Chapter 30 Blood In The Pews

• The sniper’s shot cracked through the stillness, shattering the air like glass. Rafael’s body jerked backward, crashing into the altar and scattering wax from the flickering candle. Valentina dropped instantly, her boots skidding across the cracked tiles as she dove behind the nearest pew. Splinters exploded around her as another shot ripped through the wood.
• Her heart pounded in her ears. She forced her breathing to steady, eyes scanning the upper rafters where shadows moved. The glint of a rifle scope flashed briefly before melting back into darkness. Whoever they were, they had the high ground and the patience of a professional.
• Rafael groaned, a wet, choked sound. “It’s… not—” he gasped, clutching his side. Blood spilled between his fingers, dark against the candlelight.