The air smelled of beach dust and salt from the sea. The street lights in the distance flickered weakly. At the shore, the sounds of the waves lapping against the rocks and abandoned cargo containers could be heard. The night was dark and held no emotion.
Agent Ryan made sure to stay away from the lights. He leaned against his black sedan carefully parked by the dock, away from the street lights. He puffed a cigarette and blew its smoke into the air. His target was late.
A few minutes later, a figure emerged from the shadows, just by the abandoned cargo containers. His face was hidden in the hood of his large sweatshirt. Behind him were two heavily armed men who moved with precision. Their eyes pierced the dark in a suspicious manner.
“You are late,” Ryan said, pushing himself off his car. He reached for a handshake but the hooded man ignored him.
"Had to make sure you were alone and not being followed.”
Ryan scoffed, puffing his cigarette and blowing the smoke in the air. “If I wasn’t, you’d already be dead.”
Gently, the man pulled off his hood. And standing before him was the most wanted Silas Novak, leader of the vicious arms-smuggling ring on the East Coast.
"Silas Novak," Ryan called as if to be sure. He had spent the best part of his career hunting him. Now, he stood face to face with him not as an agent, but as a buyer.
Ignoring him. "You have my money?* Silas asked. His voice was plain and without a soul.
“You have what I asked for?” Ryan replied, keeping his cool and his voice steady.
"Money first."
Ryan walked to the trunk of his car, opened it, and pulled out a black backpack. He threw it at Silas's feet.
“Two million, in cash. Untraceable.”
Silas turned and looked at his men. Then he nodded to them and one of them stepped forward. He bent over and unzipped the bag to reveal bundles of dollar bills neatly packed.
Ryan puffed another cigarette. “My weapons?”
Again, Silas nodded, and like a drama rehearsal, one of his men whistled. From the distance, a bright headlight flared to life. Then a beastly looking black SUV rumbled forward. It stopped a few feet away from them where Ryan would be able to see the trunk clearly. Silas pressed a tiny remote and the trunk popped open, revealing crates of high-powered rifles and modified handguns and ammunition.
Ryan smiled and took one last drag. Then he threw his cigarette into the sand and squashed it with his shoe. “Magnifico Magnificent.” He exclaimed excitedly. He put his hands in his trouser pocket and pulled out his phone. Then he brushed his hands over the screen. The screen lit up and that’s when he saw it.
He had butt-dialed Director Shaw. Call Duration: 02:13.
Cold chills ran down his spine. His boss has been listening for over two minutes. He wondered what he must have heard.
Expertly, Ryan made sure not to show any emotion on his face. He kept his face unreadable. If Silas and his men were to suspect anything, that would be his end. Stylishly, he swiped his thumb over the screen to end the call.
Silas narrowed his eyes. “Any problem?”
Putting his phone back into his pocket. "Not at all. Just wife issues."
"They're never satisfied at all. Are they?" Silas replied, wearing the face of a man tired of his wife's nagging.
"Never. Wanna count the cash?" Ryan asked, intentionally changing the topic. He was not there to listen to the story of a wounded man. He was on a mission.
"I'm good. You know well not to mess with me." then his lips curled into a satisfied grin. “It was nice doing business with you.”
Ryan gave a nod. “Likewise.”
Immediately, he turned and got into his car. Every second he spent there was a risk to his life and job. His phone could buzz at any time. He didn't want to blow his cover before Silas.
He turned the ignition on and gripped the wheel. Then he zoomed off making sure not to speed. He didn't want to break character.
Then, his phone vibrated.
Once he was out of sight, he pulled it out and looked at the screen. It was a message from his Boss.
“Get out. Now.” It read.
He nodded. That could only mean one thing, backup was already in position. He looked at his rearview mirror to be sure he wasn't being followed. Then, he stepped on the gas. He didn't want to be caught in the crossfire.
It wasn't long before gunfire erupted. He could hear the sound.
“The ambush had begun.” He muttered.
He hit the brakes. A part of him wanted to turn around and go back to the scene. But he remembered the promise he made to his wife. To come back in one piece. Besides, his job was done. He had led Silas Novak right into the trap.
He took a deep breath and rolled down his window. The old night breeze hit hard in his face. He reached for his cigarette in the car seat, lit it up, and took a slow puff. Then he blew the smoke into the air. He stepped on the gas and rode into the open road.
He just sealed the biggest bust of his career.
Ahhh! My heart skipped a bit for Ryan, hoping he’d get out safely. Thank you for sharing.
How could such a professional afford to make such a risky mistake?! 😬 But glad that he made it out safely in the end...
Thank you for sharing, please enjoy your week 🙏