Chapter 481: Ambushing the Tunnel

Jack wasn't sure how much bloodshed the stolen money would cause in Mexico, but Matt's plan had certainly worked. Two days later, in the afternoon, when Jack and Jane stepped into the small chapel again, it had been transformed into a makeshift command center. Several Army technicians, dressed in military uniforms, were busy in front of screens.

"The IRS hit its mark—Manuel Díaz is being called back to Mexico."

On one screen, a tall, thin middle-aged man was climbing into a luxury Mercedes. The footage came from a drone. On another screen, which showed a satellite view, there was a clear view of an old, rundown car parked in a desolate area—the entrance to the tunnel.

In the few days since they last met, Alessandro looked even more worn out. His eyes were bloodshot, his stubble had connected with his sideburns, and he emitted a distinct, unwashed odor.

Surveillance work was grueling. To maintain complete control over Díaz's movements, the DEA's undercover agents, Army drones, satellites, and CIA's covert monitoring tools had all been put into action.

The FBI had no role in this part of the operation. Even though the target was within U.S. borders, the heavy use of CIA resources meant Jack and Jane had kept a low profile, staying away from the chapel. 

Alessandro had taken the job more seriously than Matt, who would occasionally take breaks, coming out to smoke or share a drink with Jack and Jane. Matt even joked that if Jack ever got tired of the FBI, he could apply for a job at the CIA—not as a field agent, but as a chef at Langley.

Matt walked over and patted Alessandro on the shoulder. "I'll take over. Go rest and get a hot shower."

Though Alessandro looked exhausted, he allowed himself a rare smile.

"So, tonight's the night?" Jack asked, feeling a sense of relief. Despite his laid-back demeanor over the past few days, he had been quietly preparing, and now the time had come for action.

Matt clapped his hands, drawing the attention of the Delta operators chatting nearby. He gestured for Michael, who had reappeared after a few days of mysterious absence, to step forward.

Michael had returned with a box of high-end gear, including GPVNG18 enhanced four-eye night vision goggles and Peltor Comtac communication and noise-reduction headsets.

"Alright, here's the plan," Michael said, distributing maps to everyone. "We'll drive to the location and then proceed on foot. This map is based on other discovered tunnels, so it's for reference only. It may not be entirely accurate."

He continued, "Once we're inside Mexico, there's a staging area, with a second tunnel leading to a larger warehouse and a smaller path to the main road. Your mission is to clear the drug operations. Be aware that they may use local police vehicles to transport drugs. If you see anyone in uniform, treat them as enemies without hesitation."

Michael paused and turned to Matt. "Rules of engagement?"

"Free fire," Matt replied casually, the two words heavy with implications. In military terms, "free fire" meant shoot to kill.

Michael didn't react to the bloodthirsty command and continued in a light tone. "Okay, free fire. We're going in fast and loud to cover our infiltration team, so make a lot of noise once the action starts."

"Yes, make it as loud as Fourth of July fireworks, boys," Matt added with a grin, clapping his hands again. The Delta operators took their night vision gear and communication devices and headed off to prepare.

"It's confirmed—Díaz is on the move, heading southeast. He'll reach the tunnel entrance in about an hour," an Army technician announced after taking off his headset.

"Alright, you two get ready. We leave in 40 minutes," Matt said to Jack and Jane, checking his watch.

Jack took the night vision goggles, communication headset, and IR markers from Michael, but didn't move right away. He stood still, smiling at Matt.

"What's the problem? Just follow Delta, and you'll be fine," Matt said, confused.

Jack narrowed his eyes, glaring at him without a word. Matt, feeling a bit guilty, rubbed his nose.

"You're really going with Alessandro? You know he doesn't plan to make it back alive, right? We can't send anyone in for a rescue if things go south inside Mexico. That would cause a huge diplomatic mess."

"No need to worry. I'll figure something out on my own," Jack replied, not giving Matt a chance to keep dodging the subject. He turned to leave.

"Okay, okay," Matt finally relented, raising his hands in surrender. "I talked to Alessandro. He'll take you along."

He then pointed to Jane. "But your girl has to stay with us."

"Of course. That's why she's been here this whole time," Jack said, raising a hand to stop Jane from protesting. The next phase was going to be too dangerous for her. Having her stay with Delta was just to make the operation seem like a standard raid on a drug-smuggling tunnel.

Half an hour later, the fully equipped team boarded three Suburbans. On the drive, Matt kept making calls, tracking Díaz's movements. Díaz, who had been rushing alone earlier, was now approaching the small town of Nogales.

The team drove in silence, heading toward the same destination from a different route. Drones monitored the other end of the tunnel, and the operation would begin the moment Díaz crossed into Mexico.

An hour later, as the sun sank below the horizon, the three Suburbans came to a stop about a kilometer from the dilapidated car concealing the tunnel entrance. Everyone disembarked.

"Check your gear!"

"Thermal imaging ready!"

"Night vision ready!"

"Comms are good!"

Unlike the others dressed in desert camo, Alessandro stood out in sleek, black tactical gear, wearing a wetsuit-like black hood. He looked distinctively different from the rest.

Jack didn't have such professional gear. He simply wore a dark T-shirt and jeans, his tactical rig being the standard FBI SWAT black outfit. Functionally, the difference wasn't too big.

Jack had left his FBI-issued Glock back in Los Angeles. For this mission, he brought two high-powered pistols. His backup, the FK 7.5, was snug in a shoulder holster. His main sidearm was the MK24, a gift from the SEALs, marked with the golden anchor logo, holstered on his right thigh.

His primary weapon remained the HK417 with a 16-inch barrel. Technically, he should have opted for something more compact, like Alessandro's submachine gun, for better mobility. However, given the task ahead, Jack had fitted the HK417 with a long suppressor and added a night vision scope.

Everyone wore Pro-Tec tactical helmets, equipped with night vision and infrared strobe lights for identification at night. These lightweight, breathable helmets weren't bulletproof but were perfect for the tunnel mission.

With preparations complete, the sun had fully set, and the vibrant sunset had given way to the deepening night. All that remained was a faint glow on the horizon, turning the figures of the team members into dark silhouettes, ready for action.

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