Page 32 of The Silencer

But this is the life I chose.The path of the Silencer.And right now, there's a traitor that needs silencing.

* * *

The safe house is quiet as I enter, my footsteps echoing in the empty hallway.I make my way to the main room, where I know Jer will have set up our temporary base of operations.

As expected, there's already a map of London spread out on the table, the three potential locations marked in red.I study it carefully, trying to get into Lawrence's head.Where would he go?What's his endgame here?

The door opens behind me and I turn to see Maverick walk in.He looks tired but alert, his eyes scanning the room before settling on me.

"Emman," he greets me with a nod."Jer filled me in on the way over.This is fucked, isn't it?"

I let out a humorless chuckle."That's putting it mildly."

Maverick comes to stand beside me, looking down at the map."So, where do we start?"

I tap the location of the abandoned warehouse."Here, I think.It's isolated, with plenty of escape routes.Seems like the kind of place Lawrence would hole up."

Maverick nods in agreement."Alright.When do we move?"

I check my watch.It's just past midnight."Give me an hour to prep my gear.We'll head out at 0100."

As Maverick goes to sort out our transport, I start assembling my rifle.The familiar routine helps calm my nerves, focusing my mind on the task ahead.

This isn't just another job.This is Lawrence—a man I've worked with, trained with.A man I thought I could trust.The betrayal stings, but I push those feelings aside.Right now, he's just another target.And I have a job to do.

An hour later, we're in a plain white van, a vehicle a thousand other people have in the city, heading toward the warehouse.The streets of London are quiet at this hour, only the occasional late-night reveler or early morning worker crossing our path.

"You okay?"Maverick asks from the driver's seat, his eyes flicking between me and the road.

I nod, my hand unconsciously checking my weapon."Yeah.Just...this feels different, you know?"

Maverick's grip tightens on the steering wheel."I know.But remember, he made his choice.Whatever happens now, that's on him."

As we approach the warehouse, I scan the area.There are no signs of activity, but that doesn't mean much.Lawrence knows how to stay hidden.

We park a block away and approach on foot, sticking to the shadows.The warehouse looms before us, dark and silent.

"I'll take the high ground," I whisper to Maverick."You cover the exits."

He nods, disappearing around the side of the building as I make my way to a nearby rooftop.From here, I have a clear view of the warehouse and its surroundings.

I watch through my scope as Maverick carefully enters the warehouse, his movements silent and precise.My finger rests lightly on the trigger, ready to provide cover fire if needed.

Minutes tick by with agonizing slowness.The warehouse remains still and silent.Too silent.

"Anything?"I murmur into my comm.

"Negative," Maverick's voice crackles back."Place looks abandoned.No sign of recent activity."

I frown, scanning the area once more.Something doesn't feel right.Lawrence is too smart to leave no trace at all.

"Wait," Maverick says suddenly."I've got something.Second floor, northwest corner."

My scope swings to the indicated area.Through a grimy window, I catch a flicker of movement.

"I see it," I confirm."Moving to get a better angle."

I quickly reposition, finding a vantage point with a clearer view into the room.My heart races as a figure comes into focus.

---