71.Shadows Within

The events of the previous week had taken their toll, not just on the team but on me as well. Despite our recent victory, the fractures within us were still raw. I could see it in their eyes—the unspoken doubts, the lingering tension. Trust was fragile, and I wasn't sure how much more strain it could take.

But there was no time to dwell on what had already been broken. The city's underworld was shifting, and every move we made was being watched.

The Whispering Threat

Lucia brought the news to me late that evening, her expression grim as she entered my office.

"We've got a problem," she began, her voice low. "The Crows are moving in. They've taken over two of Marco's old territories, and word is they're setting their sights on the docks."

I leaned back in my chair, the weight of her words settling on my shoulders. The Crows were a vicious gang, known for their brutality and their knack for exploiting chaos. If they gained control of the docks, it would give them a chokehold on the city's black market.

"We can't let that happen," I said, my tone resolute. "We need to act fast."

Lucia nodded. "Rico's already putting together intel. But there's something else you should know."

She hesitated, and I could tell she was weighing her next words carefully.

"Spit it out," I urged.

"There's a rumor going around," she said finally. "That someone inside our team is feeding information to the Crows."

My stomach turned at her words, but I forced myself to remain calm. "Do we know who?"

She shook her head. "Not yet. But if it's true… we're in more danger than we realize."

The Search for Truth

The next morning, I called a meeting with the core team. The air in the room was thick with unease as I addressed them.

"We've got intel that the Crows are making a play for the docks," I began, my eyes scanning their faces. "But there's another issue we need to address. Someone's been leaking information."

The tension in the room was palpable, each person glancing at the others with suspicion. Rico was the first to speak.

"Do we have proof?" he asked, his voice tight.

"Not yet," I admitted. "But the timing of certain events doesn't feel like a coincidence. Until we figure out who's behind it, we need to be cautious."

Lucia stepped forward, her gaze steady. "We should focus on the docks first. If the Crows take control, it won't matter who the mole is. The city will be theirs."

I nodded. "Agreed. But we'll keep an eye on our own. Whoever's betraying us won't stay hidden for long."

Battle at the Docks

The plan was straightforward: intercept the Crows before they could solidify their control. Under the cover of darkness, we moved in, splitting into two groups to flank their operation.

As we approached, the sound of voices and the clinking of crates echoed across the water. The Crows were busy unloading a shipment, their guards scattered but alert.

Lucia signaled for us to move, and we advanced with precision. The first shots rang out like thunder, catching the Crows off guard. Chaos erupted as they scrambled to retaliate, their disorganization giving us the upper hand.

But as the fight raged on, it became clear that they weren't entirely unprepared. Reinforcements arrived within minutes, their numbers threatening to overwhelm us.

"Fall back to the west pier!" I shouted, my voice cutting through the chaos.

Lucia and Rico covered our retreat, their movements sharp and calculated. Despite the odds, we managed to regroup, taking down several of their key players in the process.

As the last of the Crows fled into the night, the docks were eerily silent, the only sound the lapping of water against the pier.

A New Revelation

Back at the safe house, the team gathered to assess the aftermath. Despite our success, the tension from earlier still lingered, and I knew it wouldn't fade until we uncovered the traitor.

As I reviewed the mission reports, a message came through on my private line—a number I didn't recognize.

The text was simple, but its implications were chilling:

"You're closer to the truth than you think. Watch your back."

I stared at the screen, my mind racing. The mole wasn't just feeding information to the Crows—they were playing a dangerous game, and I was their next target.

For the first time in weeks, I felt a sliver of fear creep in. Whoever this was, they were closer than I'd realized.

And they weren't done yet.