The house fell into an oppressive silence. Massimo carefully parted the curtain just enough to peer outside. Shadows shifted beyond the glass, confirming his suspicions. He glanced over his shoulder and silently raised four fingers, signaling to Carol that there were at least four intruders.
Carol nodded once, tightening her grip on the revolver. They exchanged a brief look. Then, with a deafening crash, the front door was kicked down.
Carol fired first. The thunderous report of her revolver echoed through the house as she squeezed off two precise shots, the first one dropped to the ground instantly. Her gunfire provided Massimo with the opening he needed. Rising from his crouch, he fired through the window, shattering the glass as he took aim at the men advancing from outside.
