Chapter Twenty Eight

As the darkened streets swallowed them, Brook, Kally, and Jim slipped into the dark, trailing Dario like phantoms. Lucas had given the order, and they knew better than to question his instinct. Dario was rattled, terrified enough to let something else slip if given the chance.

Brook whispering, focused "Stay sharp, he's moving quicker."

Kally grinning slightly "Let him try. He's already lost."

As Dario hurried through the dim alleyways, he glanced over his shoulder every few steps, his fear increasing. But he didn't know that the shadows weren't his friends tonight.

In the meantime, Lucas and Alex pored over a blueprint of the northern estate. The place where "The Ghost" would meet with Santoro. Lucas's face was a mask of concentration, his fingers tracing routes and exits on the map.

Alex voice steady "This estate… it's fortified. We'll need a way in without tipping off the guards. Any loud move, and The Ghost vanishes."

Lucas nodding, eyes hard "Then we keep it silent. Dario mentioned that the meeting is tomorrow night. That gives us less than 24 hours to get in and identify him."

The weight of the mission pressed heavily on Lucas, the name "Ghost" echoing in his mind. It was finally within reach, and yet it felt as elusive as ever.

The next day, Brook, Kally, and Jim returned with grim expressions. Brook stepped forward, his voice low and filled with tension.

"Dario went straight to a hidden warehouse. We listened in, he's already talking to someone else. There's a middleman, Shadow. Someone higher up the chain than we thought." Brook grins

Shadow's jaw clenched. The web was larger, more insidious than he'd realized.

Lucas coldly intoned "Who was he talking to?"

Jim hesitantly "Couldn't see his face… but he called him 'Commander.' Said he was bringing more men to the estate tonight."

Lucas's hands clenched into fists. This wasn't just about avenging his father's death anymore; this is about liberating the city from these network of corruption that had rotted through every level of power in the city.

"So you guys, put your eyes on Dario, and don't let him sleep off. I'll handle this one" Lucas uttered.

"You're bringing reinforcement?" Kally grins looking at Shadow.

"Something like that" Lucas smirked.

That night, Lucas and Alex arrived at the northern estate. They parked the car a mile from the property, slipping through the woods in silence. Shadows danced under the moonlight, and every rustling leaf seemed to carry whispers of treachery.

Alex whispering, scanning their surroundings

"You think The Ghost will actually show?"

Lucas voice tense, barely a whisper "Someone as powerful as him won't risk coming here unless it's critical. But if he does, we'll be ready."

They reached the edge of the estate grounds, where they had a clear view of the main building. Dim lights glowed in a few windows, and a fleet of luxury cars was parked out front, clear evidence that powerful people were already inside.

Alex peering through his binoculars

"High-profile meeting, alright. I count at least ten guards patrolling the grounds."

Lucas voice determined "Let's get closer. We need to hear what they're saying."

They moved quietly, with their masked faces, slipping into the shadows along the estate's outer wall. As they crept closer, voices began to drift through an open window.

Santoro smirked, laughing darkly "Our little surprise for Matteo's boy, Shadow failed. But he'll learn soon enough. I'll break him just like I broke Leonardo who seemed unbreakable at some point."

Lucas's hands clenched into fists. Alex noticed the tension but placed a hand on his shoulder, grounding him.

Alex whispering "We're here for information, not revenge. Not yet."

Lucas gritting his teeth, in rage. "I know. But hearing this… it's taking everything in me not to storm in there."

As they strained to listen, a new voice cut through the conversation, low and menacing. The Ghost.

The Ghost voice cold, calculating

"Your task was to make Matteo's allies nervous, Santoro. I don't want chaos yet. We need to move the pieces slowly. Let them trust me before I make my move."

The blood drained from Lucas's face as he heard The Ghost for the first time. This was the man who had orchestrated his father's death, the man behind every betrayal.

"That's him. The Ghost." Lucas whispering, voice shaking.