ISAAC MORANO

**35**

Chapter Thirty Five- Wrong Decision

As the young man was pulled from the vehicle, he looked around in sheer panic, his eyes darting between the team and the vehicle that had just become his prison. Catherine stepped forward, her voice steady and menacing. "Let me make this clear: if you try to escape, your car will explode. There's no way out."

Tony kept a firm grip on the boy's arm, watching as the terror seeped into his expression. "We have eyes everywhere. Don't even think about it," he warned.

Just as Catherine turned to address the others, the young man's desperation took over. With a surge of adrenaline, he lunged toward the shattered windshield, attempting to climb out.

"Stop him!" Lucas shouted, but it was too late.

The moment he broke free, Catherine tapped the tablet again, activating the bomb. An instant later, the vehicle erupted in a fiery explosion, sending debris flying. The sound was deafening, and the remaining captives shrieked in horror, eyes wide with disbelief.

Catherine remained composed, watching the chaos unfold. The threat of destruction had been made real, and the team could feel the fear radiating from the others.

"Now do you see?" Catherine called out, her voice cutting through the shock. "This is what happens when you defy us. We're not playing games. We're serious about protecting our own."

The remaining captives huddled together, their bravado shattered. They were now fully aware of the lengths Catherine and her team would go to ensure their safety and authority.

Isaac leaned closer to Catherine, admiration in his eyes. "You really drove that point home."

She nodded, turning her gaze back to the survivors. "Now, let's continue. Who else needs to speak up?"

The fear in the air was palpable, and Catherine knew they were finally in control of the situation.

As the dust from the explosion settled, a few of the remaining captives exchanged nervous glances before one of them stepped forward, trembling but resolute. "We'll talk. Just... just promise us protection. We can give you information, but we need to know we'll be safe."

Catherine studied him closely, gauging the sincerity in his eyes. She could sense the desperation behind his plea. "What kind of protection are you asking for?" she replied, her tone measured.

The man swallowed hard. "We know things about Safe and Secure—who's involved, where their operations are. But if you take us out of here, they'll come after us. We need your assurance that we won't end up like... him," he said, nodding toward the wreckage of the vehicle.

Catherine shared a glance with her team, weighing their options. "We can offer you protection, but it comes with conditions. You'll need to cooperate fully and give us everything you have. No holding back."

Another man piped up, clearly anxious. "What kind of protection can you guarantee? We don't want to end up like that kid!"

Isaac stepped forward, his voice firm. "We have resources. We can hide you, but you need to understand that trust is earned. If you're willing to provide us with solid information, we'll ensure your safety."

Catherine leaned in, her expression softening slightly. "You'll be moved to a secure location where Safe and Secure can't touch you. But remember, if you try to deceive us or withhold any information, we will not hesitate to take action."

The group murmured among themselves, and slowly, they nodded in agreement. "Alright," one of them said, visibly shaken but determined. "We'll cooperate. Just please don't leave us to fend for ourselves."