Chapter 27: The hunter returns
296 Words
Chapter 27: The Hunter Returns
Far from the hidden safe house, Marcus Vance stood inside a secure command center buried beneath an abandoned corporate headquarters.
The room was alive with activity.
Large screens displayed satellite imagery, surveillance feeds, financial records, and intelligence reports gathered from across the country. Dozens of agents worked quietly at their stations, afraid to disturb the man overseeing the operation.
Marcus stood before the largest screen.
A photograph of Serena stared back at him.
Taken only days earlier.
She looked different than she had six years ago.
Older.
Wiser.
Stronger.
But still Serena.
An operative approached cautiously.
"Sir, we've confirmed the elimination of several field teams."
Marcus didn't react immediately.
Instead, he continued studying Serena's image.
"How many?"
"Three teams so far."
"And Lily?"
"No confirmed location."
The operative hesitated before continuing.
"We believe Serena is recovering memories."
That finally drew Marcus's attention.
A faint smile appeared.
Not a happy smile.
A dangerous one.
"I expected as much."
The operative looked confused.
"Then why not stop her?"
Marcus slowly walked toward the window overlooking the city lights.
Because every recovered memory brought Serena closer to the truth.
And the truth would eventually lead her straight to him.
For a brief moment, regret crossed his face.
Years ago they had trusted one another.
Years ago they had fought side by side.
Years ago he had loved her.
But those days were gone.
Now only the mission remained.
"Prepare the aircraft," Marcus ordered.
The operative nodded.
"You're going after her personally?"
Marcus's eyes hardened.
"Six years ago she escaped."
His voice grew colder.
"This time she won't."
As the operative hurried away, Marcus stared into the darkness beyond the glass.
The hunt was entering its final stage.
And he intended to finish it himself.
- Writer
