Chapter 22: In the Darkness

As the crew got ready for the night's mission, the quiet of the deserted bookstore became deafening silence. Jack had given them clear instructions on how to carry out their plan: sneak inside the warehouse, locate the package Victor was protecting, and collect as much evidence as they could without getting caught.

Anticipation and terror entangled Lily's nerves as she paced the little space. Every step seemed like the countdown to an unanticipated explosion.

Ethan sat close by, quietly loading a tiny pistol he had earlier pulled from his luggage. Without raising his gaze, he said, "Lily, you don't have to come." "This is something Jack and I can manage."

She halted her pacing and gave him a fierce look. "I won't stand by and watch you two put your lives in danger. This is also my battle.