Chapter 160 - maze of deceit

Maze of Deceit

Lawrence

The grand foyer erupted into bedlam as Kemp's forces swarmed from every shadowy corner. We rallied into a tight circle, guns blazing until a smoke bomb's hissing explosion left us blinded and stumbling.

Coughing violently, eyes streaming from the acrid fumes, I tried vainly orienting myself in the cavernous space. My years mafia instincts railed against this vulnerability, a cornered beast with teeth bared defensively.

Through the wisps of smoke, figures converged weapons raised. I prepared to fight to the bitter end, when the polished marble floor abruptly vanished under my staggering feet. My stomach lurched sickeningly as I plunged into darkness.

The impact drove the breath from my lungs as I slammed onto a sloped metal surface. Fighting to fill my oxygen-starved chest, I warily got my bearings in dim emergency lighting. Stark walls stretc