Lines Blurred, Traces Found

Chapter 5

Operation Nightshade

As Maya began to reveal the syndicate's secrets, Eros listened intently, his eyes locked onto hers. The dimly lit warehouse seemed to shrink, leaving only the two of them, suspended in a web of deceit and corruption.

"What do you know about Champ's operations?" Eros asked, his tone firm but controlled, his voice echoing off the cold concrete walls.

Maya hesitated, glancing around nervously, as if fearful of being overheard. "Champ's involved in human trafficking, arms dealing, and money laundering," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "He's got connections with corrupt officials and businessmen, people who think they're above the law."

Eros's expression remained unyielding, his jaw clenched in determination. "I'll take you to detention; we'll talk to you there so we can get more information on you," he said, his words measured. "If you're really determined to give in, then cooperate with us. We'll provide protection, but you need to be honest."

Maya said nothing, but nodded, her eyes cast downward. She agreed to go with Eros to detention, knowing she'd have to undergo interrogation to provide details about Champ and the syndicate. The weight of her past actions settled heavy on her shoulders.

As they prepared to leave, Maya's voice stopped them. "Wait, before I forgot... there's something else." Her eyes locked onto Eros', a hint of urgency in her tone. "Champ's planning a big shipment tonight. If you can intercept it, you might catch him off guard."

Eros's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with possibilities. "What's the location?" he asked, his pen poised over his notebook.

Maya handed him a crumpled piece of paper with an address scribbled on it. "Be careful. Champ's got heavily armed guards. They won't hesitate to shoot."

Eros nodded, folding the paper into his pocket, his expression grim. "We'll take care of it."

With Maya's information, the teams split up, ready to take on Champ and his syndicate. Eros, Steve, and Brenth gathered in the police general's office, strategizing their next move. "General, we have a lead on Champ's shipment location," Eros briefed. "Maya, the syndicate's insider, provided the address."

The police general's expression turned grave. "This is a high-risk operation. We need to mobilize a tactical team."

"For now, we need to keep an eye out, sir," Eros said. "When we rush to take down Champ, everything will be chaotic. As Maya said, Champ is not easy to take down; it's better that we be careful this time."

The general nodded. "As a matter of fact, you're right, Inspector Hadrian. You need to be careful. If you ever get stuck in a situation, call us right away, is that clear?"

"Yes, sir!" everyone answered.

Brenth asked, "Sir, what about Maya? Is she cooperating?" Eros replied, "She's providing valuable intel. We'll keep her in protective custody until she testifies against Champ and his associates."

The police general nodded, his expression stern. "Ensure her safety, Eros. We can't risk losing our key witness."

Eros nodded, his mind already focused on the mission ahead.

With their plan finalized, Eros, Steve, and Brenth arrived at the designated location, a deserted dockyard on the outskirts of town. The only sound was the creaking of rusty gates and the distant hum of a ship's engine, its lights flickering like fireflies in the darkness.

"Alright, let's move in," Eros whispered, his gun at the ready, his eyes scanning the area for any sign of Champ's men.

Steve and Brenth flanked him, their faces set with determination. The night air was thick with tension, heavy with the weight of their mission.