Pulse of the Beat

CHAPTER 20: Unraveling Shadows

❤️Hi... :)

I tried to do better this time and i'm givin you a 4800 words long chapter; Enjoy!!! 😘

The sting operation had been weeks in the making, with every detail meticulously planned. Tim and Lucy knew they were up against a formidable crime syndicate, and any misstep could have catastrophic consequences. The target was a mid-level lieutenant named Marco Rivas, who had been elusive until now.

As they gathered in the briefing room, Sergeant Grey outlined the operation one final time. "Rivas is slippery, but we've got him backed into a corner. The key is to make him feel comfortable enough to drop his guard. Chen, Bradford, you'll be going in as buyers. The rest of the team will be on standby, ready to move in once we have the evidence we need."

Tim nodded, his expression serious. "We've rehearsed this a dozen times. We know Rivas's habits, his tells. We stick to the plan, and we'll get him."

Lucy glanced at the photos on the screen, her mind racing through the plan. "We have eyes on all the exits. If he tries to bolt, we've got him."

Grey looked around the room, meeting everyone's eyes. "Remember, Rivas is dangerous. Don't take any unnecessary risks. Get in, get the evidence, and get out. Understood?"

Everyone nodded in agreement. The room was charged with a quiet determination.

The warehouse on the outskirts of the city loomed large as Tim and Lucy approached, both feeling the weight of the situation. Dressed in plain clothes, they blended in, looking every bit the part of shady buyers looking to make a deal.

As they stepped inside, Tim's hand brushed against Lucy's briefly—a silent reminder that they were in this together. The warehouse was dimly lit, filled with crates and the faint smell of oil and metal. The atmosphere was tense, and every shadow seemed to hold a threat.

Rivas was already there, standing near a table with a few of his men flanking him. He was a wiry man with sharp eyes that scanned the room constantly, never fully at ease.

Tim took the lead, his voice steady. "Rivas. I hear you've got the merchandise we're looking for."

Rivas's gaze flicked between Tim and Lucy, sizing them up. "That depends. You got the money?"

Lucy, playing the role of the impatient buyer, crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. "We wouldn't be here if we didn't. Let's get this over with—I've got other business to attend to."

Rivas smirked, seemingly amused by her attitude. "Feisty. I like that. But I don't deal with amateurs. How do I know you're not cops?"

Tim let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "If we were cops, you'd already be in cuffs. We're here because we've heard you're the man who can get things done. We're looking to make a big purchase, and we've got the cash to back it up."

Rivas considered this for a moment, then nodded to one of his men. "Show them."

As the crates were opened, revealing the arsenal inside, Lucy subtly activated a hidden microphone in her jacket. Her heart raced as she realized the gravity of what they were about to do—this was the evidence they needed, but they were deep in enemy territory.

Tim leaned in, inspecting one of the weapons, maintaining his role. "This is good quality. But before we finalize anything, I need assurances that you can deliver regularly. We're not interested in one-offs."

Rivas narrowed his eyes, sensing an opportunity to test them. "Regular supply means regular payment. I need a show of good faith. An extra ten percent upfront."

Lucy shot Tim a quick glance, her mind racing. This wasn't part of the plan. But she quickly adjusted, letting out an exasperated sigh. "We didn't come here to negotiate like amateurs. You'll get your ten percent, but it comes out of the final payment. Consider it a deposit."