Chapter 7 - Turning the Tables
By noon, the blizzard had passed, leaving Chicago blanketed under a thick sheet of blinding white ice. Inside Gideon’s private command center, a war council was underway.
Marcus spread a large blueprint of the Chicago Waterfront Commerce Building across the table. "Senator Vance is holding a televised political fundraiser tonight at 8:00 p.m. on the top floor of the Commerce Tower. Every major news network, donor, and city official will be in attendance."
"And Kozlov?" Gideon asked, leaning over the blueprint.
"Kozlov’s private security firm handles the building's logistics and access control," Marcus answered. "They think they have total control over the venue."
"Good," Gideon said, his dark eyes gleaming with tactical brilliance. "They expect us to hide behind our estate walls and defend. They don't expect us to walk straight into their lion's den."
Clara, who was now sitting comfortably in an armchair wrapped in a cardigan, looked up anxiously. "How are you going to use the drive, Gideon? If you hand it to the local police, Vance’s contacts will destroy the evidence before it reaches a courtroom."
"We aren't giving it to the local police," Gideon explained calmly. "We're broadcasting it live to forty million viewers."
He looked at Marcus. "Have our tech team override the Commerce Tower’s media feed at 8:30 p.m. Inject the encrypted files, the bank transfer logs, and the audio files of Vance authorizing Kozlov’s hit squads directly onto the main projection screens during Vance’s speech."
"And what about Kozlov?" Marcus asked. "He'll realize what's happening instantly and try to execute a violent blackout."
Gideon checked the slide of his custom handgun, locking a heavy magazine into place. "I will handle Kozlov personally."
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Clara stood up slowly, walking over to Gideon. She reached out, placing her hand gently on his arm. "Gideon... please be careful. You've already done so much for us."
Gideon looked down at her, feeling a quiet bond forged through shared survival and deep trust. He placed his large hand over hers. "I spent three years living like a ghost, Clara. Protecting you and Norah gave me a reason to wake up again. I won't let them take that away."
