"Tyler, let's schedule a meet time with Judas," he said, not looking up.Tyler leaned back in his chair, cradling his coffee mug in his hands. "That was already done a few days back," he replied with a hint of amusement. "Remember, I mentioned to you that I had to call Judas to get some information about Smith's clubbing habits? After that, we scheduled a meeting to discuss the details, and it's actually set for today, Friday."Alex's eyes widened slightly as he snapped his fingers. "Right! I totally forgot. What time is the meeting again?" he asked, his brow furrowed in concentration.Tyler checked his watch. "We're supposed to meet Judas at 2 PM at the Downtown Café. I've already confirmed with him, and he's expecting us." He paused, studying Alex's frazzled expression. "Everything okay? You seem a bit scattered today."Alex rubbed his temples. "Just trying to keep up with all these leads. This case is getting more complicated by the day." He sighed. "Let's just hope Judas has some
Smith let out a deep, rumbling laugh, his eyes glinting with amusement as he leaned back in his plush, leather-bound chair. "Eric, you want to dare me?" he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm, his thick eyebrows raised in skepticism.Eric shifted uncomfortably, his eyes darting around the opulent room before returning to Smith's imposing figure. "Boss, I cannot dare," he replied, his voice laced with caution, his hands clasped together in a gesture of deference.Smith's expression turned serious, his face hardened into a commanding mask. "Now, listen carefully," he instructed, his voice firm and authoritative. "I want both the lady and Stephen found and brought to my chamber immediately." As he spoke, he raised his snuffbox to his nose, inhaling the pungent aroma of his fine tobacco.The scent wafted through the air, mingling with the faint tang of leather and the soft crackle of the fireplace. Smith's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing as he awaited Eric's response. The air was heav
"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