Chapter 5 - THE HUNT AT PIER 14
By 2:00 a.m., a tactical SWAT unit had surrounded the perimeter of Pier 14. Fog hung thick over the water, muffling the distant sounds of city traffic.
Richard insisted on riding in the command vehicle. Although Vance initially refused, Richard’s status as the primary target—and his intimate knowledge of the port layout—convinced the detective to allow him in the mobile monitoring unit.
Through night-vision camera feeds streamed from tactical officers, Richard watched as the SWAT team breached the side entrances of the dilapidated metal warehouse.
"Movement inside," an officer’s voice crackled over the radio. "Two subjects near the upper office gantry."
"Hold perimeter," Vance commanded into his headset. "Confirm identities before moving."
On the thermal imaging screens, two figures were visible sitting at a table inside a glass-walled office overlooking the empty warehouse floor. One figure was noticeably tall; the other had a smooth, round head reflecting the dim overhead light. On the table sat a metal briefcase—presumably the payment for the murder of the Sterling family.
Suddenly, a third figure entered the thermal frame. The tall man stood up and shook his hand.
"That's Victor Kray," Richard said, pointing at the monitor. "I'd recognize his posture anywhere."
"Units, move in now!" Vance ordered. "Execute, execute!"
Flashbang grenades detonated inside the warehouse with deafening pops that rattled the command van. Bright flashes illuminated the fog outside.
"Police! Don't move! Hands in the air!"
Over the audio feed, shouts and glass shattering were followed by three rapid gunshots.
May you like
"Officer down! Subject taking fire from the north walkway!"
Richard held his breath, his hands gripping the edge of the monitor desk as the radio filled with chaotic static and tactical commands.
