G.H.O.S.T.S

The Watchers

Ryder heard the gun fire, and Captain Jenkins' body crumpled to the ground, a bullet wound in his head. Ryder's eyes widened in shock as he realized he wasn't the target after all.

He looked around, trying to see who had fired the shot, and saw a man standing in the shadows, a gun still smoking in his hand. The man's face was obscured by the darkness, but his eyes gleamed with a piercing intensity.

As Ryder struggled to process what had just happened, a figure emerged from the shadows and walked towards him. It was a woman, her long, dark hair falling like a curtain around her face. She reached out and helped Ryder to his feet, her grip firm and strong.

Ryder's eyes locked onto hers, and he felt a jolt of recognition. "You... you're the woman from the airport," he stammered. "The one who was watching me..."

The woman's expression remained neutral, but the man in the shadows spoke up. "Yes, Ryder. We've had our eyes on you for quite some time now."

Ryder's mind raced as he tried to piece together what was happening. "Who are you?" he demanded. "And why did you just kill Captain Jenkins?"

The man stepped forward, his gun still trained on the lifeless body. "Let's just say we're concerned citizens," he said, his voice low and gravelly. "And Captain Jenkins was a threat to national security."

Ryder's eyes narrowed, his concern for Jenkins evident. "But what about him? He's... he's dead."

The woman placed a reassuring hand on Ryder's arm. "Don't worry, Ryder. The situation will be well taken care of. You're the priority now."

Ryder hesitated, unsure if he should trust these strangers. But something in their confident demeanor put him at ease. He nodded, and the woman led him away from the scene, the man following closely behind.

As they walked, Ryder couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead. Who were these people, and what did they want with him? And what did they mean by "national security"? The questions swirled in his mind, but for now, he had no choice but to trust his rescuers.

As they stepped out of the warehouse, Ryder's eyes locked onto the sleek SUV parked outside. Agency Director Vaughn and his assistant, Lynn, flanked him, their expressions serious.

"Ryder, I'm Agency Director Vaughn, and this is my assistant, Lynn," Vaughn said, his voice firm but measured. "We need to talk."

Lynn excused herself, leaving the two men alone. Vaughn wasted no time.

"Ryder, I've been watching you for a while now. Your military record is impressive. You've got skills we need. You're the kind of agent who could make a real difference."

Ryder shook his head, feeling a sense of unease. "I'm done with that life, sir. I just want to be an average guy with my family. I've seen enough bloodshed."

Vaughn's expression turned sympathetic. "I understand, but people like Captain Jenkins are still out there. They're a threat to national security, and we need agents like you to keep them in check. You have a unique set of skills, Ryder. Skills that could save lives. You've demonstrated exceptional bravery and strategic thinking during your various deployments, and I believe you have what it takes to make a real impact."

Ryder hesitated, torn between gratitude for his rescue and fear for his future. "I appreciate what you did back there, but I can't risk my life anymore. I have a family to think about."

Vaughn nodded, though disappointment flickered in his eyes. "Very well. I'll take care of your early discharge from the army, and we'll keep our little secret about Afghanistan. You won't have to go back to combat, I promise."