Chapter 12 – "No More Running"

Victoria Island – The Ambush

Bullets tore through the air. Sparks flew as metal crates took the hits meant for Joshua and Adisa.

"We're surrounded!" Adisa shouted, firing back.

Joshua's mind raced. This wasn't just a botched deal. This was a message.

He peeked around the crate. Five men. Black suits. Silencers on their weapons.

Professional killers.

Another shot whizzed past his head.

Joshua exhaled. No choice.

He locked eyes with Adisa. "We split. You go left, I take right."

Adisa grinned. "Finally, some fun."

The Fight – Blood on the Floor

Joshua moved first. Fast.

He slid low, grabbing a fallen gun from one of the dead men. Two shooters turned toward him—too slow.

Bang. Bang.

Two down.

Adisa tackled another, slamming his head into the crate before shooting him point-blank.

The last man panicked, fumbling to reload.

Joshua stepped forward, gun raised.

"Wait! I can—"

Bang.

The silence that followed was deafening.

Joshua looked at the bodies. His hands trembled for a second—just a second.

Then he exhaled. No time for guilt.

They had to move.

The Escape – A Ghost in the Night

Outside, the black SUV was already running. The Broker leaned against the hood, smoking.

"Looks like you had fun." He smirked.

Joshua wiped blood off his sleeve. "This was a setup."

The Broker nodded. "Of course. But you're still breathing, so I'd say it went well."

Adisa scoffed. "We need names. Who sent them?"

The Broker flicked his cigar. "Umaru Falana."

Joshua's jaw tightened.

So that's how it was.

Umaru gave a warning last night. Now he sent killers.

Joshua climbed into the SUV. "Drive."

If Umaru wanted a war, he'd get one.

Amara – Cracks in the Glass

Later that night, Joshua knocked on Amara's door.

She opened it, eyes scanning him. "What happened to you?"

Joshua sighed. "Long night."

She grabbed his hand, pulling him inside. "Joshua, talk to me."

He sat on the couch. For the first time in a while, he felt tired.

She sat beside him, touching his face. "I know you're in something deep."

He looked at her, at the warmth in her eyes.

Could he really drag her into this?

Amara kissed him. Slow. Gentle.

For a moment, the world outside didn't exist.

But it wouldn't last.

Because the deeper Joshua went, the harder it would be to escape.

And soon—she'd have to choose.