Chapter 9 - THE STANDOFF AT THE BRIDGE
The chase ended at the rusted expanse of the old county bridge. Police spike strips, orchestrated by Nathan's vast resources, shredded the van's front tires. The vehicle skidded, slamming into the concrete barricade with a shower of sparks, teetering perilously close to the edge of the dark, rushing river below. The black SUVs surrounded the van instantly, high beams cutting through the torrential rain.
Nathan stepped out of his vehicle, completely ignoring the rain soaking through his bespoke suit. Marcus stumbled out of the van, frantic, holding a tire iron in one hand and hovering near the back doors where the twins were trapped. "Back off! I'll push it over!" Marcus screamed, though his knees were shaking. Nathan walked forward slowly, his hands empty, his eyes locked on Marcus with the cold, immovable weight of a glacier. "You are done, Marcus," Nathan said, his voice carrying over the thunder. "Your debts are bought. I bought them an hour ago. You owe me now. You let those boys go, and I'll let you walk into a jail cell instead of a shallow grave." The absolute certainty in Nathan's voice broke the last of Marcus's resolve. The tire iron clattered to the wet pavement. Police swarmed him, but Nathan was already past them, ripping the van doors open and pulling the crying infants into his chest, shielding them from the storm.
