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Shane, loyal to the core, stepped up alongside them, his gaze unyielding. “The Murphys and the Kavanaghs stand together. We won’t rest until justice is served.”
Eduardo smiled, his grin so maliciously evil that it chilled me to the core. He didn’t answer, but he flicked his wrist, and once again, the church erupted into gunfire.
Amidst the chaos, Kieran, Cormac, and Aidan Murphy, along with Shane, dashed to the side and dove behind nearby church pews, using them as cover. Bullets whizzed by, striking the grandiose stained-glass windows, and plaster rained down like confetti from the ornate ceiling.
The feeling in the pit of my stomach grew from bad to worse as I watched what came next unfold.
The Murphy brothers, despite their determination and steadfastness under pressure, did not emerge unscathed.
Kieran collapsed to the ground, clutching his chest as a gunshot wound sent shockwaves of pain through his body.
Cormac stumbled and fell after a bullet struck his thigh, his face etched with agony.
Aidan crumpled to the ground, clutching his abdomen, the anguish plain on his face as a bullet tore through his side.
Shane took a bullet to the arm, blood seeping from the wound as he staggered backwards.
Beside me, Connor and Caden exchanged terrified glances, and then their gaze turned to me. I couldn’t imagine how it felt to see their brothers hurt like that, but both of them were keeping level heads despite the horror happening around them.
My eyes tore to my father’s body, and I understood.
Greif struck through me, but I couldn’t give it any credence, not right now.
“We need to get her out of here,” Connor murmured, the urgency in his voice cutting through the madness.
Caden nodded in agreement, his expression resolute. “He’s right. Anastasia, we have to go.”
As much as it pained me to leave my father’s side and the turmoil of the church, I agreed with Connor and Caden. My father was lost. There was nothing I could do for him now, nor was there anything I could do for the Murphys.
The only thing I could do now was survive.
“Let’s go,” I blurted out, ignoring the tears pouring down my face.
“Out the back,” Connor called out softly. Caden and I nodded quickly, knowing now might be our only chance to escape.
With a heavy heart and an increasing sense of urgency, I crawled after the two men towards the rear of the church. I quieted a cry of terror as I pushed myself up to my feet. As we moved, our footsteps seemed to echo far too loudly against the hardwoodfloor and a sudden burst of fear raced through me at the prospect of potentially being discovered.
I didn’t want to die today.
Someone cleared their throat ahead of us, and my heart started beating frantically in my chest. Waiting for us just beyond the back door was a group of cartel soldiers blocking our path.
They wore all-black tactical gear, from head to toe, making them seem like shadowy figures emerging from the darkness. Their faces were obscured by sleek, featureless masks that revealed nothing of their intentions, adding an unsettling air of anonymity. They exuded a sense of quiet menace as they stood in formation, armed to the teeth with an array of weaponry from guns to knives to brass knuckles.
Panic seized my chest, and I exchanged a terrified glance with Connor and Caden.
Connor took a brave step forward. “Stay behind me,” he whispered, his voice laced with protective resolve and unwavering determination.
Caden positioned himself at our side, ready to defend me too.
At the forefront, a single imposing figure stepped forward, his piercing eyes locked on the three of us. He tore his mask off, revealing a scarred face that terrified me to the core. His lips curved into a chilling smile, showing us a row of clenched teeth. With a subtle nod, he signaled to his men, a silent command that sent a shiver down my spine.
Connor lunged forward and struck first.
He unleashed a barrage of punches, his fists a ferocious blur of motion. Each strike landed with a bone-rattling impact.
Nearly a dozen men swarmed around him as I held my breath in fear. Connor’s movements were a blur of action as he parried blow after blow. I nearly squealed with hope as he landed a hard kick straight to one of the soldier’s groins, and then when he slammed his palm straight into one of their noses.
Sweat glistened on his brow as he pushed himself beyond his limits, his breath coming in ragged gasps. The harsh scrape of his boots against the concrete floor echoed throughout the back of the church.
