Lazarus Protocol

Chapter 13: Race to London

The pre-dawn chill of London's financial district cut through Alexander Kincaid's jacket as he crouched in the shadows of a narrow alley, his eyes fixed on the gleaming façade of Canary Wharf Tower. The city was just beginning to stir, early-morning workers hurrying past with coffees in hand, oblivious to the deadly game unfolding around them.

"Target's on the move," Jack Harper's voice crackled in Alexander's earpiece. "Black sedan, heading your way. ETA two minutes."

Alexander's hand instinctively moved to the weapon concealed beneath his coat. "Copy that. Sarah, are you in position?"

"Affirmative," came Sarah's terse reply. "I've got eyes on the north entrance. No sign of Chimera operatives yet, but that could change any second."

The tension in her voice was palpable. This was their first field operation together since Sarah's defection from Chimera, and trust was still a fragile commodity. Alexander pushed aside his lingering doubts. They had bigger problems to worry about.

According to the intel they'd uncovered in the encrypted Chimera files, Chimera was planning to assassinate Sir Robert Blackwood, the Governor of the Bank of England, during his morning commute. It was the first phase of Project Prometheus - destabilizing the global financial markets to create the chaos needed for Chimera's grand plan.

They couldn't let that happen.

The soft purr of an approaching engine drew Alexander's attention. A sleek black Jaguar turned the corner, its tinted windows concealing the passengers within. As it passed his position, Alexander caught a glimpse of Sir Robert in the back seat, engrossed in a briefing document.

"Target acquired," Alexander murmured. "Moving to intercept."
He stepped out of the alley, falling into step behind a group of suited executives. To any observer, he was just another City worker starting his day. But beneath the carefully crafted façade, every muscle in his body was coiled, ready for action.

The Jaguar pulled up to the main entrance of Canary Wharf Tower. As Sir Robert's driver moved to open the rear door, Alexander scanned the area, looking for any sign of Chimera's assassin.

That's when he saw it - a glint of metal from a window several floors up.

"Sniper!" Alexander shouted, breaking into a sprint. "Jack, take him out! Sarah, get Blackwood to cover!"

Time seemed to slow as Alexander raced towards Sir Robert. He saw the banker's confused expression, heard Sarah's shout of warning. The crack of a high-powered rifle split the air.

Alexander launched himself forward, tackling Sir Robert to the ground just as a bullet shattered the car's rear window. Glass rained down around them as Alexander dragged the stunned banker behind the vehicle.

"What the devil is going on?" Sir Robert demanded, his face pale with shock.

"Sorry about the suit, sir," Alexander replied grimly. "But I'm afraid someone's trying to kill you."

More shots rang out, pinging off the pavement around them. Alexander risked a glance over the hood of the car. Sarah was pinned down behind a concrete planter, returning fire towards the upper floors of the tower.

"Jack, talk to me!" Alexander barked into his comm. "Where's that sniper?"

"Working on it," Jack's strained voice came back. "Bastard's good. Keeps changing positions. I can't get a clean shot."

Alexander's mind raced. They were exposed here, sitting ducks for the sniper. They needed to move, and fast.

"Sarah, can you make it to us?"