Page 89 of Bozo

We watch as the men begin unloading crates from the trucks. Whatever's in there, it's heavy. They struggle with each box.

And then, unexpectedly, Damien Hammond turns and looks directly at our hiding spot. A chill runs down my spine. Somehow, he knows we're here.

"We've been made," I say on a rumble. How the fuck did that cunt know we’re here?

"Shit!" Jer hisses. "How the hell did he spot us?"

Before anyone can respond, gunfire erupts. Bullets ping off the metal containers around us, forcing us to duck for cover.

"So much for the element of surprise," Pyro growls. "Everyone move! Do not let those trucks leave! We want Hammond contained."

We spring into action, returning fire as we advance on the warehouse. The night air fills with the deafening sound of gunshots and cries of pain as the bullets hit intended targets.

I see Damien Hammond retreating toward his car, surrounded by a protective circle of men. Rage surges through me. This is the bastard behind it all, the one who put Gráinne in danger.

"He’s leaving!" I shout to Jer, already sprinting toward Hammond's position.

Bullets whiz past me as I weave between the shipping containers. I can hear Jer cursing behind me, followed by heavy footsteps.

My focus narrows to a single point: Damien Hammond.

As I round the corner of a container, I come face to face with one of Hammond's men. Without hesitation, I fire, dropping him before he can raise his weapon.

Hammond is almost at his car now. I put on a burst of speed, desperation fueling my movements. He’s not getting away. Fuck no. I won’t let him.

"Hammond!" I roar.

He turns, his eyes meeting mine. For a moment, time seems to slow. I see the cold calculation in his gaze, the slight smirk on his face. This is a man used to being in control, to always being one step ahead.

But not this time.

I raise my gun, ready to end this once and for all. But before I can pull the trigger, something heavy slams into me from theside. I go down hard, my weapon skittering away across the concrete.

As I struggle to my feet, I see one of Hammond's men advancing on me, his fist already swinging. I dodge the blow, countering with a vicious uppercut that sends him staggering back.

I hear the sound of a gunshot fill the air and it’s followed by Jer’s maniacal laughter. “Did you really think you could escape, Hammond?”

I breathe a sigh of relief. He has him cornered. I know that Jer’s men will be at his side, making sure Jer’s secured and that cunt doesn’t escape.

Hammond’s man advances on me again, but this time I’m ready for him. I slide my hand into the back of my jeans, my fingers closing around the other gun I have. Within seconds, I fire off a shot and the fucker crashes to the ground, a bullet hole in his chest.

I don't waste another second, sprinting toward where I last saw Hammond and Jer. As I round the corner, I see Jer has Hammond on his knees, gun pressed to the back of his head. Hammond's men lie motionless on the ground nearby.

It’s over. Everyone is gathered around the cunt, watching him. He’s not as cocky as he was mere moments ago.

"It's over, Damien," Jer growls. "Your little empire ends here."

Hammond chuckles, a sound that sends chills down my spine. Even now, facing death, he seems unnervingly calm. "You think this is the end? You have no idea what I have created."

I approach cautiously, my gun trained on Hammond. "Really? The Revenant is done, finished. There’s no one of importance left. Dragomir, gone. Antoine, gone. Étienne, gone. Marcel, gone. Not to mention, your son. Mike.” His eyes flashwith anger and pain. Good. “You shouldn’t have gone after Gráinne.”

Hammond's eyes flick to me, a cruel smile playing on his lips. "Ah, the protective boyfriend. How touching. Tell me, how is dear Gráinne? I hope Mike didn't rough her up too badly."

Rage surges through me. Before I know it, I'm in front of Hammond, my fist connecting with his jaw. He sprawls backwards, blood spurting from his split lip.

"Enough," Jer says sharply, pulling me back. "We need him talking, not unconscious."

Hammond spits blood, his eyes gleaming with malice. "You want to know what's in those crates? Power. The kind of power that will reshape this country. Weapons, yes, but more than that. Technology. Information. Everything needed to control not just the underworld, but the government itself."

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