eyes as she grabbed his coat lapels. "They will kill you! Chloe's family has mercenaries on their payroll! You can't face them alone!"
"I spent eighteen months believing I had lost you forever, Sarah," Julian whispered, his voice thick with emotion as he leaned in, pressing his forehead against hers. "Knowing that you and Leo are safe, knowing that my son will grow up knowing his father loved him—that is worth whatever happens to me tonight."
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Before Sarah could respond, a blinding beam of light snapped on from the top of a nearby shipping container, illuminating the interior of the van in a harsh, white glare.
A heavy bullet shattered the driver's side window, showering Julian in safety glass as a high-powered rifle shot echoed across the empty pier.
