G.H.O.S.T.S

A Heavy Burden

The clank of weights and the murmur of gym-goers filled the air as Ryder and Lucas worked out in tandem. Between reps, Ryder asked, "How are the girls doing?"

Lucas smiled, wiping sweat from his brow. "They're having a blast together. Ava and Emma are thick as thieves now."

Ryder chuckled. "Glad to hear that."

Ryder set his weights down, his face stern. "Listen, Lucas, I'm telling you, I'm tired of being followed everywhere. The Agency's surveillance team is really getting on my nerves."

Lucas nodded, his expression serious. "I know, man. I'm sorry you're going through this. But we knew it was a possibility when they made you that offer."

Ryder shook his head. "I know, I know. But it's still frustrating. And now, I'm starting to think that laundry van across the street is part of it."

Lucas raised an eyebrow. "What makes you think that?"

Ryder's eyes narrowed. "Just a hunch. But I'm telling you, Lucas, that van is suspicious. And I think it's related to the Agency's monitoring."

Lucas's expression turned thoughtful. "Maybe we should get out of here, just in case. I don't want to take any chances either."

Ryder nodded, his eyes scanning the gym. "Yeah, let's get out of here. But first, let me go grab my water bottle from the locker room."

Ryder grabbed his water bottle from the locker room and met Lucas outside. They walked down the street, pretending to be engrossed in conversation, but both of them were aware of the laundry van following them.

"Let's duck into that supermarket," Lucas suggested, nodding towards the store across the street.

Ryder agreed, and they walked into the market, browsing the aisles and pretending to shop. After a few minutes, they came out, and as expected, the van was still parked across from the supermarket.

"Those guys are really dedicated," Lucas said, rolling his eyes.

Ryder's expression turned serious. "Let's walk back to the gym. I don't like this."

Lucas nodded, and they turned around, heading back in the direction they came from. The van followed, keeping a discreet distance.

As they walked, Ryder's mind raced with possibilities. Who was behind the surveillance? And what did they want from him? He quickened his pace, anxious to get back to the gym and come up with a plan to shake off their tail.

Ryder and Lucas walked into the gym parking lot, still discussing the suspicious van. As they approached Lucas's truck, they noticed the van pulling into the parking lot behind them.

"Looks like our friends are back," Lucas said, his eyes narrowing.

Ryder's gaze locked onto the van, his mind racing with possibilities. "Let's get out of here, now."

But before they could move, the van suddenly sped towards them, swerving erratically. Ryder and Lucas barely had time to react as the van rammed into Lucas's truck, sending them both stumbling backward.

The van doors burst open, and a group of rough-looking men jumped out, advancing towards them. Ryder and Lucas's eyes widened in recognition.

"Those are the same guys from the pub," Ryder muttered, his fists clenched.

Lucas nodded, his jaw set. "The ones we taught a lesson to."

But this time, the men came very much prepared. They were armed with baseball bats, pipes, and cruel intentions. The leader, a burly man with a scar above his left eyebrow, sneered at Ryder and Lucas.