Chapter 5 - The Vanguard Network
"We have a problem, Vincent," Marco said, pointing to a specific document in the pile. "Vanguard Systems isn't just a corporate name. Look at the board of directors. The Chairman is Senator Raymond Sterling. The same Sterling who just announced his run for the presidency next year."
Vincent picked up the document, his eyes scanning the signatures. "Sterling was the one who authorized the riverfront development project ten years ago. He's been using the Caruso family as a local scapegoat for years whenever he needed to show he was 'tough on crime.'"
"Exactly," Marco nodded. "If this document gets out, it proves Sterling’s entire political career was funded by the very corruption he claimed to be fighting. Miller isn't a federal agent. He's Vanguard’s private security chief. A clean-up specialist."
A sudden explosion rocked the building. The glass in the office window shattered inward, held together only by the heavy protective laminate film. The lights flickered and died, replaced instantly by the red glow of the emergency backup system.
Downstairs, the sound of automatic gunfire erupted.
"They're inside," Marco said, drawing his weapon and moving toward the door.
"Take the girl through the roof access," Vincent ordered, his voice dropping into the deep, authoritative tone of a general under siege. "The rain will give you cover. Take the black sedan in the alley. Go to the safehouse in Cicero."
"Boss, I'm not leaving you here with these bastards," Marco protested.
"You're not leaving me, Marco. You're protecting the asset," Vincent said, looking down at Sophia, who had scrambled off the couch to hide behind his legs again. He reached down, picking up the pink backpack and handing it to his lieutenant. "If I don't make it to Cicero by dawn, destroy the documents and send the digital recording to every federal prosecutor outside the state of Illinois."
May you like
Sophia grabbed Vincent’s hand, her small fingers wrapping around his large thumb. "Come with us, please."
Vincent knelt down, his dark eyes level with hers once more. "I have to clean up the restaurant, sweetheart. I don't like people making a mess in my dining room. Go with Marco. I'll see you for breakfast."
