Chapter 12 - The Lioness
In the dimly lit service alley behind the hotel, Maya sat in the driver’s seat of the armored van, her hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly her knuckles were white. The muffled sounds of gunfire echoed from the upper floors, vibrating through the concrete.
Suddenly, the heavy metal fire door of the hotel slammed open.
Julian stumbled out into the alley, his bespoke suit covered in plaster dust, clutching a silver pistol. He looked frantic, his eyes darting toward the street, looking for an escape vehicle. His gaze landed on the idling armored van.
He didn't know who was inside, but he needed the vehicle. Julian raised his weapon and sprinted toward the driver’s side door.
Maya’s breath caught in her throat. The monster who had chained her in the dark, who had broken her fingers and starved her, was standing less than ten feet away. The trauma threatened to paralyze her. Her hands began to shake violently.
“Balance is everything. Redirect their momentum.” Victor’s voice echoed in her mind, grounding her.
Maya didn't freeze. She reached into her jacket and drew the Glock 19.
Julian reached the door, yanking the handle. Finding it locked, he raised his pistol to shatter the glass.
Maya threw the van into reverse, slamming her foot on the gas. The heavy armored vehicle lurched backward violently. The side mirror clipped Julian’s shoulder, sending him spinning backward onto the wet asphalt. He hit the ground hard, his pistol clattering away into the shadows.
Maya slammed on the brakes. She didn't drive away. She kicked the door open and stepped out into the freezing rain, her weapon raised, aiming directly at Julian’s chest.
Julian groaned, pushing himself up onto his elbows. When he saw who was holding the gun, his eyes widened in absolute shock.
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“You,” Julian spat, blood trickling from his forehead. “The little maid. You ruined my life.”
“You ruined your own life, Julian,” Maya said, her voice completely steady, the shaking entirely gone. “I’m just the one making sure you never hurt anyone again.”
