Chapter 9: The Rescue
In the dark, Arthur moved entirely by memory and the subtle directions Leo whispered into his earpiece. ""Two guards ahead, ten meters. Wait for the breach.""
Outside, Arthur's security team breached the doors, deploying flashbangs that temporarily blinded the Volkov men. The warehouse became a warzone of tactical precision versus disorganized panic. Arthur didn't look back; he pressed forward until he reached a reinforced door.
He shot the padlock with a suppressed pistol his security chief had pressed into his hand before he entered. Kicking the door open, his flashlight cut through the gloom.
Maya was huddled in the corner, trembling, eyes wide with terror.
May you like
""Maya,"" Arthur said softly, lowering his weapon and crouching down. ""I'm Arthur. Elena sent me. We're getting you out of here.""
He quickly untied her bindings. She was weak, sobbing quietly, but she could walk. Shielding her with his body, Arthur navigated them back through the labyrinth of crates as his team secured the exfiltration route.
