Chapter 12 - THE HOSTAGE TACTIC
Ethan’s mind raced as the cold rain continued to pour over them.
He knew Eleanor was a master manipulator, but he couldn't afford to take the chance that she was lying about Marcus.
Marcus had risked his life to save him in the hallway.
He couldn't leave him behind to be executed in cold blood.
“Where are they holding him?” Ethan asked, lowering the gun slightly but keeping it targeted on her chest.
Eleanor slowly pushed herself up from the wet floor, smoothing back her soaked hair.
She stood tall, completely unbothered by the weapon pointed at her.
“The old textile factory on 4th Street,” Eleanor said smoothly, wiping the corner of her mouth.
“That’s where the secondary server for your father’s network is hidden.”
“That’s where the physical vault input is located.”
“Bring the key there, and I will trade Marcus for the drive.”
Viktor stepped forward, shaking his head firmly at Ethan.
“It’s a trap, Ethan,” Viktor warned in a harsh whisper.
“If you walk into that factory, they will kill Marcus, kill you, and take the key anyway.”
“They have total control of that location.”
Ethan looked at Viktor, then turned his gaze back to Eleanor.
“She’s holding Marcus,” Ethan said.
“I’m not leaving him behind.”
“Then we go in on our own terms,” Viktor argued, his voice full of tactical authority.
“We don't walk through the front door like sheep to a slaughterhouse.”
Eleanor let out a sharp, mocking laugh.
“You don't have a choice, Viktor,” she said, looking at the older man with contempt.
“You’re an outdated dinosaur from a dead era.”
“You couldn't save Ethan’s mother twenty years ago, and you can't save Ethan tonight.”
Viktor’s jaw tightened so hard his facial scar turned bright red.
He took a step toward her, raising the stock of his weapon.
“Say that again,” Viktor growled, his voice deep with fury.
“Stop!” Ethan shouted, stepping between Viktor and Eleanor.
“We don't have time for this!”
“Viktor, take Maria and my daughter to the safe house you mentioned.”
“Keep them secure no matter what happens.”
“I’m going to the factory.”
Viktor stared at Ethan in utter disbelief.
“You’re going alone? That is suicide, Ethan!”
“I’m not going alone,” Ethan said, turning his head to look at Eleanor.
He stepped forward, grabbed Eleanor’s wrist, and yanked her arm behind her back with a sharp twist.
Eleanor gasped in sudden pain as Ethan snapped a pair of heavy steel handcuffs around her wrists.
“She’s coming with me as my shield,” Ethan stated coldly.
Eleanor winced against the pressure on her arms, but her eyes remained cold and defiant.
“You really think my men care about my life, Ethan?” she whispered into his ear.
“In our organization, everyone is replaceable.”
“Even me.”
Ethan leaned in close, his lips almost touching her ear.
“Then let’s test their loyalty together, sweetheart,” Ethan whispered back.
He shoved her toward the passenger side of his sedan.
He looked back at Viktor one last time.
“If I’m not back in two hours, take my daughter and leave the country,” Ethan ordered firmly.
“Promise me, Viktor.”
Viktor looked at the young man, seeing his father’s relentless determination shining through his eyes.
Viktor gave a slow, solemn nod.
“I promise, Ethan,” Viktor said quietly.
“May God help you.”
May you like
Ethan slammed Eleanor into the passenger seat, locked the door, and jumped into the driver’s side.
He started the engine, hit the gas, and sped away from Dock 14, heading straight into the heart of the city’s industrial district.
