The Edge Of Innocence

Ambush

Ryan's POV

The rail yard was a mess of broken tracks and crumbling buildings, perfect for an ambush. I could hear Luca's men moving through the shadows, their footsteps crunching on the gravel. My pulse quickened as I pressed my back against the container, my gun heavy in my hand. This was it—the moment I'd been dreading. The moment I had to face Luca head-on.

"Stay low," I whispered to Sophie, who was crouched beside me, her eyes wide with fear. I hated that she was here, hated that I'd dragged her into this. But there was no turning back now. I had to end this—once and for all.

I peeked around the corner just in time to see one of Luca's guys step out from behind an old freight car. He was armed, but he hadn't seen me yet. Taking a deep breath, I aimed carefully and fired. The shot rang out, and the man crumpled to the ground.

The sound of gunfire exploded around us as the rest of Luca's crew opened fire. I ducked back behind the container, my heart pounding in my chest. "Caleb, cover the right!" I shouted over the noise, signaling him to take the far side of the yard.

Caleb nodded, moving quickly into position, his gun ready. He fired a few rounds, keeping the men at bay while I focused on the ones closing in from the left.

I stole a glance at Sophie, who was huddled close to the ground, her hands covering her ears as the gunshots echoed around us. My chest tightened. I had to end this before she got hurt.

Suddenly, there was movement in the shadows, and I caught a glimpse of Luca himself, standing near one of the abandoned train cars, watching the chaos unfold with a smug smile on his face.

He was here. The bastard was actually here.

Without thinking, I took off running, weaving through the broken-down cars and debris. I could hear Caleb shouting after me, but I didn't stop. My focus was on Luca, and nothing else mattered.

I rounded the corner, and there he was, standing with two of his guys, his gun casually resting at his side. When he saw me, he smiled—a cold, calculating smile that sent a shiver down my spine.

"Ryan," Luca said, his voice calm despite the gunfire around us. "I knew you'd come."

I raised my gun, aiming it straight at his chest. "It's over, Luca. Let them go."

Luca chuckled, shaking his head. "You really think it's that easy? You should know better by now. There's no walking away from this."

I gritted my teeth, my finger hovering over the trigger. "Try me."

But before I could fire, one of Luca's men stepped forward, his gun pointed directly at me. I didn't have time to react before a shot rang out—and pain exploded in my side.

I stumbled, clutching my side as blood soaked through my shirt. The world spun around me, but I forced myself to stay upright, my vision blurring as I stared Luca down.

"You should have stayed away," Luca said, his voice filled with mock pity. "Now look at you. Bleeding out in a rail yard like some stray dog."

But I wasn't done yet. Summoning every ounce of strength I had left, I raised my gun and fired.