"Yes, we actually need to do that quickly," Matthew replied, his voice infused with a sense of urgency. He glanced at his watch, the sleek face reflecting the morning light streaming through the window.Judas nodded, his eyes locked onto Matthew's before he picked up his phone and dialed Tyler's number. The soft hum of the phone's ringing filled the air, punctuated by the ticking clock on the mantle."Good day, Tyler," Judas said, his voice crisp and professional, when Tyler answered."Good day, Judas," Tyler replied, his voice laced with sleepiness. A yawn echoed through the phone, followed by a faint rustling sound as Tyler shifted.Judas's lips curved into a brief smile. "Tyler, I want to remind you of the meeting scheduled for today," he said, his tone gentle yet firm."Oh, yes. I didn't forget about it," Tyler replied, his voice firm and assured, shaking off the remnants of sleepiness."Good," Judas said, his tone approving. "Are we meeting at the same guest house as last time?"
"Okay, I heard you and I believe you," Matthew said, his voice lowered to a conspiratorial tone.Judas nodded, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Let's go get prepared ahead of the meet."Matthew nodded, falling into step beside Judas."Wait, are we going with Stephen?" Matthew asked, his brow furrowing in concern.Judas laughed, a low, husky sound. "So, you want to take Stephen along? And if Smith crossed us on our way, we would be defenseless?"Matthew's eyes widened, understanding dawning. "You think Stephen would be a liability?"Judas's expression turned serious. "He's not trained for this, Matthew. We can't afford to have him holding us back."Matthew nodded thoughtfully. "You're right. But who will watch our backs?""Smith would cross us?" Matthew asked, his brow furrowed in concern.Judas's expression turned grave. "Yes, he will cross us. I'm very sure of it. He's already caused a scene with Tyler, which is why he wants the meet to be private."Matthew's eyes narrowed. "W
"Okay, we're ready," Judas replied, his voice firm and resolute.Tyler's expression turned grave. "Judas, Matthew, I need you both to understand the gravity of this operation. Our intelligence suggests that Smith's captives must be extracted within 72 hours. Every passing hour puts them at greater risk."Matthew's eyes narrowed. "What's the situation on the ground?""Our sources indicate Smith's men are tightening security, preparing for a potential transfer. We must act swiftly," Tyler explained.Sanya leaned forward, her voice low. "What's the estimated number of hostages?""At least a dozen, possibly more," Tyler replied.Alex's jaw clenched. "We can't let them suffer any longer."Judas's face set in determination. "We'll get them out, Tyler. Count on us."Matthew nodded. "I'll hack their systems, create a window for Judas's team."Sanya stood. "I'll provide cover, ensure a smooth extraction."Alex checked his gear. "I'll have the getaway vehicle ready."Tyler's eyes locked onto Ju
Matthew's curiosity got the better of him. "What are they called?" he asked.Alex's expression turned serious. "They're called the Money Making Machines."Matthew's eyes widened. "Wow, that's quite a name. It sounds almost...exploitative."Alex nodded gravely. "That's exactly what it is. He uses them as he likes, squeezing every last drop of profit from them."Matthew's face darkened. "That's terrible. No one deserves to be treated like a tool, a means to an end."Alex leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper. "I know. But that's the harsh reality. These...Machines are nothing more than commodities to him."Matthew's mind reeled. "Who is this person? How can they be so heartless?"Alex's eyes clouded. "You'll find out soon enough. Just remember, the Money Making Machines are more than just a name. They're a warning.""Yes, he does," Alex replied, his voice laced with disgust.Judas's face contorted in dismay. "Hmmm, this is terrible," he muttered, shaking his head.Alex nodded in a
Eric and Judge stood before Smith's imposing desk, their faces illuminated by the cold glow of the chamber's fluorescent lights. "Report," Smith demanded.Eric hesitated. "We found Stephen, sir. But—"Smith's eyes narrowed. "Continue.""He was with someone, sir. We didn't expect—"Smith's face darkened. "Who?" he thundered.Eric swallowed. "The person looked like Matthew," Eric said.Smith's anger flared. "Matthew?" Smith repeated. "How did this happen?"Eric and Judge exchanged nervous glances. "We followed your instructions, sir," Eric explained.Smith's fists clenched. "Instructions? You were supposed to bring Stephen to me, not let him consort with traitors!"The air thickened with tension. Eric and Judge stood frozen, bracing for Smith's wrath."What else did you see?" Smith growled.Eric hesitated. "Tyler was driving. They fled when they saw us."Smith's eyes blazed. "Find Matthew. Bring him to me."Eric and Judge nodded, their mission now more perilous than ever."Looked like M
"Yes," Matthew replied firmly.Smith's voice turned commanding. "Return my associate, Stephen, to me tomorrow. It must not fail."Matthew's response was resolute. "Smith, consider it done."With a swift motion, Matthew ended the call, his eyes locking onto the team."Wow, that was intense," Alex said, impressed. "You handled him perfectly, Matthew."Sanya nodded in agreement. "Smith's getting desperate. This could work to our advantage."Tyler's expression remained determined. "We need to review the plan. Tomorrow's exchange will be crucial."Judas began outlining the strategy. "We'll have Stephen in a secure location, with Matthew providing digital oversight. Alex and Sanya will provide backup."Matthew's voice remained steady. "I'll ensure Stephen's safe release and Smith's capture."The team nodded, their resolve unwavering."Let's make it happen," Tyler said, his eyes burning with determination.With a shared nod, the team sprang into action, finalizing preparations for the high-s
"Okay, boss," Judge and Eric replied in unison, their voices firm and resolute. With a nod, they turned to leave, their footsteps echoing as they departed.Tyler and his team stood ready, awaiting the arrival of the law officers. The air was tense with anticipation.Just then, Sanya's phone pierced the silence, shrill in the stillness. She answered, her voice crisp and authoritative."Good morning, ma," the officer on the other end said. "We're almost at the location.""Good morning, officer," Sanya replied, her tone measured. "We'll join you shortly. Keep your team positioned and ready."Sanya's eyes locked onto Tyler's, a silent communication passing between them. With a curt nod, Tyler signaled his team to move out.As they filed out, Sanya's gaze lingered on the departing figures, her mind racing with strategy and contingency plans. The operation was about to unfold, and she needed to be prepared for every eventuality.The morning sunlight cast long shadows across the landscape, c
Tyler's eyes gleamed with triumph as he stood tall, his broad shoulders squared. "Yes, I am," he declared, his voice dripping with determination, the dim lighting of the room emphasizing the intensity of his gaze.Smith's anger flared, his brow raised in outrage. "You deceitful fool!" he spat, struggling against the chains that bound his wrists to the cold, damp wall. The metal links clanked loudly, echoing through the small, dingy room."You'll pay for this!" Smith snarled, his face reddening with rage. He lunged forward, but the chains held fast, restraining him. "Tyler!" he screamed, his voice hoarse with fury.Tyler's laughter reverberated through the room, a cold, mirthless sound. "You should have stayed out of my way, Smith," he sneered, his eyes glinting with victory.Just then, the door creaked open, and Rachel stepped in, her piercing green eyes scanning the scene before her. "Tyler, what's going on?" she asked, her voice firm but laced with concern.Tyler's gaze flicked to R