Colonel Stevens stood in the empty living room of Marcus Night's mansion, his jaw clenched in frustration. He had deployed dozens of soldiers, secured multiple entry points, and executed a textbook military operation. And all for nothing.His radio crackled to life. "Colonel Stevens, this is Command. What's your status?"Stevens keyed his radio. "Target location is completely empty, sir. No sign of Marcus Night, his staff, or anyone connected to him. The house has been evacuated."There was a pause on the other end. "Evacuated? How recently?""Based on the temperature of appliances and the state of the rooms, I'd estimate within the last two hours," Stevens reported. "Someone tipped them off.""Stand by," Command said.Stevens waited, knowing exactly what was happening. The people who had ordered this arrest were now scrambling to figure out how their operation had been compromised.Five minutes later, his radio came alive again. This time it was a different voice. General Marcus Hawt
Director Hammond sat in the back of a government vehicle as it pulled up to a secured building in downtown Washington D.C. He had received the summons late last night: an emergency security meeting with the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Internal Security, and the Secretary of Defense.Hammond knew exactly what this was about. The Reynolds charity ball raid had rattled powerful people, and now he was being called to account for his actions.He was escorted through multiple security checkpoints and led to a conference room on the top floor. The room was designed to be intimidating: dark wood paneling, an enormous table, and no windows. Three men were already seated, waiting for him.Secretary of Defense Richard Morrison sat at the head of the table, a stern man in his sixties with military bearing. To his left was Minister of Defense Gerald Hutchins, a political appointee known for protecting institutional interests. To his right was Minister of Internal Security Thomas Brennan, a fo
The silence in the van was thick and heavy. Marcus stared at the screens showing federal agents processing detained guests, none of whom were the five family leaders they had seen enter the ballroom."There's a secret exit," Henri said, breaking the silence. "There has to be. They didn't just disappear into thin air.""Hidden passages," Eric agreed. "Probably built into the estate specifically for situations like this. These people always have escape routes."Evan was already pulling up architectural plans on his tablet. "The Riverside Estate was built over a hundred years ago. There could be tunnels, underground passages, anything."Marcus made a decision. "We split up. Each of us takes responsibility for tracking one family. We have the resources, the manpower, and we know what they look like.""Outside the law," Eric said, understanding immediately. "If we involve authorities, these people will lawyer up and disappear for good.""Exactly," Marcus confirmed. "This is our only chance
The day of the Reynolds charity ball had arrived. Outside the Riverside Estate, Marcus Night stood in a nondescript van watching multiple screens displaying camera feeds from inside the event. Beside him sat Eric August, Henri Kingston, and Evan Steele, all focused intently on the video feeds."How many of your people are inside?" Eric asked, watching servers and caterers moving through the grand halls of the estate."Eighteen," Marcus replied. "Disguised as waiters, security personnel, and kitchen staff. They're positioned throughout the event."On the screens, guests were arriving in expensive cars. Men and women in formal attire, dripping with jewelry and power, made their way through the entrance. The cameras captured it all."This is incredible," Henri said, watching the video feeds switch between different angles. "The amount of wealth and power in that building right now is staggering.""That's why we need to be careful," Marcus cautioned. "These people aren't just rich. They'r
The video conference screen showed four faces arranged in boxes. Jessie sat in her home office with her phone propped up on the desk. Jason appeared from what looked like a bedroom. Kayla was in a car, driving. Leon appeared to be in some kind of office space."This has gotten completely out of control," Jessie said, her voice filled with frustration. "Between the government raids, the kidnappings, the arrests, and now Marcus holding Ernest Kent captive, I don't know how much worse things can get.""They can always get worse," Leon replied darkly. "That's the one guaranteed thing in this business.""I just want this to end," Kayla said from her car. "I want my life back to normal. I want to go to work without worrying that someone is going to come after me because of what my husband does."Jason nodded in agreement. "We're caught in the middle of something massive, and we have no control over it. We're just waiting for the next disaster to hit."The four friends had known each other f
Henri Kingston sat in his private office, watching his computer screen as it connected to a video conference call. On the screen, a woman in her fifties appeared, sitting at a desk in an official-looking office. She wore professional attire and had the demeanor of someone used to wielding authority.This was Lara Reeds, the secretary of the Ohio Canal Regulatory Body. She was powerful in her own right, controlling one of the most important waterways in the world."Mr. Kingston," Lara said with a polite but guarded smile. "I received your request to speak. I must say, I was surprised to hear from you.""The feeling is mutual, Ms. Reeds," Henri replied smoothly. "I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me on such short notice.""Your people mentioned it was urgent," Lara said. "What exactly can I do for you?"Henri leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled thoughtfully. "I have a situation that requires a very specific solution. A solution only you can provide.""I'm listenin