Chapter 208 - He Knew She Would Survive
They weren't saints or philosophy preachers. Sebastian should know that there had never been any morality or humanity for the crime worshipers to follow. He shouldn't be surprised at the inevitable betrayal.
He didn't have the time to analyse whether the enemy had bought the law enforcement team provided for his protection with their money or they had swapped the official team with the fake ones.
The rescue squad turned out to be the assassins hunting Sebastian and his team.
Sebastian's men were in three different cars with four persons in each, and they fought against the enemy with all their courage and strength. They left no stone unturned from their side. They did their best to cover Sebastian's car from both sides, providing him with protection.
"Keep driving, and don't stop for anything or anyone until I say otherwise," Sebastian barked a command.
Due to the shattered rear windshield, he could clearly see the face of the driver of the car approaching from behind.. He aimed his gun at him, and within seconds, the bullet travelled straight into his target's forehead, causing their vehicle to lose balance and Sebastian's men didn't waste time before killing everyone inside.
They managed to burst the tires of three more cars with their bullets and targetted all the passengers in them.
"We'll take care of them. You leave with the assets, brother," yelled one of Sebastian's men from the other car. Their only priority was to protect their boss' daughter, and they wouldn't mind sacrificing their lives in the process. Nodding his agreement, Sebastian gave the green signal to his driver to speed off.
It wasn't an easy task to manoeuvre the car on the riverside road while it was raining. It didn't help much with the enemies firing from all sides. Sebastian heard a bullet hitting his tire and knew when it got busted. His driver drove, breaking all the speed limit, and that was why he couldn't manage when the tires screeched, losing balance.
Another gunshot and the car caught fire immediately. The driver got shot in the chest as well and died on the spot.
Sebastian and his men threw the doors to the car open and jumped out of the burning vehicle, taking the silver box with them.
A few of their opponents' cars caught fire too, and tires screeched, sounds of gunshots echoed everywhere. There were too many, and they outnumbered Sebastian's team. Blood spilt from both sides, and people died.
Getting into another car, Sebastian placed the silver box inside before taking his seat behind the wheel. At this point, it was clear they wouldn't win against the nameless enemies. He decided, keeping Hera safe was the only mission that mattered. So, he drove like a mad man while the remaining of his team fought the enemies.
They almost made it to the city when suddenly two cars overtook him, and they blocked his way. Sebastian couldn't dodge it in time, and the bullet hit him on his left arm. He jumped out of the car, ducking his head to keep himself safe while the remaining four men guarded the box inside.
A drowning person would be grateful if one offered him a single strand of grass as a mode of survival. Likewise, Sebastian wanted a single chance to safeguard Hera's life before his death. It seemed someone heard his prayers because he found a ray of hope.
Like the thirsty soul finding an oasis in the desert, Sebastian found someone hiding behind a large tree, and he hurried his steps to reach them. In the urgency of his need to find a safe place to hide Hera from the hovering danger, Sebastian didn't notice the shooter aiming his gun at him.
His entire body jerked with the force the bullet cut into the flesh of his right thigh before a sudden sharp pain shot through his body. He hissed, yelling a string of curses.
The two men and a woman gawked at Sebastian's injured form, with a look of horror painted on their faces. They were not from their enemy troop, and the way they had dressed, it was clear they were local residents.
Their appearances made it easy for him to judge their financial conditions. With the washed-out clothes, worn-out shoes, and the unmistakable look of greed that crossed their faces when they noticed the big silver box, they all gave away their hunger for money.
All Sebastian needed at the moment was a free-loader like them to bite his bait. He muttered another curse under his breath and limped his way to them.
Without wasting any more time, Sebastian made a deal with them by offering all his money. He promised to pay them whatever amount of money they want if they help him deliver the box to the said address. He immediately wrote another letter addressed to Williams, stating why there would be a possibility of him not visiting him tomorrow.
He sighed in relief when they agreed, and within minutes, he handed them the box, asking them to leave immediately. He noticed their old truck parked a short distance away. He gave them a once over, and then his eyes studied their faces in detail as if photographing them into his memory.
He covered them while they reached their truck with the silver box. He didn't tell them about the baby inside on purpose. They would know it later when they open it. He was sure they wouldn't be able to resist for long, but for now, the greed in their eyes was enough to compel them to do his bidding.
He couldn't risk Hera's life by telling them or opening the box to show her to them.
They were absolute strangers, yet he was gambling with his gut feeling and took his chance. Something assured him that they would do it for the money.
He covered them while they made it to their truck.
Meanwhile, two more SUVs appeared, and by the time Sebastian paid attention, it was too late. Within the blink of an eye, bullets started pouring in, cars burnt into nothingness, and all his men got killed. Alone surrounded by the enemies, Sebastian straightened his back, held his gun in position.
The door to the back seat of the SUV opened, revealing his cousin. Sebastian let out an empty chuckle and shook his head.
"Deacon, you bastard, why am I not surprised?" Sebastian asked. The said bastard looked over Sebastian's head and laughed in amusement. When Sebastian followed his eyes, he was horrified. Holding his breath, he watched while Benson opened the box, pulling the baby stroller out.
'Why didn't they leave yet?'
Sebastian's face turned pale because of fear, and he swallowed before facing his cousin. "Don't you dare, Deacon," he warned through his gritted teeth, aiming the gun at Deacon's forehead. Someone from behind fired the bullet, and Sebastian collapsed to the ground, holding his chest.
Instinctively, he glanced at Hera, and a sigh of relief left his mouth as he watched her rescuers diving into the lake with her. Deacon's evil laughter demanded his attention. "How stupid are they? Do you think Alexander's baby will survive under the water that deep?" Deacon asked, sounding too satisfied.
Sebastian knew she would.
They wouldn't have jumped into the lake, taking her with them, if they weren't sure of their survival. They were residents and must have known every nook and cranny around. He was glad that they used their brain and thought of finding an easy way out. Otherwise, Deacon would've chased and killed them by now if they used their truck.
'They weren't stupid but sensible indeed.'
Sebastian appreciated their genius mind inwardly.
"No hard feelings, dear cousin. I only wanted to kill Alexander's baby, but of course, your stubborn ass has to come in between," Deacon sneered at him while Sebastian tried to take deep breaths.
He managed to drag himself to a sitting position and pulled out his cell phone.
Meanwhile, his cousin raised his eyebrows at Sebastian as if mocking him.
"Hmm, let me guess, you want to bid farewell to Alexander?" Deacon asked. "Go ahead, call him and tell him the good news that you're dying, and his daughter will probably be dead by now," he advised. Sebastian dialled his boss' number but didn't speak anything. He disconnected the call even before Alexander could answer.
It was his message for Alexander, and Sebastian knew his boss would know what it meant.
"What did you get by siding with Alexander? Look where your loyalty brought you," Deacon said, feigning pity. "Anyway, don't worry about your son. I'll take good care of my nephew," he promised and seeming thoughtful for a few seconds, he hummed to himself.
"Before you die, let me share a secret with you," Deacon crouched down to Sebastian's level and told him a story in a very excited tone. His eyes gleamed with mockery while he revealed something Sebastian never thought he would live to discover.