HERS TO PROTECT

Chapter 40

The First Strike

The hallways twisted and turned, creating a labyrinth that felt impossible to navigate. Lucas, Lia, Kevin, and Maria sprinted down the corridors, their breaths coming in ragged gasps. The pounding footsteps of their pursuers filled the air, echoing ominously and spurring them to run faster. Lucas glanced over his shoulder, catching a glimpse of dark figures closing in.

"Faster!" he urged, gripping Lia's hand and pulling her forward.

Lia staggered but quickly regained her footing, her heart pounding. "I don't know if we can keep this up," she whispered, fear creeping into her voice.

"We have to," Maria said firmly, her eyes scanning the walls for any sign of an escape route. "We're close to the back exit."

Ahead, Kevin pointed to a door at the end of the corridor. "This way!" he shouted, desperation driving his voice.

They surged through the entrance, the rush of fresh air hitting them like a wave as they burst outside. Even with the rear exit reached, they couldn't afford to stop. They raced onto the pavement, heading toward a narrow alleyway that promised refuge.

"To the safe house, quickly!" Maria commanded, her tone brooking no argument as she led the way.

The safe house was nearby, but every second mattered. Lucas felt his heart racing, adrenaline pumping through his veins. He glanced at Lia, who struggled to keep pace beside him, her face etched with determination.

They rounded a corner and saw the safe house—a nondescript building that blended seamlessly with its surroundings. Maria swiftly entered a code on the keypad, and the door swung open with a soft click. They rushed inside and secured the door behind them.

"We're safe here," Maria panted, catching her breath as she leaned against the wall.

Lucas nodded, but his mind raced. "We need to plan our next move. They won't stop until they catch us."

Kevin leaned against the wall, wiping the sweat from his brow. "We need to strike first. We must take them down before they reach us."

Lia looked at each of them in turn, her confidence returning. "So, what's our plan?"

Strategies and thoughts swirled around the small table. The first strike was crucial, and they couldn't afford any mistakes. Lucas took a deep breath, focusing on his friends and allies. "Let's do this," he said firmly, determination resonating in his voice. "We won't give up, not for ourselves or anyone we care about."

Plans were quickly formulated, and each person was assigned a role. Kevin would handle the explosives for the diversion, Maria would clear the path to the target, and Lia and Lucas would neutralize the guards and find Carlos.

The safe house was dimly lit, casting shadows that danced on the walls. Lucas surveyed his team, noting their nervous yet resolute expressions.

"We need to be meticulous," he began, locking eyes with each of them. "Carlos is a mid-level operative crucial to De Vega's operations. We need to take him down."

Maria nodded. "He's often at a warehouse near the docks, where illegal goods are trafficked. Disrupting him will hinder De Vega's plans."

Kevin, pacing the room, finally stopped to address the group. "What's the plan? How do we find him?"

Lia took a deep breath, rallying her thoughts. "We need a distraction—something to divert their attention."

Lucas considered this. "We'll create a diversion on one side of the warehouse. Maria and Kevin will enter from the other side while Lia and I deal with the guards and find Carlos."