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My thoughts drift to Hannah, waiting at home. Guilt knots in my stomach. I should be there, sharing the weight on my shoulders, but this particular mission takes precedence.

Hours pass like minutes, and as the sun dips below the skyline, Mia's voice crackles through the comms, "Ludwig's on the move. Heading towards the docks."

My jaw tightens, my pulse quickening. "Keep a safe distance. I'll be there."

With a sense of urgency, I leave the office, my mind now fully consumed by the task at hand.

The city at night is a different beast, the quiet streets hiding the undercurrent of danger that courses through its veins. My car skids to a stop near the warehouses, the dull glow of distant streetlights barely illuminating the shadows that cling to the buildings. I survey the desolate area, my senses on high alert. The scent of saltwater mingles with the distant echoes of seagulls, creating an eerie backdrop for the impending confrontation.

My team relays Ludwig's position through my earpiece as I silently make my way towards the edge of the pier. The night air is charged with tension, and my gaze narrows as I spot Ludwig's silhouette against the dim glow of distant streetlights.

"Keep your distance, Holden," Mia warns over the comms. "We don't know what he's up to."

I acknowledge her warning, my gaze fixed on the distant figures by the water. Ludwig moves with purpose, disappearing into the labyrinth of shipping containers. I shadow him, my movements calculated and silent.

The warehouse looms ahead, and I crouch behind a stack of crates, watching as Ludwig meets with a group of shady figures. My trained eyes assess the situation, piecing together the puzzle. Ludwig isn't working alone, and whatever nefarious plans are afoot, they reach beyond the walls of the prison that held him captive.

A stray thought of Hannah and Kerri infiltrates my mind, a reminder of the life I've fought so hard to protect. The echoes of the past reverberate in my chest, the weight of the lies I've had to tell gnawing at my conscience.

As the minutes stretch into eternity, I gather crucial intel, my heart pounding in tandem with the rhythm of the docks. The urgency of the mission begins to wane, replaced by the persistent nagging of the truth I've been withholding from Hannah.

The distant wail of sirens pierces the night air, snapping me back to the present. Ludwig and his associates scatter, disappearing like shadows into the darkness. I grit my teeth, frustration simmering beneath the surface.

With a final glance at the retreating figures, I retrace my steps, navigating the maze of shipping containers. Back in my car, I speed towards home, the cityscape transforming into a blur of lights.

The first light of dawn breaks on the horizon, and I find myself back at the door of my home, exhaustion weighing on my shoulders. The key turns in the lock, and I step into the warmth of the house. The hushed murmur of Hannah's voice reaches me from her bedroom, a comforting melody that grounds me in the reality I'm fighting to preserve.

I slip into the room, careful not to disturb the peace that envelops my family. The soft glow of morning light filters through the curtains, casting a gentle radiance on Hannah's sleeping form. Kerri, nestled beside her, stirs slightly, a small smile playing on her lips.

The conflict within me intensifies as I watch them, the truth yearning to break free. I know I can't keep them in the dark forever, but the dangers that lurk demand secrecy, at least for now.

I quietly make my way to my own room.

As sleep claims me, I'm haunted by the shadows that linger at the periphery of my existence, a reminder of the delicate balance I'm trying to maintain. I find solace in the love that surrounds me, vowing silently to protect it at all costs. The secrets may weigh heavy, but the safety of Hannah and Kerri remains my guiding light.

Hannah

The cool glow of the computer screen casts a soft illumination across Holden’s face as he sits in his dimly lit home office. His worn-out expression told a silent tale of the weight he carried on his shoulders. I can’t tell if he got any sleep last night or if he’s been in his office since he came back.

"Holden, is everything okay? I didn’t hear you come in last night,” I said with concern, breaks through his concentration. He glances up to see me standing at the doorway, my silhouette outlined by the warm light spilling from the hallway.

He offers a half-smile, an attempt to reassure me.

"Yeah, just some server issues at the office. They've been acting up lately. We’re able to find a temporary solution, but we need to find a permanent one.”

My brow furrows, and I step into the room.

"Holden, you've been working late almost every night for weeks. Is there something you're not telling me?” My voice emerged, a blend of frustration and worry, as I turned to face him.

His tired gaze met mine, and I could see the shadows of his late night etched on his features. He sighs, running a hand through his hair, ”Hannah, it's just a busy time at work. Projects and issues are piling up, and I need to stay on top of things.”

I can’t tell if he’s telling me the truth or if there is something else he’s hiding from. I study him for a moment, my eyes searching his for any sign of deception. His time as a spy made him a good liar,too good.

"It's been a long night, Hannah," he states, running a hand through his disheveled hair again.

I crossed my arms over my chest, my impatience and concern bubbling to the surface. "You turned off your phone. I've been worried sick. Do you have any idea how scared I was?"

Holden sighed, guilt flickering in his eyes. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you. It was just a last-minute situation I had to handle. It took way longer than any of us expected.”