Page 44 of The Silencer

"I know," I say.“What's our next move with my father?"

Jer leans back in his chair, his expression dark."I think it's time we consider more...drastic measures.If we can't get him transferred, we might need to take him out where he is."

My brows shoot up."That's risky, Jer.Very risky."

"I know," Jer agrees."But we're running out of options.Your father's threats are becoming more frequent, more specific.We can't risk him exposing you, us, or The Agency."

I nod.He’s right, we’re running out of options."Alright.I'll start looking into the logistics of it.I'll start looking into the prison's security protocols," I say."Guard rotations, camera placements, that sort of thing.We'll need to find a window where we can get in and out undetected."

Jer nods approvingly."Good.I'll reach out to some of my contacts and see if we can get any inside help.A corrupt guard or two could make this a lot easier."

As we start to hash out the details of this dangerous plan, my phone buzzes in my pocket.I pull it out, frowning at the unknown number on the screen.

"Hello?"I answer cautiously.

"Emmanuel?"a gruff voice asks.

"Who's asking?"

"Someone who has information you might be interested in," the voice replies."About your father...and the people protecting him."

I lock eyes with Jer.He’s got a furrow between his brows as he watches me.

"I'm listening," I say into the phone.

"Not over the phone," the voice says."Meet me at the abandoned warehouse on Dock Street.One hour.Come alone."

The line goes dead before I can respond.

"Well?"Jer asks as I lower the phone.

I quickly tell him about the conversation.

"It could be a trap," he warns.

"I know," I agree."But if there's even a chance this person has legitimate information..."

Jer sighs heavily."You're right.We can't afford to ignore this.But you're not going in alone.I'll have a team on standby nearby."

I nod, grateful for the backup."Alright.I’d better get moving if I'm going to make it in time."

As I stand to leave, Jer catches my arm."Be careful, Emmanuel.Your father's made a lot of enemies over the years.We don't know who we're dealing with here."

I give him a grim smile."I always am."

An hour later, I'm approaching the abandoned warehouse, every sense on high alert.The area is deserted, the only sound the distant hum of traffic.

I enter the warehouse cautiously, my hand on the gun concealed under my jacket.The interior is dark and musty, filled with shadows that could be hiding any number of threats.

"Hello?"I call out."I'm here."

For a moment, there's only silence.Then, a figure steps out from behind a stack of old crates.

"Emmanuel," the man says."You look just like your father."

I tense at the comparison.I’m nothing like that asshole."You said you had information."

The man nods, stepping closer.As he does, I realize I recognize him.“Craig,” I say through clenched teeth.“It’s been a while.”

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