Page 30 of The Silencer

I start preparing my equipment for tonight's mission.I need to ensure everything is perfect.This is who I am, who I’m destined to be.I’m the Silencer.I stop those who are a threat to the innocent youth and those who are vulnerable.

* * *

As night falls over Buenos Aires, I make my way to the predetermined vantage point.The rally is in full swing, the crowd's cheers echoing through the streets.I set up my rifle with practiced ease, my movements automatic after years of doing this.

Through the scope, I scan the stage.Mendoza hasn't arrived yet.I check my watch—6:55 p.m.He should be here soon.

As I wait, my mind drifts back to Clodagh.To the pain and anger in her eyes when she saw me."You could have stopped him,"she had said.The words haunt me, gnawing at my resolve.

I shake my head, trying to focus.I can't afford distractions.Not now.

At 7:02 p.m., Mendoza's car pulls up.The crowd roars as he steps out, waving and smiling.I wait until Mendoza takes the stage and begins his speech.My window is closing.I need to take the shot now.I adjust my aim, centering the crosshairs on his head.

Exhale.Squeeze.

The shot rings out, quickly followed by the sounds of chaos.Through the scope, I watch as Mendoza crumples to the ground, a clean hole in his forehead.

As I quickly break down my rifle, my hands moving with practiced efficiency, I see Mendoza’s security surveying the scene.It’s time to get the fuck out of here.

I slip out of the building and blend into the panicked crowd fleeing the scene.My heart is racing as usual.It’s the post-job adrenaline.

I make it back to my hotel room without incident.As soon as the door closes behind me, I take a relieved breath and pull out my phone to send the confirmation text to Cole.

My phone buzzes in my hand.It's Cole.He couldn’t wait for me to send a text first?

Cole: Confirmation?

I don’t hesitate.I quickly type out my response.

Me: It's done.I’ll be heading to the airport in ten minutes.

There's a long pause before his response comes through.

Cole: Change of plans.We need you in London.

I stare at Cole's message, a mixture of surprise and wariness washing over me.A change of plans is unusual, especially right after a job.

Me: What's in London?

Cole's response comes quickly:

Can't say over text.Jer will brief you when you land.Jer’s plane will be waiting for you on the tarmac.

I frown at my phone.This is not standard protocol.Typically, there's a cooling-off period after a hit, time to ensure we haven't been compromised.Whatever's happening in London must be urgent.

As I quickly pack my belongings, my mind races.Is this related to The Agency's rumored expansion?Or is it something else entirely?

My phone buzzes again with the flight details.A private jet leaving in two hours.They really aren't wasting any time.

As I head to the airport, I can't shake the feeling that something big is about to happen.The adrenaline from the Mendoza hit is still coursing through my veins, mixing with a new tension building in my gut.

I board the plane, nodding to the pilot—one of Jer's men I recognize from previous jobs.His name is James O’Malley.As we take off, I try to relax, but my mind keeps drifting.From Mendoza to Clodagh to whatever awaits me in London.

Fourteen hours later, I'm stepping off the plane at a private airstrip outside London.Jer is waiting for me, his face grim.

"What's going on?"I ask as soon as I'm within earshot.

Jer glances around then gestures for me to follow him to a waiting car.Once we're inside and moving, he speaks.

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