Page 20 of The Silencer

As we check into our room, my mind wanders to Ma.I hope she's doing okay in rehab.The thought of her following in my father's footsteps...It terrifies me.But I push those thoughts aside.I can't afford to be distracted right now.

"Hey," Maverick says, snapping me out of my thoughts."You sure you're good for this?If you need more time..."

I shake my head firmly."I'm fine.Let's do this."

As soon as night falls, we make our move.The compound is just as heavily guarded as we expected, but we've planned for this.Maverick creates a distraction at the front gate while I slip in through a weak spot in the perimeter we identified via surveillance footage Cole gave us.

I make my way to the vantage point and set up my rifle, something that comes as second nature now.

The scope of my rifle gives me a clear view into Delgado's study.He's there, just as our intel suggested he would be, poring over papers at his desk.

"I have eyes on the target," I murmur into my comm.

"Copy that," Maverick's voice crackles back."Distraction is in place.You're clear to take the shot."

I steady my breathing, lining up the crosshairs.This is what I've become in the past two years—a cold, efficient killer.

Just as I'm about to squeeze the trigger, movement catches my eye.A young woman enters the study, carrying a tray.Delgado's daughter, according to our intel.She wasn't supposed to be here.

"Shit," I hiss."We've got a complication.The daughter's in the room."

There's a pause on the other end."Can you still make the shot?"Maverick asks.

I hesitate.The girl is standing close to her father, laughing at something he's said.If I take the shot now, there's a chance she could be hit by the spray of blood and brain matter.Or worse, if my aim is off even slightly...

"Emmanuel," Maverick's voice is tense."We might not get another chance at this.Cole was clear—Delgado needs to be taken out tonight."

I know he's right.This is our best shot.But as I watch the girl through my scope, all I can think about is Clodagh.Another innocent life scarred by violence.

I keep my finger on the trigger, ready to pull at any moment.My focus remains on Delgado and his daughter.The mood has changed.No more laughter and fun.Instead, they seem to be having an argument.I watch as Delgado’s face turns a putrid shade of red.He raises his hand, and I grit my teeth as his daughter flinches.My anger tears through me.He’s abusive to her.She knows what to expect when he raises his hand.

I don’t hesitate.My finger pulls the trigger.

The shot rings out, echoing in the night air.Through my scope, I watch as Delgado crumples to the ground, a clean hole in his forehead.His daughter screams, stumbling backwards in shock.

"Target neutralized," I report coldly into my comm.

"Copy that," Maverick replies."Initiating extraction plan now."

I quickly break down my rifle, my movements automatic after years of practice.As I make my way to our predetermined exit point, I push thoughts of the girl from my mind.This is the job.This is what I signed up for.

Maverick is waiting in the getaway car, engine already running.I slide into the passenger seat and we peel away from the compound, tires squealing as we do.

"Any complications?"Maverick asks as we speed down the dark road.

I shake my head."Clean shot.One and done."

Maverick nods approvingly."Good.Cole will be pleased."

We drive in silence for a while, the adrenaline of the job slowly fading.Finally, Maverick speaks again.

"You hesitated," he says quietly.It's not a question.

I sigh, running a hand through my hair."The daughter, she reminded me of Clodagh."

Maverick's grip tightens on the steering wheel."Emmanuel," he sighs.

"I know," I snap, not wanting him to say anything."It won't happen again."

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