Shadows Within The Past

Chapter 65: The wound

Alexander briefed the team. "Our target is Organization HQ-7, located in an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts. Intel suggests a high-ranking officer will be present."

Vinnie checked his gear. "What's the objective?"

Samantha hacked into the Organization's system. "We need to retrieve classified data from their server room."

Dr. Patel analyzed the layout. "The warehouse has multiple entrances, but we'll need to navigate through layers of security."

Marcus reviewed the team's positions. "Alexander, take point. Vinnie, cover our six. Rachael, provide sniper support. Samantha, hack their cameras. Dr. Patel, monitor their comms."

Ethan grinned. "And I'll provide... motivation."

Alexander nodded. "Let's move. Stay sharp."

As they approached the warehouse, Ryker's voice came through the comms device. "Organization agents closing in on your position. Be advised."

Alexander's expression turned grim. "Understood, Ryker. We're going in."

The team breached the warehouse, guns drawn.

Alexander's team secured the high-ranking officer, cuffing him to a nearby pipe. Vinnie searched his belongings, finding a data drive. Samantha plugged it in, breaking the encryption. "Data transfer complete. We have: Organization's financial records, secret facility locations, and Project Eclipse details." Marcus whistled. "Jackpot!" Dr. Patel examined the officer, revealing extensive plastic surgery. "He's not who he claims to be." Rachael monitored the surroundings. "Hostiles closing in. We need to move." Ethan interrogated the officer. "Who are you? What's your role?" The officer sneered. "You'll never stop the Organization."

Alexander's anger simmered, fueled by the earlier ambush that injured his men. "This guy's responsible," he growled. "My men were shot because of him." Rachael's eyes narrowed. "You think he ordered the hit?" Alexander nodded. "I'm certain. And now, he's going to pay." Ethan cautioned, "Alexander, we need him alive. He's our ticket to taking down the Organization." Alexander's gaze turned icy. "I'll keep him alive... for now."

As they extracted the officer, hostage in tow, Vinnie noticed Alexander's tension. "Alexander, keep your cool. We need intel." Alexander's jaw clenched. "Intel won't bring back my men." Rachael reassured, "We'll get justice, Alexander. But first, we finish the mission." Ethan agreed, "Let's keep moving."

Suddenly, the officer struggled, alerting nearby guards. A hidden sniper targeted Alexander. Samantha detected an encrypted message on the officer's phone. "Wait, what's this?" she exclaimed. One of the officer's men, stabbed Alexander and now he was hidden in the shadows,  "H-help...m-me," he stammered.

Alexander tackled the wounded man, despite his own stab wound. They crashed to the ground, punches flying. Alexander pinned the man down, fueled by rage. Vinnie rushed to assist, but Alexander growled, "Mine." With a swift motion, Alexander stabbed the man in the stomach, mirroring his own wound.

The man's struggles weakened, and Alexander delivered a fatal blow. As the man went limp, Alexander stood, panting, his stomach throbbing in pain. Rachael approached, concern etched on her face. "Alexander, your wound-" Alexander waved her off. "I'm fine. Let's move."

Ethan helped Alexander bind his wound. "You good to keep going?" Alexander nodded, gritting his teeth. "We finish this." The team proceeded, hostage in tow, navigating the warehouse's danger