A caged animal

Chapter 43

The city's pulse was erratic tonight, its rhythm offbeat, mirroring the unease settling deep in Elias' gut. He stood at the edge of the rooftop, cigarette dangling between his fingers, watching the streets below. The distant wail of a siren cut through the night, an omen of what was coming.

Collins leaned against the railing beside him, arms crossed. "You ever get tired of this?" he asked, voice gruff yet laced with something deeper—concern.

Elias exhaled, a plume of smoke curling into the cold air. "Of course. But stopping isn't an option. Not anymore."

The flash drive Cassandra had given them weeks ago had unraveled an intricate web of corruption, revealing more than they had bargained for. Vale wasn't just a criminal; he was a kingpin with tendrils reaching into places even Elias hadn't anticipated.

"He's backed into a corner now," Elias continued. "And a caged animal is at its most dangerous."

Collins snorted. "Good thing we're the bigger predators, then."

A chuckle escaped Elias before he could stop it. "You sound way too confident."

"Confidence wins battles. We're too deep in this war to second-guess."

Elias glanced at his friend, reading between the lines. Collins was trying to keep things light, but the truth was, they both knew the risks. This next move wasn't just another step in their plan—it was the final push. And the cost could be high.

The wind howled around them as Elias flicked the cigarette away. "We move at dawn. No mistakes. No hesitation."

Collins nodded. "Then let's make this count."

As they descended the fire escape, disappearing into the shadows, neither of them noticed the figure watching them from across the street. A pair of eyes gleamed in the darkness, filled with malice and anticipation. The game was nearing its end, but the final move? That was yet to be played.

---

The next morning was eerily quiet. Elias sat in the safe house, his fingers tapping against the table as he studied the blueprint in front of him. Vale's main base was a fortress, but there was always a way in.

"You're thinking too hard," Cassandra remarked, walking in with a cup of coffee. She slid it toward him, watching his reaction carefully. "You've already figured it out, haven't you?"

Elias took a sip before answering. "There's a weakness. But if we use it, we don't get a second chance."

Cassandra smirked. "Then we make sure we don't need one."

Collins entered, stretching his arms. "Alright, kids, what's the plan? And don't tell me it involves me getting shot again."

Elias gave him a pointed look. "No guarantees."

Collins sighed. "Figured."

Cassandra rolled her eyes. "We're hitting him where it hurts. Financially, politically, and if necessary—physically."

Elias leaned forward, his voice steady. "Vale's expecting us to come at him head-on. We do the opposite. We strip him down, piece by piece, until there's nothing left. And when he's desperate—"

Collins grinned. "We take the final shot."

The room fell silent for a moment. They all knew what this meant. This wasn't just another case. This was the endgame.

Elias took a deep breath. "Gear up. Tonight, we finish this."

---

Night fell, and the city belonged to them. Every step, every movement was calculated. Collins handled surveillance, Cassandra worked the networks, and Elias—he was the executioner.

As they breached the first checkpoint, the sound of gunfire erupted. Bullets ricocheted off metal as Elias and Collins moved like ghosts through the chaos. Vale's men were well-trained, but they weren't ready for them.

Cassandra's voice crackled through the earpiece. "You've got five minutes before reinforcements arrive. Make it count."

Elias didn't need the reminder. He was already moving.

Collins covered his flank as they pushed deeper inside. The final corridor stretched before them, leading to Vale's personal office. The door loomed like a symbol of everything they had fought for.

Elias kicked it open.

And there he was.

Vale sat behind his desk, a pistol in hand, but there was no fear in his eyes—only amusement. "You took your time."

Elias raised his weapon. "It's over."

Vale smirked. "No. It's just beginning."

The explosion ripped through the room before Elias could react. The force sent him and Collins flying backward, the sound deafening. Pain shot through his body as the world spun.

Then, darkness.