Chapter 29: The Ambush

The afternoon sun was warm as the black Maybach glided through the streets of New York.

Serenity sat in the back seat with Mia and Alex. They had just finished school.

"Mommy, did you know Daddy promised me a Lego Death Star?" Alex asked, his eyes shining. "It has over 4,000 pieces."

"I know," Serenity smiled, wiping chocolate from Mia's face. "Your dad is spoiling you two rotten."

"Driver, please take the scenic route by the park," Serenity instructed. "Mia wants to see the ducks."

"Yes, Madam," the driver, a burly ex-special forces soldier named Frank, replied.

But a moment later, Frank's tone changed. It became tight and serious.

"Madam, put your seatbelts on tight. And tell the kids to get down."

"What?" Serenity looked up, alarmed.

"We are being followed. Gray SUV, six o'clock. And another one coming from the side."

Before Serenity could react, a gray SUV screeched out of the alleyway, blocking the road ahead.

SCREECH!

Frank slammed on the brakes. The heavy Maybach skidded to a halt just inches from the blocking car.

"Mommy!" Mia cried out, frightened by the sudden stop.

"It's okay, baby, it's just a game," Serenity grabbed both children and pulled them to the floor of the car, shielding them with her body. Her heart was pounding, but her face was calm. "Stay down."

Four men in masks jumped out of the gray SUV holding baseball bats and metal pipes. One of them approached the Maybach and swung the bat with full force at the passenger window.

BANG!

A loud thud echoed through the car. Mia screamed.

But the glass didn't shatter. It didn't even crack.

"Stay inside," Frank said calmly. He locked the doors and pressed a red button on the dashboard. "Mr. Sterling equipped this car with military-grade bulletproof glass. These clowns can't get in."

Outside, the attackers were confused. They hit the window again and again. Bang! Bang!

"This is boring," Alex peeked out from under Serenity’s arm. He wasn't scared; he looked annoyed. "Mommy, are these Uncle Mason's friends? They look stupid."

"Don't look, Alex," Serenity whispered, pressing his head back down. She was terrified, but also relieved. Jackson... he had prepared for everything.

"Hang tight, Madam," Frank shifted the gear to Reverse. "We are going to play bumper cars."

The engine roared like a beast. The Maybach reversed violently, then accelerated forward, smashing into the SUV blocking the road.

CRASH!

The heavy reinforced bumper of the Maybach pushed the SUV aside like a toy car. The attackers scrambled out of the way to avoid being run over.

Frank stepped on the gas, tearing through the gap and speeding away onto the main avenue.

Serenity looked back through the rear window. The masked men were left behind, yelling and throwing their bats on the ground in frustration.

She let out a shaky breath, hugging her children tight. "Is everyone okay?"

"That was awesome!" Alex adjusted his glasses. "Can we do it again?"

"No!" Serenity scolded, her hands trembling.

Suddenly, the car phone rang. It was Jackson.

"Serenity!" Jackson’s voice was frantic. "Frank triggered the panic alarm. Are you okay? Are the kids hurt?"

"We are fine, Jackson," Serenity tried to keep her voice steady, but she broke into a sob. "They... they blocked the road. Masked men. If it wasn't for the car..."

"Mason," Jackson growled the name like a demon from hell. "Where are you now?"

"We are heading back to the villa."

"Frank, listen to me," Jackson ordered over the speaker. "Don't stop for red lights. Don't stop for cops. Just get them home. I'm meeting you at the gate."

"Copy that, Boss."

Jackson’s voice softened when he spoke to Serenity again.

"Serenity, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I let him get too close."

"It's not your fault," Serenity wiped her tears. "Just come home, Jackson. I need you."

"I'm coming," Jackson said. "And after I make sure you are safe... I'm going to end this. Tonight."