Hazel's message

Two officers, part of the team waiting for Hazel's critical message, were stationed in a room filled with the tension of anticipation. Four men, committed to the mission, were on standby for any information Hazel could provide.

After nearly a month of waiting, they finally got a message.

A sudden shout pierced the air.

"Rafael!"

Startled, Rafael, who had been drinking coffee, rushed to the scene. Hope flickered in his eyes as he approached the officers.

"What is it?"

"Did she say anything?"

Rafael inquired anxiously.

"Give me the earphones," he demanded, eager to hear any news from Hazel.

But as the officer handed him the earphones, a somber revelation followed.

"But, Rafael, she disconnected it. We can not connect now."

Rafael's expression shifted from hope to tension.

"Did she say something?"

"Is she okay?"

His questions hung in the air, the uncertainty of Hazel's situation weighing heavily on his mind.

Rafael felt a surge of nervous energy coursing through him as he absorbed the limited information.

His fellow officers tried to reassure him.

"Rafael, calm down."

"I think she is okay. She only said three words."

The attempt to comfort him did little to alleviate the knot of tension in Rafael's chest.

As they gathered around the computer, Rafael's gaze fixated on the screen.

"What is it?"

"Anything serious?" he asked, desperate for more information.

"Georgia, Maine, Texas," one of the officers stated, emphasizing the brevity of Hazel's message.

Rafael nodded thoughtfully, his mind already formulating plans.

"I think this is our next mission. You guys keep in touch," he directed, a sense of urgency driving his movements.

Exiting the secret chamber, Rafael swiftly made his way to the meeting room where his trusted team awaited.

Freddie, Adam, Ken, Peter, and Robert — a cadre of skilled individuals handpicked for their roles. Among them, Freddie and Adam were his junior officers, while Ken, Peter, and Robert were trusted friends and colleagues.

Ken, Peter, Robert, Hazel, and Rafael, a team forged through training and shared experiences, were now gathered in the police force. Their histories were intertwined by the bonds of camaraderie and a shared commitment to justice.

Rafael, their leader, leaned forward, his palms pressing against the table as he addressed the team.

"Guys, we've got a clue, and we need to be very careful about it."

All eyes focused on him, their collective hope resting on the potential breakthrough Hazel's message might provide.

Peter voiced the question on everyone's mind, "What is it?"

Ken, perhaps harboring the highest hopes for Hazel's involvement, inquired, "Did she do this, Rafael?"

The team revered Hazel for her intelligence and bravery, acknowledging her as the one who excelled both academically and in training.

"Sir, I hope ma'am is okay? Francisco's men did not find anything," Adam said.

Everyone believed in Hazel's ability to navigate the dangerous waters of espionage without getting caught.

"Adam, she is okay."

"But she sent three words."

Rafael, maintaining his calm demeanor, addressed the crucial information. "Georgia, Maine, Texas."

"States?" Freddie questioned, seeking clarification.

"Yes, but she didn't mention any specific location," Rafael responded.

Freddie, voicing the concerns shared by all, asked, "But sir, where and how can we know what he is planning?"

Rafael, realizing the intricacies of the situation, acknowledged the complexity of dealing with a cunning adversary like Francisco.

"Francisco is clever. If he somehow learns that we know about the states, he may change his plan," Ken added, emphasizing the need for caution.

Concerning for Hazel's safety echoed in Robert's words.

"And Hazel could be in danger."

Rafael, bearing the weight of the responsibility as their leader, took a deep breath, contemplating the best course of action.

"I know, Robert."

"We need to be very careful."

"I am not sure, but we should keep an eye on ports, restaurants, and clubs. Because if he does something, he will do it there."

Rafael understood the importance of staying one step ahead while ensuring Hazel's safety.

Rafael, grappling with the mounting pressure and anxiety, felt the weight of the responsibility on his shoulders. Ken's pointed questions about the accuracy of their plan only fueled Rafael's inner turmoil.

"No, Rafael. We can't just throw it in the darkness. We need to be accurate. What if he does it in a park? What if he does the deals in a crowd?"

Ken voiced the concerns that were lingering in everyone's minds.

"I know, I know," Rafael responded, his frustration evident.

He needed to collect himself, to find a balance between the urgency of the mission and the personal stakes involved. Sending Hazel into the lion's den had taken a toll on him, and the constant fear for her safety gnawed at him.

Robert, sensing Rafael's distress, stepped in, placing a comforting hand on Rafael's shoulder.

"Dude, relax. She knows how to work. She is smart, and don't forget, it is our duty."

Peter chimed in with a practical suggestion, "I think Robert is right, Rafael. And I think Hazel will try to contact us again."

Rafael, still grappling with his emotions, touched his chin in contemplation. He hadn't shaved since Hazel's ordeal began, a visible testament to the toll the situation was taking on him.

Francisco had succeeded in robbing him of not only his peace but also the routine aspects of his life.

**

Hazel stood outside Francisco's mansion, taking in the grandeur of the surroundings. The expansive estate resembled a palace, adorned with a beautiful garden that added to its majestic allure. The air carried a sense of opulence, but Hazel couldn't afford to be captivated by the luxury.

Hazel felt the weight of the heightened security. The mansion, though magnificent, was guarded by an intricate network of surveillance cameras. Every inch of the property seemed to be under watchful eyes, making her task all the more challenging.

'One mistake!'

'Everything will end.'

The beauty of the garden was juxtaposed against the looming presence of the cameras. Even within the splendor of the estate, Hazel couldn't escape the ever-watchful lenses that monitored every move.

The protection level was a testament to Francisco's wariness and the formidable obstacles Hazel faced.

So Hazel just kept calm herself and started walking toward the garden, but after going a bit she spotted there was a glass house as well.

The warmth enveloped Hazel as she stepped into the glass house, grateful for the temporary escape from the watchful eyes of the security cameras. The tranquility within this enclosed haven offered a stark contrast to the controlled environment she had become accustomed to in Francisco's mansion.

As she explored the glass house, Hazel marveled at the diversity of plant life. Exotic flowers in various hues adorned the space, creating a vibrant tapestry of colors. The sunlight filtered through the transparent walls, casting enchanting patterns on the ground. It was a sanctuary within the fortress, a place where nature and warmth seemed to hold dominion.

With a momentary respite from surveillance, Hazel's mind began to churn with thoughts of potential strategies. She observed that the backyard and garden areas were less populated with cameras, relying more on vigilant guards to ensure security.

It became apparent that these less-monitored zones could be advantageous for executing any covert activities.

The absence of cameras in the glass house allowed Hazel to breathe more freely, even if only for a short time. It became a space where she could contemplate her next moves without the prying eyes of electronic sentinels.

'Thank God, at least he spares this one place.'