Chapter 7 - The Mastermind's Lair
With Miguel captured, the tide of the war shifted dramatically. Under Sean’s intense interrogation, Miguel surrendered the location of Victor Rossi’s main compound—a heavily fortified estate hidden deep in the pine forests forty miles north of the city.
In the safe house's briefing room, Sean laid out satellite maps of the estate.
"Rossi’s locked himself in his mansion," Sean said, pointing to the structural blueprints. "He’s got thirty heavily armed mercenaries, motion sensors, and attack dogs patrolling the perimeter. A front assault would be suicide for my men."
"Then don't use men," Marcus said, sitting at the table, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. He had changed into tactical clothing provided by Nina, looking less like a helpless street kid and more like a man determined to protect his sister. "Use Raleigh."
Sean raised an eyebrow. "Rossi bred those perimeter hounds himself. They’re aggressive, territorial, and trained to kill anything that moves. Raleigh would be torn to pieces if he went in alone."
"They won't attack him," Carrie spoke up from the corner where she sat stroking Raleigh’s ears. "Dogs don't fight because they like to fight. They fight because their master tells them to be afraid. If Raleigh goes in with my whistle, the pack will follow him."
"That’s insane," Nina interjected. "You're talking about dog psychology in the middle of a military operation."
"It's not insane," Sean said slowly, his sharp mind turning the concept over. He looked at Carrie with a newfound respect that bordered on awe. "Rossi’s entire security system relies on those dogs keeping watch over the treeline. If those dogs go silent or turn on their handlers... my men can breach the compound without firing a single shot at the perimeter."
"I'm coming with you," Carrie declared, standing up.
"Absolutely not!" Marcus shouted, leaping out of his chair. "Carrie, you almost died twice today! I am not taking you to a mob boss’s estate!"
"Raleigh won't do it without me, Marcus," Carrie said firmly, her sightless eyes turned directly toward her brother’s voice. "He trusts the whistle because my breath is behind it. If you take him without me, he’ll think you’re using him like Rossi did. He’ll fight back."
The room fell into an uncomfortable silence. Marcus looked at Raleigh. The massive dog was standing right beside Carrie, his body leaning heavily against her legs, his dark eyes locked onto Marcus as if reinforcing her words.
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Marcus let out a long, defeat-filled sigh, slamming his fist onto the table. "If a single scratch gets on her, Sean, I don't care how many men you have—I will kill you myself."
Sean didn't laugh this time. He bowed his head with absolute seriousness. "Understood, kid. If she gets hurt, you won't have to kill me. I’ll do it myself."
