Page 62 of Shadowed Vows: Ghost
"Welcome to Nightfall Syndicate," there's a hint of pride in Kade's voice.
The first underground level is a massive parking garage, but not like any I've ever seen. Armored vehicles sit next to sleek sports cars.
"For quick extractions," Kade explains, following my gaze. "And Jax keeps them all in perfect condition."
We move deeper, and each level reveals more of the hidden world beneath the surface. A state-of-the-art training facility takes up an entire floor, complete with a shooting range and what looks like a combat simulation room.
"This is where we keep our skills sharp," Kade says as we pass a group of men sparring on padded mats.
I notice that among the fighters are some faces I recognized from the upper floors—people who had seemed like ordinary security professionals.
Kade follows my gaze. "Not everyone who works for Centurion is part of Nightfall," he explains. "But occasionally, someone proves themselves—shows loyalty, discretion, and exceptional skills. When that happens, one of the core team members might invite them to join us."
"What happens then?" I ask, watching a woman flip a man twice her size.
"Intensive training. Evaluation. If they make it through, they become part of the family." Kade's voice carries a note of pride. "It's rare, but it happens."
The next level down houses a command center that would put most military installations to shame. Massive screens cover the walls, displaying maps, data streams, and live video feeds from around the world.
"This is where we coordinate our operations," Kade explains. "From here, we can monitor and direct missions anywhere on the globe."
I try to take it all in, but it's overwhelming. The scale of this operation is far beyond anything I imagined. My mental checklist keeps growing—the technology, the personnel, the sheer scope of their capabilities. This would be the story of a lifetime.
"It's... incredible," I breathe.
"And this," Kade says as we reach the lowest level, "is our most secure area."
The doors open to reveal a stark, clinical space that looks like a medical bay.
"For when things get... complicated," Kade's voice is grim.
I swallow hard, suddenly very aware of the dangerous world I've stepped into.
Then he shows me to a weapons vault that makes my eyes widen.
"Jesus," I mutter, looking at the array of firearms and other equipment. "You guys don't mess around."
"Can't afford to in our line of work," Kade says matter-of-factly. His hand settles on the small of my back again, guiding me forward. "See anything that catches your interest?"
The double meaning in his words isn't lost on me. I turn to face him, finding him much closer than I expected.
"Plenty," I reply, holding his gaze. "But I'm still deciding what's worth the risk."
A slow smile spreads across his face as he steps even closer. "Risk assessment is important in our line of work," his voice drops lower. "But sometimes, the greatest rewards come from the biggest risks."
My mind is still whirling as we pass by what looks like a high-tech interrogation room, and a tremor runs through my body.
The reminder of just how dangerous these people can be is sobering—and yet, there's a part of me that finds it thrilling.
"And this," Kade say as he leads me into a room filled with servers and computer equipment, "is our intelligence hub. All the data we gather, analyze, and use to plan our operations."
I look around, impressed. "This is where we'll be working?"
Kade nods. "Among other places. We have access to resources most law enforcement agencies can only dream of."
The contrast between the public face of Centurion Protection Group and the hidden world of Nightfall Syndicate is staggering.
I turn to face him, suddenly overwhelmed by the reality of what this all entails. "Kade, this is... I mean, it's incredible, but it's also terrifying. How do you handle all this? The secrecy, the danger, everything you do?"
