Beyond The Fine Line

Chapter XXXIX - Declaration of War

The evening air hung heavy with the sticky humidity. The slick pavement outside the industrial warehouse held a glistening sheen under the dim streetlights, hinting at a recent downpour. The faint scent of rain mingled with the hum of the city's nightlife, creating a palpable tension in the otherwise still night. Shadows from the few parked cars stretched long and thin, punctuated by the occasional flicker of neon signs from nearby buildings.

Nestled on the shielded rooftop, Sean, Fort, and Win keenly observed the warehouse below, their faces obscured by masks, dressed in dark colours to blend with the night. In the dim light, their eyes darted from the security camera's slow sweep to the well lit entrance, aware that any mistake could shatter their careful plan.

"We will have about five minutes to move over three buildings once the guard goes inside to get coffee," Fort said subtly, pointing at sitting by the entrance man. "It takes a bit of jumping, but we can circle the warehouse, avoiding cameras and guard patrol."

Win nodded in agreement. "It's the safest way to the loading zone."

"Anything else I should be watching for?"

Fort shifted his gaze from the guard to Sean. He really appreciated that Sean had entrusted them with the lead on this mission, following their instructions to the letter. "The second building may have a slippery roof now, so be careful with your landing."

"Got it," Sean said with a nod. "I will follow you."

The guard disappeared inside, and they sprang into action. Moving like shadows, they leapt across the first narrow gap, landing silently on the next rooftop. The sound of their feet hitting the concrete was barely audible over the distant hum of the city.

As they reached the second gap, Sean took a more cautious leap. His foot slipped slightly on the wet surface, but he regained his balance quickly. Win, however, wasn't as lucky. As he jumped, he slid dangerously close to the edge, his body tilting backwards. Fort's hand shot out, gripping Win's arm just in time to pull him back, preventing a disastrous fall near the patrolling guard below.

They froze momentarily, glued to the metal surface of the roof, not making a single sound. After ensuring the patrol didn't notice them, they moved swiftly across the rooftop and jumped the final gap. The loading zone was now within sight, the dim light casting eerie shadows over their path.

"Almost there," Fort murmured, his eyes scanning the area below for any signs of movement. With one last leap, they landed silently behind crates, crouching low and ready for the next phase of their mission.

They scanned the area for the best route to the back service door they planned to use as an entry point, located near the far end of the warehouse. Once ready, the trio moved swiftly but cautiously, using shadows and surroundings as a cover.

"Damn, we need a key card," Win whispered, peeking from behind the pallet with wrapped goods. "What's now?"

Suddenly, a beam of light from a patrolling guard's flashlight swept across their position. They withdrew, blending into the surroundings. The guard paused, his light lingering for a moment before moving on.

"Close call," Win muttered under his breath.

Sean moved closer to them. "Guard should have it, right?"

"Yeah, but I don't think he will part with it willingly."

Sean nodded, his gaze following the target. "Stay here. I'll handle it."

Drawing on skills he hadn't used in years, he moved silently, every muscle coiled and ready. Memories of his time in underground fighting matches flooded back. He wasn't proud of those days, but they had honed his instincts and fighting abilities to a razor edge. Now, those skills were about to pay off.