Chapter 8 - Storming Pier 44
The rain had cleared by 3:00 AM, leaving the city streets glistening under amber streetlights. The black Civic rolled smoothly toward the heavily guarded gates of Pier 44, stopping directly in front of the automated security arm.
In the passenger seat, Dante reached across and pressed the stolen electronic fob against the biometric scanner panel mounted on the terminal post.
Beep.
The red light flickered green. The massive steel security gate groaned open, sliding back into the chain-link fence.
"Smooth sailing," Mave whispered, gripping the steering wheel so tightly her knuckles were translucent.
"Keep your eyes ahead," Dante instructed quietly, chambering a round into a heavy semi-automatic pistol he had recovered from Henderson's stash. "Once we're inside warehouse B, Viktor will be waiting. He knows I'm coming."
They drove past towering stacks of shipping containers, the smell of salt water and diesel fuel filling the air. Mave parked the Civic behind a row of empty crates, killing the engine. Caesar immediately hopped out of the back door, landing silently on the concrete, his powerful muscles bunching as he scanned the shadows.
"Stay here, Mave," Dante said, reaching for the door handle.
"Like hell I am," Mave retorted, pulling the box cutter from her pocket with a sharp click. "I didn't break into my own restaurant, steal a security fob, and dodge bullets just to sit in a Honda while you have all the fun."
Dante looked at her, a mixture of exasperation and profound respect softening his hardened features. "Fine. Stay close to my right side."
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They moved like ghosts through the cavernous maze of Pier 44. Giant cranes loomed overhead against the starless sky like robotic beasts. As they approached the double metal doors of Warehouse B, the heavy padlock was missing, and the doors stood slightly ajar, a sliver of pale yellow light spilling out onto the tarmac.
Dante raised his pistol, signaling with his hand. With a swift kick, he flung the metal door wide open.
