Chapter 17: Breach at Raven Lake
The night air shattered with the synchronized pop of silenced gunfire and the screech of tires as five unmarked black SUVs smashed through the outer perimeter gates of Raven Lake Lodge. Heavily armed mercenaries in matte-black tactical gear spilled out like ants from a kicked anthill, moving with practiced military precision toward the main stone entrance.
Inside the lodge, the lights flickered and died as an electromagnetic pulse device shorted out the main electrical grid, plunging the grand hallway into pitch-black shadow.
"EMP deployed," Daniel muttered calmly from the glowing emergency terminals in the study. "Backup generators kicking in in three... two... one."
The emergency red lighting flooded the halls, casting long, dramatic shadows across the stone walls.
At the front double doors, heavy breaching charges blew the massive oak hinges outward in a concussive blast of splintered wood and smoke. Three operatives charged into the entryway, raising their carbines—only to be met with a deafening roar of shotgun fire from Frank and two veteran bikers positioned behind reinforced cover.
The hallway erupted into chaotic crossfire. Glass shattered, plaster rained down, and the acrid smell of gunpowder choked the air.
"They're pushing through the west wing!" Daniel reported, tapping his screen.
Jack didn't hesitate. He drew a suppressed sidearm from his holster, motioning to Caleb. "Cover the flanks. Let's welcome our guests."
Ethan watched the tactical map on his tablet, his heart pounding in his throat as blue and red dots clashed across the estate layout. He saw three hostile dots moving stealthily toward the private study through the garden service corridor—bypassing the main hallway entirely.
"Jack! They're coming through the greenhouse corridor on your left!" Ethan shouted into his earpiece.
Before Jack could pivot, the glass door of the study shattered inward. Two operatives rushed through, weapons raised.
Ethan didn't freeze. Years of quiet resilience, combined with the fierce bloodline of the Brooks family, kicked in instantly. As the lead operative swung his rifle toward Jack, Ethan lunged forward, grabbing a heavy brass desk lamp and smashing it with full force across the intruder's helmet, sending him crashing into a mahogany bookshelf.
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Jack spun around, neutralizing the second operative with a swift, brutal strike that laid him flat on the Persian rug.
Jack breathed heavily, turning to Ethan with a mixture of shock and intense pride. "Remind me never to get on your bad side, kid."
