Page 22 of Devlin

The door creaked open, and they stepped into the dimly lit space. Devlin’s senses were on high alert. He scanned the shadows for any sign of movement. Suddenly, a figure emerged from one of the rooms. It was Reed. Devlin was impressed. He thought Reed was the kind of man who would run at the first sign of trouble. Clearly, he had underestimated his adversary.

Reed’s eyes glittered with a mixture of defiance and amusement.

“Devlin,” he greeted, his voice echoing off the walls.“I’ve been expecting you.”

Devlin’s mind raced. How could Reed have known they were coming? Cameras? Informants? Or was it just a matter of time before they caught up to him?

Gut instinct told him something wasn’t completely right here, but for now, he’d play the cards he had in his hand.

“Reed,” Devlin replied coolly, keeping his expression neutral.“It’s over. You’re surrounded.”

Reed chuckled, a dark, humorless sound.“You think I didn’t anticipate this? You underestimate me, Devlin.”

With a sudden, swift motion, Reed reached into his jacket. Devlin’s heart skipped a beat. He was ready, his reflexes honed by years of experience.

Before Reed could draw his weapon, Devlin lunged forward, grabbing his arm, and twisting it behind his back. Reed winced in pain but didn’t cry out.

“Enough of this,” Devlin growled, pushing Reed against the wall.“You’re done, Reed.”

But Reed’s smile didn’t waver.“Are you sure about that?”

A chill ran down Devlin’s spine. Something was wrong. Before he could react, the lights flickered and went out, plunging the room into darkness.

Devlin tightened his grip on Reed, but in the confusion, Reed managed to slip away. The sound of footsteps echoed around them, making it impossible to pinpoint Reed’s location.

“Stay sharp,” Devlin told Galen and his men, who had spread out around the room, their weapons drawn.

The warehouse was a maze and there were numerous potential hiding spots. Devlin’s mind raced, calculating the possibilities. Reed was a slippery opponent, but he wouldn’t get away this time. Not if Devlin had anything to say about it.

He moved cautiously, his gun at the ready. His ears strained to catch any sound that might give Reed away.

Suddenly, a loud crash echoed from the far side of the room. Devlin and his men spun toward the noise, their guns trained on the source. A door burst open, and Reed bolted out, a wild look in his eyes. Devlin didn’t hesitate. He fired, the muzzle flash illuminating the room for a split-second.

Reed staggered, clutching his side, but he didn’t go down. Instead, he pulled out his own gun and fired back.

The room erupted into chaos. Bullets flew, ricocheting off the walls and sending sparks flying. Devlin’s men took cover, returning fire with precision. Devlin himself advanced steadily, his focus solely on Reed.

Reed ducked behind a stack of crates, his breathing labored. “You won’t take me alive, Devlin!” he shouted, sounding desperate.

“You’re finished, Reed,” Devlin called back, moving closer.“There’s no way out.”

In a last-ditch effort, Reed fired wildly, but his shots went wide. Devlin seized the opportunity. He darted forward, vaulting over the crates and tackling Reed to the ground. The two of them struggled, their grunts and the sound of their fists echoing in the dim light.

“Devlin!” Galen shouted, concerned.

Reed fought with the desperation of a cornered animal, but Devlin’s experience won out. With a final, powerful blow, he knocked the gun from Reed’s hand and pinned him to the floor.

“This ends now,” Devlin growled, pressing his knee into Reed’s chest.

Reed chuckled. “While you were busy playing hero, my spy was busy too. Your penthouse … Krista…”

Devlin’s heart skipped a beat. He slammed Reed’s head into the floor, once, twice, several times until he realized Reed was dead.

“Galen, we need to get back. Now!” Devlin said.

They sprinted out of the warehouse. Devlin’s mind raced with fear and fury. He couldn’t let anything happen to Krista. As they reached their vehicles, Devlin barked orders into his phone, mobilizing every resource at his disposal to ensure her safety.

The drive back was a blur of speed and anxiety. Devlin’s knuckles were white on the steering wheel, his jaw clenched tight. He couldn’t lose her. Not now, especially after finding her again.

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