Chapter 6 - BLOOD TIES AND BULLET CASINGS
The armored Suburban tore down the coastal road at ninety miles an hour, tires hydroplaning slightly across wet patches of asphalt. Declan sat in the passenger seat, issuing cold, clipped orders over an encrypted radio headset while Dominic handled the wheel.
"Lock down Seabrake Elementary," Declan commanded. "I want six men at the perimeter gates. Nobody enters. If anyone approaches that building with a weapon, put them down."
In the back seat, Marin clutched her knees, watching the speedometer climb. Her mind raced with nightmare scenarios: Evan cornered in a classroom, Evan crying out for her.
"Declan," she choked out. "If anything happens to him—"
"Nothing will happen to him," Declan interrupted, turning around to lock eyes with her. The authority in his voice was absolute, an immovable mountain against her terror. "I gave up my soul twenty years ago running the Mercer family, Marin. But I swear on my life, Evan will grow up safe, whole, and untouched by this darkness. Trust me. Just this once."
When they screeched up to the gates of Seabrake Elementary, the scene was eerily calm. Declan’s private security detail was already in position, disguised as municipal utility workers guarding the exits.
Declan didn't wait for Dominic to open his door. He vaulted out of the vehicle and walked briskly toward the main office, Marin right at his heels.
The school secretary looked up in surprise as the imposing billionaire strode in. "May I help you?"
"I'm here for Evan Callaway," Marin said frantically, stepping forward. "I need an early dismissal. Family emergency."
Minutes later, Evan walked into the reception area with his backpack slung over one shoulder. When he saw Marin, his face brightened, but when his eyes landed on Declan standing behind her, his jaw dropped in awe.
"Mr. Mercer?" Evan exclaimed. "Mom, what's going on? Why is the airplane man here?"
Declan crouched down until he was at eye level with the boy. The terrifying mafia boss vanished entirely, replaced by a man looking upon the greatest treasure in the universe. Slowly, Declan offered his hand.
"Hey, buddy," Declan said, his voice softer than Marin had ever heard it. "Your mom and I need to take a little road trip. You ever flown in a helicopter?"
Evan’s eyes went wide as saucers. "A real one?"
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"The fastest one in the state," Declan smiled faintly, ruffled the boy's brown hair, and then stood up, his face hardening as he looked at Marin. "We have to move. Now."
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