CRUCIBLE OF REJECTION

Chapter 50

Trekker’s heart pounded as he was led through the dimly lit corridors of the safehouse, the concrete walls closing in on him. Ghost’s man walked a few steps ahead, his gun slung lazily over his shoulder, completely unaware that Trekker wasn’t alone. Outside, the forest was silent, but Trekker knew better. He knew Christopher and Trey were already in position, waiting for his signal.

He wasn’t sure if his uncle was still alive, but he had to find out. The corridors twisted and turned, each step taking him deeper into the heart of the enemy stronghold. The safehouse was eerily quiet, with only the occasional murmur of voices filtering through the walls. Ghost’s man stopped in front of a heavy metal door, knocking twice before pushing it open.

Inside, the room was dimly lit by a single hanging bulb. Ghost sat at a table, casually cleaning a knife, his eyes cold and calculating. Across from him, slumped in a chair, was Trekker’s uncle, his head down, breathing shallow. Trekker’s heart sank at the sight, relief mixing with a surge of anger. His uncle was alive, but barely.

“So you decided to come alone,” Ghost sneered, not bothering to look up. “I expected more from you, Trekker. Your uncle here has been quite stubborn, but I figured you’d show up eventually.”

Trekker kept his face neutral, hiding the storm brewing inside him. Let him go, Ghost.

This is between you and me. I'm the one who ruined your whole operation Trekker said.

Ghost chuckled, a dark, mirthless sound. It’s never that simple, is it? You see, your uncle’s been a thorn on my side for too long. And you? You’re just another loose end I need to tie up and I see you don't have the money... you must really have balls the size of Texas to come here without meeting my demands Ghost said.

I'm too broke for your demands Trekker said.

Guess I'll have to go down after killing you and your uncle huh... You said you'll kill me if he's hurt but I'm still standing aren't I...The whole Gyles bloodline ends here tonight by my hands... this is fun Ghost said laughing like a psycho.

As Ghost’s words hung in the air, Trekker’s hand subtly reached for the small transmitter in his pocket. He pressed it twice, signaling Christopher and Trey to begin their assault. Ghost noticed the movement, his eyes narrowing suspiciously.

What’s that? Ghost demanded, standing up slowly.

Before Trekker could respond, a series of explosions rocked the safehouse, the lights flickering as the walls shook. The sound of gunfire erupted from outside, and Ghost’s men scrambled in confusion. Trekker took advantage of the chaos, lunging forward and grabbing his uncle, pulling him to his feet.

Stay with me! Trekker urged, supporting his uncle as they moved toward the door.

Stop them! Don’t let them leave!Ghost shouted orders to his men, fury written across his face.

Trekker and his uncle moved as quickly as they could, navigating the maze of corridors while the safehouse echoed with the sounds of Trekker took off his bulletproof vest and put it on his Uncle.

They were almost at the exit when Ghost and a group of his men caught up with them. Trekker shoved his uncle behind a stack of crates and turned to face the approaching threat.

Ghost’s eyes burned with rage. You think you can just walk out of here? You’re outnumbered, Trekker! He snarled.

But before Ghost could close the distance, a hail of gunfire from Christopher’s team tore through the wall, forcing Ghost and his men to dive for cover. Trekker used the distraction to grab his uncle and make a break for the exit.

They burst through the door into the hot afternoon air, but as they sprinted toward the safety of the trees, Trekker felt a searing pain tear through his chest. The force of the bullet knocked him to the ground, gasping for breath as blood soaked through his shirt.

Trekker!...kid . Come on don't die on me..How will I face your mom when I die...His uncle cried, dropping to his knees beside him.

Trekker’s vision blurred, but he forced himself to stay focused.

Go… get out of here… Christ and Trey… they’ll cover you.... Uncle go..we can't both die here... please... Trekker said.

His uncle hesitated, tears welling in his eyes, but Trekker pushed him away, desperately trying to keep him safe.

Go! Please....please he insisted.

I'm not leaving you to die kid Dré said.

He picked Trekker up and ran with him to the safety of the trees where a SWAT team was.

He put Trekker on the ground.Trekker felt the pain shoot all over him.His chest burning with such intense pain he wondered if he'll make it, but amist the pain a grim satisfaction settled over him. He’d saved his uncle, even if it cost him his life.

As the world around him grew dim, he heard the distant shouts of his team moving in, their voices a blur. His last thought was of his uncle, safe at last, before darkness claimed him.