The Arcane Extraction : A Magical Heist

Chapter 8: The Man, Woman and party in the middle

In the grandiose of the MACUSA headquarters, Benjamin Davis, a man of rugged features and an aura of quiet strength, awaited his urgent summons. "Mr. Benjamin Davis, the president and the director will see you now," the assistant announced, her voice resonating through the sleek, modern corridor. He nodded, his sharp gaze betraying a mind racing with thoughts, and entered the spacious office.

The room was a fusion of elegance and power, adorned with art and bathed in the warm glow of the morning sun streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows. At the room's heart, a massive, ornate oak table stood, behind which the president, a man of commanding presence with salt-and-pepper hair and piercing eyes, was seated. Beside him, the Director of Aurors, a seasoned man with sandy blonde hair and an air of hard-earned wisdom, waited with an equally discerning look.

"Good morning, Ben. We've been briefed on the incident. It's a wonder there were no casualties," the president said, his voice deep and resonant. Benjamin, standing tall and composed, took the seat offered to him, facing the two men with a respectful nod.

"How's the child?" the president inquired, his tone laced with genuine concern.

"Shaken, but physically unharmed. The psychological aftermath, though, remains a concern," Benjamin responded, his voice steady yet reflecting his own unease.

The president nodded gravely, his expression somber. "This situation is unprecedented, especially with the magical aspect. We need the full account, Ben."

--- Earlier Today's Morning ---

Ashford walked briskly as he checked his watch which showed forty-five minutes past eleven. 'Better be here soon, sis' he thought. He wore a long black coat under which he had a gun and his wand, reassuring his safety whenever he focused and felt them faintly press against his body as he walked.

The meeting place was another deserted area, made sure by the people who worked for Harrington. A secluded factory where they package food items. Ashford went near the vicinity and waited for few moments, clearing his head.

'Brother, I'm here' said a voice in his head that brought instant smile to his lips.

He went to a dead-end street, where Sylvia was waiting for him with the girl, who was still unconscious.

"Drugged but Ok." She answered before the question was asked. Ashford nodded and checked his watch again, which showed that there is ten minutes left till midnight. Then looked at Sylvia and asked, "Ready?"

Sylvia nodded and paced quickly carrying a long suitcase, "Be careful brother and screw you for those pandas" to which Ashford chuckled. 'You haven't seen anything yet, Sylvie' he thought smiling all the way till the factory, carrying the little girl in his shoulder and arm.

The factory was a modest one with sloping roof. There were various windows that let in light during the morning or sniper bullets in the night. Sylvia positioned herself and took out the sniper that was inside the suitcase. She positioned herself in line with the door as elevation would not give her a good line of sight. There were two sacks filled with sand in which she positioned the bipod stand of the rifle. She thought in her head 'in position brother'.

Ashford smiled and even at this tense situation, he marveled at this bit of unexplainable magic.

Ashford entered the factory and felt various eyes watching him from various surroundings. He could almost sense their wands inside their dresses but pointing the gun at him for appearances sake.

Mr. Harrington, a man of considerable stature with a hardened, anxious expression, stood like a statue, his eyes scanning the shadows.

Ashford, exuding a deceptive calmness, cradled the girl in his arms and announced, "Mr. Harrington, let's proceed with the exchange. Slow and steady. "Harrington slowly moved towards Ashford with a black travel bag. He stopped a few feet away from Ashford and said "Give me back my daughter. Is she alright, you monster?"