Lines Blurred, Traces Found (Published Under Ukiyoto Publishing)

Chapter 6: Ties That Bind

Ties That Bind

Hyunjie nodded subtly, her eyes never leaving Champ's men. She edged closer, listening intently. Vince held his breath, his gun at the ready. Champ's voice grew louder, more urgent. "We need to move now! The buyer's getting impatient."

One of Champ's men stepped forward, his eyes scanning the crowd. "Alright, let's load up!" Hyunjie slipped into the warehouse, merging with the shadows. Vince followed, his heart racing. Inside, Hyunjie swiftly located the shipment: crates stacked with contraband.

Champ's men began loading the crates onto trucks. Hyunjie's voice came over the comms device, barely audible. "Vince, I've got eyes on the shipment."

Vince responded, his voice low. "Roger that. I've got your six."

"Hey!" Hyunjie was stunned when someone called out to her, and when she looked back, one of Champ's men noticed her presence. "You're new here, right?" the man asked her, but she didn't immediately speak. "I just saw you here; by the way, Champ is calling all the new recruits." Hyunjie's heart sank. She couldn't blow her cover now.

Vince's voice came over the comms device, low and urgent. "Hyunjie, what's happening?" Hyunjie subtly shook her head, signaling Vince to stand down. Her eyes never left Champ's man, her posture relaxed but alert. The man led her deeper into the warehouse, toward Champ's office. The air thickened with tension as they approached.

Champ looked up, his eyes narrowing. "So, you're the new recruit." His gaze swept over Hyunjie, examining her carefully. Her posture, her expression, her every detail.

Hyunjie nodded, her expression neutral. "That's right." Her voice was steady, no hint of nervousness. Champ's gaze lingered on her, then shifted to his man. "Leave us." His tone was dismissive, authoritative.

The man departed, closing the door behind him. The sound of the door clicking shut echoed through the room. Champ leaned back, steepling his fingers. "I'm curious... what makes you think you can work with us?" His eyes seemed to bore into her soul, searching for any sign of deception.

Hyunjie's response was calm, rehearsed. "I've heard good things about your operation. I want in." Her voice was confident, assured.

Champ's eyes narrowed, his expression skeptical. "I'm not sure I believe you." His voice dripped with doubt, testing her resolve.

Vince's voice came over the comms device, tense. "Hyunjie, I've got your back." His words were a reminder, a reassurance. Hyunjie's eyes flickered, acknowledging Vince's support. She refocused on Champ, her expression unwavering.

Eros and his team blended into the crowd, their faces obscured by hats and sunglasses. They moved casually, avoiding eye contact with Champ's men. "Stay sharp," Eros whispered into the comms device. "We don't know how many are armed."

His team nodded, their eyes scanning the area with heightened alertness. They wove through the crowd, gathering intel on Champ's operation with swift efficiency. Crates of contraband were being loaded onto trucks, while guards stood watch, their eyes scanning the surroundings with a mix of caution and hostility.

Eros' team exchanged subtle nods, coordinating their next move with practiced precision. "Inspector Hadrian, do we have to take action? They might have escaped!" Brenth's voice came over the comms device, laced with urgency.

"I heard earlier that Champ is still in the office," other police replied, his voice low and steady.

Just then, Steve's voice cut in, his tone cautious. "I have to tell you something, guys. The FBI agents are also here."

Eros's frown deepened, his eyes narrowing. "FBI? What are they doing here?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.

Steve hesitated before responding. "I'm not sure, but I spotted Agent Fred Carter near the warehouse entrance. He's not alone."