Chapter 14 - THE TRAP
The meeting place was an abandoned railway station outside the city.
Diamond knew it was a trap.
Marcus knew Diamond knew.
That was the point.
They arrived at sunrise.
Levi wanted twenty men.
Diamond refused.
Too many guns would make Caprice a target.
Only four guards came.
Caprice sat beside Diamond in the SUV.
"You scared?"
"Yes."
He looked at her.
"Good."
She smiled faintly.
"You?"
"Terrified."
That answer surprised her.
"Of Marcus?"
"No."
Diamond took her hand.
"Of losing you."
They entered the station.
Marcus stood at the far end.
Older now.
Gray hair.
Elegant suit.
Gold watch.
He looked remarkably calm.
"Diamond."
"Marcus."
Marcus smiled.
"You have your father's eyes."
"You don't get to call yourself my father."
Marcus laughed.
"I don't need permission."
Caprice stepped forward.
Marcus looked at her.
"So you're the woman."
Diamond's expression changed.
"Don't look at her."
Marcus smiled.
"Interesting."
He turned back to Diamond.
"You always had a weakness for stubborn women."
"What do you want?"
"The empire."
"You can't have it."
"Then I want you dead."
Gunmen emerged from the shadows.
Levi shouted.
"Down!"
Gunfire exploded.
Diamond pulled Caprice behind a concrete pillar.
Bullets ripped through the station.
Levi returned fire.
Caprice looked at Diamond.
"What now?"
"Stay down."
"I hate that answer."
He almost smiled.
Then a bullet struck the wall beside them.
Diamond's expression hardened.
He pulled a weapon from beneath his jacket.
"You wanted a war."
May you like
He looked toward Marcus.
"Now you have one."
