The Art Of Death

Chapter 14: The Bargain

Scene 1: The Water's Edge

Setting: The docks, Ethan and Vincent struggling in the water as the operation unfolds around them.

Ethan pulled Vincent closer, holding him above the water as he struggled to keep his own head afloat. "Talk! Now!" he demanded, his voice strained.

"Okay, okay!" Vincent gasped, water splashing around them. "Just get me out of here!"

"Fine," Ethan said, his grip tightening. "What do I need to know?"

Vincent took a deep breath, trying to compose himself. "There's a shipment coming in tonight. It's not just drugs; it's weapons too—big ones. Cross is planning something major, and you need to stop it."

"Where is it headed?" Ethan pressed, urgency rising in his chest.

Vincent hesitated, glancing back toward the chaos unfolding on the docks. "You can't stop them without knowing where they're going! I can help you, but you have to promise to protect me!"

Ethan weighed his options, glancing back toward the chaos as officers began rounding up smugglers. "I'll get you protection, but you need to give me everything. No more lies."

Scene 2: The Extraction

Setting: The docks, the chaos of the operation continuing as Ethan negotiates with Vincent.

With a reluctant nod, Vincent began to speak, "The shipment is headed to a warehouse on the east side of the city. Cross is meeting with a few other dealers there tonight. If you hurry, you might catch them all."

"Who else is involved?" Ethan demanded, maintaining his grip as they floated closer to the dock.

"Just get me out of here, and I'll give you names!" Vincent pleaded, his voice cracking with fear. "I'll tell you everything!"

Ethan struggled to pull Vincent toward the edge of the dock, glancing over his shoulder at the chaos. "Alright, hold on!"

He hoisted Vincent up, and with one powerful push, managed to get them both out of the water and onto the wooden planks of the dock. They landed with a thud, gasping for breath.

Scene 3: The Deal

Setting: The docks, the two men lying on the ground as Ethan considers the deal.

Ethan stood over Vincent, water dripping from his clothes, a look of determination on his face. "Alright, you're safe for now. But I'm not guaranteeing anything until you give me what I need."

Vincent scrambled to his feet, brushing off the wetness. "There's a guy named Ortega—a big player. He's working directly with Cross. If you catch him, you'll have everything you need."

"Where can I find him?" Ethan asked, pulling out his phone to relay the information to Marcus and Sarah.

"He'll be at the warehouse tonight. Just make sure I'm not on Cross's radar!" Vincent warned, panic evident in his eyes.

"Fine," Ethan said, dialing Marcus. "I need backup at the east-side warehouse. We have a lead on Ortega. Let's move!"

Scene 4: The Plan

Setting: The precinct, regrouping with the team to finalize the operation against Cross and Ortega.

Back at the precinct, Ethan gathered the team, including Marcus and Sarah, to relay the information. "Vincent just gave us a big break. Cross is meeting with Ortega at a warehouse tonight. We need to get there before they make the exchange."

"Did he say anything else?" Marcus asked, leaning forward, interested in any additional details.

"Only that there will be a lot of weapons involved. This isn't just about drugs anymore; it's about something bigger," Ethan replied, his mind racing with the implications.