Ambush.

The sound of gunfire erupted outside the compound, sharp and relentless, echoing through the night. The sudden barrage of bullets hitting the walls and windows sent everyone inside ducking for cover. Dad, Digzy, and Otim exchanged tense glances, their weapons raised as they prepared for the worst. Moments later, a soldier burst into the room, his face pale and his breathing ragged.

"Ambush!" he shouted, his voice barely audible over the gunfire. "They've surrounded the compound! But backup is on the way—we left some soldiers behind as planned. They'll be here soon!"

Digzy's jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing as he processed the information. "Good. Hold your positions. We'll hold them off until reinforcements arrive."

Dad gripped his weapon tighter, his heart pounding. "We're sitting ducks in here. If they breach the building—"

Digzy cut him off, his voice calm but firm. "We'll hold. We've been in worse situations. Just stay sharp."

The gunfire outside continued a relentless exchange that seemed to stretch on forever. The soldiers inside the compound returned fire, their training evident as they took calculated shots through the windows and doorways. The air was thick with the smell of gunpowder and the acrid tang of smoke. Time seemed to slow as they fought to hold their ground.

As the firefight outside subsided, a voice cut through the chaos—cold, mocking, and unmistakably Thomas's. "Digzy! I know you're in there. Come out, come out, wherever you are!"

Digzy's eyes narrowed, his grip tightening on his weapon. Dad reached out, grabbing his arm. "You can't go out there. It's a trap. He'll kill you."

Digzy shook his head, his expression resolute. "If Thomas wanted me dead, he would've already done it. He wants to talk. And if he's talking, he's buying time. We need to see what he's planning."

Dad's voice was urgent, his fear for Digzy evident. "You don't know that. He's unpredictable. You can't trust him."

Digzy placed a hand on Dad's shoulder, his tone steady. "I know Thomas better than anyone. He won't kill me until he's had his say. Just stay close, and be ready for anything."

Before Dad could protest further, Digzy stepped out of the building, his weapon lowered but his posture alert. Dad and the remaining five soldiers followed, their weapons trained on Thomas and his men. The scene outside was grim—the bodies of their fallen soldiers lay scattered across the ground, a stark reminder of the cost of this mission.

Thomas sat casually on a chair in the middle of the clearing, surrounded by a dozen armed men. His expression was calm, almost amused, as he watched Digzy and the others approach. A cigarette dangled from his lips, the smoke curling upward into the night air.

"Well, well," Thomas said, his voice dripping with mockery. "I see you brought your little brother. You know he doesn't belong here, Digzy. You trying to get him killed?"

Digzy's expression remained stoic, his eyes locked on Thomas. "You said you wanted to talk. So talk."

Thomas smirked, leaning back in his chair. "First things first. Let's make sure this conversation stays civil." He gestured to his men, who immediately stepped forward and disarmed Digzy, Dad, and the soldiers. The weapons were tossed aside, leaving them defenseless.

Dad's heart raced, but he forced himself to stay calm. Digzy, however, remained unfazed, his gaze never leaving Thomas.

Thomas's eyes flicked to Otim, who stood slightly behind Dad. "And look who we have here," he said, his tone darkening. "The traitor. I should've known you'd turn on me eventually."

Before anyone could react, Thomas raised his gun and fired. The shot rang out, and Otim crumpled to the ground, lifeless. Dad's breath caught in his throat, his fists clenching at his sides, but Digzy and the soldiers remained unmoved, their expressions hard.

Thomas lowered his gun, his smirk returning. "Now that that's taken care of, let's talk."

Digzy took a step forward, his voice calm but laced with steel. "What do you want, Thomas?"

Thomas leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "What do I want? I want you to understand, Digzy. You're out of your depth. You always have been. Do you think you can waltz in here and take me down? You're a fool."

Digzy's eyes narrowed, but he didn't rise to the bait. "You killed an innocent woman. One who meant so much to me. Did you really think we'd let that slide?"

Thomas chuckled, a cold, hollow sound. "Alice was a pawn, Digzy. A means to an end. And now, so are you."

Dad's voice cut through the tension, his tone filled with barely contained rage. "You're a monster, Thomas. You think you're untouchable, but you're not. We'll find you, no matter where you go."

Thomas's gaze shifted to Dad, his smirk widening. "Ah, the little brother speaks. You've got fire, I'll give you that. But you're out of your league. This is between me and Digzy."

Digzy stepped forward, his voice low and dangerous. "It's over, Thomas. You're done. You can run, but you can't hide. We'll hunt you down, no matter how long it takes."

Thomas stood, his expression darkening. "You're welcome to try. But just remember—I'm always one step ahead. And I'm so eager how will you do that, you think I'll let you go alive."