Chapter 18: The Balcony Breach
Before Julian could take a step toward the drapes, the glass French doors leading out to the terrace shattered inward with an explosive crash.
"Drop the weapon, Julian!" Thomas Miller's voice bo
omed through the study, cold and uncompromising as he stepped through the broken glass, his service revolver locked dead-center on Julian's chest.
Julian spun around, his eyes widening in fury as he recognized the old detective. Instead of panicking, Julian let out a cold, chilling laugh, shifting his aim slightly toward Thomas.
"You think you can just walk into my house, Tom?" Julian sneered, his finger tightening slightly on the trigger. "You're trespassing, and you're an old man past his prime. One twitch of my finger, and you're history."
"Dad, no!" Rebecca screamed, abandoning her hiding place behind the drapes and stepping out into the open room, holding out her hands. "Julian, stop! The federal data is already downloaded. It's over! The police are already surrounding the estate!"
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Julian’s eyes snapped toward Rebecca, rage flashing in his pupils. "You stupid bitch!" He swung his gun barrel toward her.
In a fraction of a second, Thomas moved with the speed of a seasoned veteran, firing a precise shot that shattered the lamp beside Julian's head, disorienting him just enough to throw his aim wide.
