The attack.

The night was thick with tension as the soldiers moved silently through the forest, their footsteps muffled by the soft undergrowth. The air was cool, carrying the faint scent of pine and damp earth. Above, the moon hung low, casting a pale silver light over the trees, just enough to guide their path. Dad, Digzy, and Otim led the way, their expressions grim but determined. Behind them, the soldiers moved with precision, their weapons at the ready, their training evident in every step.

As they approached the edge of the forest, the heavily guarded compound came into view. It was a stark contrast to the natural surroundings—a sprawling, fortified residence surrounded by high walls topped with razor wire. Floodlights illuminated the perimeter, and armed guards patrolled the grounds, their movements sharp and alert. The compound was a fortress, designed to keep intruders out and its secrets locked within.

Digzy raised a fist, signaling the group to halt. They crouched low, their eyes scanning the area as they assessed the situation. Otim leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper. "This is it. Thomas's compound. The main house is in the center, surrounded by barracks for his men. He's likely in the house, but he's always heavily guarded. We'll need to move fast and take out the perimeter guards first."

Dad nodded, his jaw tight. "We'll split into teams. One group takes the east side, the other takes the west. We'll converge on the main house once the perimeter is secure."

Digzy glanced at Dad, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "You've come a long way from the kid who used to hide behind me when the neighborhood bullies came around."

Dad chuckled softly, though his eyes remained focused on the compound. "Yeah, well, I had a good teacher. And a sister who wouldn't let me live it down if I didn't toughen up."

Digzy's smirk faded, replaced by a somber expression. "Alice always knew how to keep us in line, didn't she? Even as the youngest, she had this way of making us feel like we were the ones who needed looking after."

Dad's voice softened, his gaze distant for a moment. "She did. She was always the strong one. The one who kept us grounded. I miss her, Daniel. Every damn day."

Digzy placed a hand on Dad's shoulder, his grip firm. "We all do. But tonight, we make sure Thomas pays for what he did. For her."

Dad nodded, his resolve hardening. "For her."

Otim, who had been listening quietly, cleared his throat. "It's time. We need to move now if we're going to catch them off guard."

Digzy straightened, his commanding presence taking over. "Alright, listen up," he said, turning to the soldiers. "We move in teams. Take out the perimeter guards quietly. No alarms, no mistakes. Once the perimeter is secure, we converge on the main house. Thomas Pezi is our primary target. No one leaves that compound alive unless I say so. Understood?"

The soldiers nodded, their expressions serious. They split into two groups, each moving silently toward their assigned positions. Dad, Digzy, and Otim stayed with the main team, their eyes locked on the compound as they prepared to strike.

The first few minutes were tense but methodical. The soldiers moved like shadows, dispatching the perimeter guards with swift, precise efficiency. The sound of suppressed gunfire was barely audible over the rustling of the trees. One by one, the floodlights went out, plunging parts of the compound into darkness.

As the perimeter was secured, Digzy gave the signal to advance. The teams moved in, their movements synchronized as they closed in on the main house. The compound was eerily quiet now, the only sound the faint hum of generators in the distance.

When they reached the main house, Digzy signaled for the soldiers to take up positions around the building. He turned to Dad and Otim, his voice low but firm. "This is it. Thomas is inside. We go in together."

Dad nodded, his grip tightening on his weapon. "Let's finish this."

The three of them moved to the front door, flanked by a small group of soldiers. Digzy kicked the door open, and they stormed inside, their weapons raised. The interior of the house was opulent but cold, the kind of place that felt more like a showpiece than a home. The sound of their footsteps echoed through the halls as they cleared room after room, their movements swift and deliberate.

Finally, they reached a set of double doors at the end of a long hallway. Digzy exchanged a glance with Dad, his expression grim. "This is it. He's in there."

Dad took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest. "For Alice."

Digzy nodded. "For Alice."

With a swift kick, Digzy forced the doors open, and they burst into the room. Inside, the room was empty. The large desk was cluttered with papers, and the chairs were neatly arranged, but there was no sign of Thomas. The window was slightly ajar, the curtains fluttering in the night breeze.

Dad's eyes narrowed as he scanned the room. "Where is he?"

Otim stepped forward, his expression tense. "He must have known we were coming. He's gone."

Digzy cursed under his breath, his grip tightening on his weapon. "He couldn't have gone far. We need to search the compound."

The soldiers fanned out, combing through every room and corridor, but there was no trace of Thomas. It was as if he had vanished into thin air. As they regrouped in the main hall, the frustration was palpable.

Dad slammed his fist against the wall, his voice filled with anger. "We were so close! How did he slip away?"

Digzy's expression was dark, his jaw clenched. "He's always been a step ahead. But this isn't over. We'll find him. No matter where he goes, we'll track him down."

Otim, who had been quiet, spoke up. "He's probably heading for one of his safe houses. I know a few locations he might use. We can start there."

Dad turned to Otim, his eyes burning with determination. "Then we don't waste any more time. Let's move."