If you only knew...

17.I'm right behind you

Ana's POV

I get a chill down my spine whenever our boss has that big grin on his face. He usually uses this grin to try to keep us calm, when he's about to give us a new dangerous mission.

"I want to ensure that you're both fully recovered from the gas incident you experienced; this assignment requires you to be in top shape and ready to focus," he says, his tone turning serious as his grin fades. "I'm sending you to a challenging place, but I believe you're the only team that could make it out safely."

"What do you need us to do now?" Xavier asks hesitantly, worried about what's coming next.

"I need you to eliminate a drug lord," He says calmly as if he's just suggested we go get some ice cream.

"Sir, are you certain we can handle this? We're still just getting started and..." I say, my voice filled with concern, but he interrupts me.

"Ana, you both have shown impressive skills for someone new to this. I've been really amazed with your performance so far. I'm not just pushing you two to see how far you can go; I truly believe you're the best team for this mission," he replies confidently, trying to reassure us and quiet any doubts.

Before I can respond, he begins to outline the entire task and what we're supposed to accomplish.

"Your target is a 58-year-old man, a very well-known drug lord that has connections in the whole town." he hands us a picture with his face.

"He is rarely seen outside but you can find him easily in his hideout, the very last chamber of this underground residence. It is located in the suburbs of Glendale city. It's just a 2-hour drive from here which means it's not too far for you.
Make sure you focus and have your weapons fully loaded, there are many mob guards that you need to eliminate. There is no option of hiding this time, at least, not that easy" he says this while his gaze drops as if he feels sorry for us.

"Additionally, you will have the chance to enter the building using these fake identification cards, posing as interested buyers of his substances, but this makes it impossible for me to provide you with any bulletproof vests or other defensive clothing. It would raise too much suspicion and I need you both to remain undercover until you reach the furthest you can for his chamber. The longer you stay hidden under the false identity as you move towards the target, the fewer mobs you have to take down to reach him."He expresses his thoughts, and this time, a look of worry spreads across his face as he finally wraps up what he is saying.

"Make sure to stay alive and eliminate that man for me! Oh, and I want you to take care of him tonight. You can head there whenever you're ready." He finishes speaking, handing us the picture and the coordination we need before we step out of his office.

A quiet calm surrounds us again, this time brought on by the fear we have. He looks at me, his expression comforting me without needing any words.
After a moment, we go to gather our belongings and prepare for the drive.

It's late afternoon when we finally arrive in Glendale, a charming little mountain city that seems peaceful and inviting. At first glance, it appears to be a safe and lovely place, hiding any hint of danger or illegal activities.

As we venture deeper into our suburban destination, the once charming scenery shifts into something eerily unsettling. The streets are dirty, poorly lit, and filled with strange figures who stare at our car in a way that makes us uneasy.

Without a hotel booked this time, we decide to stop at a quiet, small forest near the underground entrance where we will have to step in. The drive has been silent; neither of us spoke, likely still shaken from my confession the night before. Still, I am relieved that Xavier chose not to bring it up.