2025-03-04 13:56:31
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The shadow in the hospital Walker’s Escape Plan
Walker, Sarah, and Elizabeth slipped into an abandoned building a few blocks from the hospital. The structure was a relic of forgotten times—its windows fractured like spider webs, wallpaper peeling away to reveal water-stained plaster. The floor groaned beneath their feet, each step a whispered warning.Elizabeth sank onto a faded couch, her small frame shivering. The couch’s upholstery was threadbare, stuffing poking through the seams like exposed bone. Sarah wrapped a dusty blanket around Elizabeth, her own hands trembling. Walker moved back and forth across the room, his pacing the only rhythm against the silence. His mind raced through escape routes, each scenario tangled with risk.A soft crackle brought his focus back. Jett’s voice came through the earpiece, distorted but clear enough. "You’re clear for now, but the cops have set up a perimeter. Ramirez is leading the charge."Walker’s expression hardened. "Is he working with Graham?""I don’t think so," Jett replied. "But the
The shadow in the hospital Into the Tunnels
The utility tunnel stretched out before them, a dark, damp corridor with pipes running along the ceiling and walls. Water dripped from rusted joints, and their footsteps echoed in the confined space. Walker led the way, his flashlight cutting through the thick shadows, with Sarah and Elizabeth close behind."Jett, how far to the exit?" Walker’s voice was a whisper, barely audible over the dripping water.Jett’s reply crackled through the earpiece. "About three hundred meters. The exit leads into an industrial park. There should be a service hatch on your right."Walker moved with a hunter’s caution, his eyes scanning every corner, every shadow. Elizabeth clung to Sarah, her small frame tense with fear. Sarah kept a steady hand on the girl’s shoulder, her own nerves barely under control.A sudden noise stopped them cold. A metallic clank, followed by the low rumble of machinery. Walker motioned for them to stay back. He crouched low, moving forward silently until he reached a bend in
The shadow in the hospital A New Ally
Walker led Sarah and Elizabeth through the maze-like tunnels, their footsteps muffled by the damp concrete floor. The air was heavy with the smell of rust and mildew, but as they pressed forward, a subtle shift brought a hint of freshness. It was a promise of an exit, a reminder that the surface—and freedom—might not be far off.The narrow passage opened into a wider chamber. The room was a graveyard of old machinery, its hulking shapes swallowed by shadows. Piles of tools lay scattered, their metal dulled by age, and the walls bore the scars of decades-old graffiti. Walker slowed, his flashlight casting long, jittery beams. His senses were sharp, every nerve on edge.Then, a movement.A figure slipped into the edge of the light, hands raised in a slow, deliberate gesture of surrender. The man looked rough around the edges—hair unkempt, clothes rumpled—but his eyes were keen, darting between them with the alertness of someone used to danger."Don’t shoot," he said, his voice measured,
The shadow in the hospital Kane’s Strategy
Ethan led the group through the labyrinthine tunnels, his flashlight bouncing off the damp, moss-covered walls. His steps were confident, each turn deliberate. Walker moved behind him, weapon ready, his gaze sharp and unyielding. Sarah held Elizabeth close, her whispers a fragile shield against the girl's shallow, fearful breaths. The air hung thick with the metallic tang of rust and the mildew of stagnant water. A crackle came through Walker’s earpiece, Jett’s voice low and urgent. “Cops are moving in on the tunnel entrances. Ramirez is leading a small team, but there are unmarked vehicles too—probably Kane’s FBI guys.” Walker’s jaw tightened. “Any other exits?” Ethan turned, catching the last part of the conversation. “There’s an old service hatch that leads into the storm drain system. It’s tight, but it’ll get us out of the net.” Without hesitation, Walker motioned for them to follow. The group moved quickly, the chill deepening as they descended further into the
The shadow in the hospital The Hidden Safehouse
The maintenance shed was small and worn, a relic from when the bridge had seen better days. The windows were cracked, and the door hung off its hinges. Inside, rusted tools and old equipment lay scattered, but it was shelter—for now.Sarah eased Elizabeth onto a makeshift bed of old blankets. The girl's eyelids drooped, exhaustion weighing her down. Ethan rifled through a dusty cabinet, pulling out a first-aid kit.Walker secured the door, peeking through a gap in the boards. Rain pelted the world outside, shadows stretching under the bridge as lights flashed through the storm."We can’t stay here long," Walker said. His voice was low, tense. "The cops are sweeping the area. They’ll find us sooner or later."Ethan sat against the wall, his face pale under the dim light. "I know a guy—someone who can get us out of the city. He owes me a favor."Walker turned, his expression hard. "And why should we trust you?"Ethan didn’t flinch. "If I wanted you dead, I’d have led you into Grah
The shadow in the hospital The Chase Intensifies
The flashbang detonated with a blinding burst, its shockwave rattling the shed’s flimsy walls. Walker blinked through the disorienting haze, his body instinctively rolling behind a rusted metal cabinet. His back pressed against the cold steel, each breath steadying him against the chaos. Splinters and glass rained down as bullets ripped through wood and sheet metal, each shot a percussion in the orchestrated mayhem."Hold your fire!" Ramirez’s voice strained against the cacophony, but the command dissolved into the roar of gunfire.Walker’s mind raced. He needed to buy Sarah, Elizabeth, and Ethan enough time. His fingers found the smoke grenade at his vest. He pulled the pin and lobbed it into the room’s center. Thick gray smoke curled out, swallowing the dim light and wrapping everything in a heavy shroud.He moved like a shadow, slipping between crates, his form merging with the shifting mist. He fired three shots—not to kill but to draw attention. The bullets pinged off metal, send
The shadow in the hospital The King of Quiet Deaths
Javier moved through his home like a king in his castle, each step echoing with the promise of blood.The estate is standing tall like a fortress, its high walls draped in ivy while the wrought-iron gates are glistening under the afternoon sun. Security cameras are humming softly as they sweep over the manicured garden, where vibrant roses and azaleas are lining a polished stone pathway. The main house—a sprawling villa with arched windows and terracotta roofs—is blending old-world opulence with modern flair. Every inch of the exterior is whispering wealth and danger, a seductive promise wrapped in thorns.Javier Montoya is leaning against the obsidian-black Rolls Royce, its chrome details flashing like hidden blades.He is a tall man, his broad shoulders filling out a charcoal suit that clings to him like a second skin. His face is all sharp angles—high cheekbones, a nose that looks like it’s met trouble before, and eyes smoldering like dying embers. His presence is demanding attenti
The shadow in the hospital Nina Is Dead
The television screen flickered with the unsettling image of a woman’s mangled body. Her face was almost unrecognizable, her skin a pallid hue against the harsh streetlights. The reporter's voice cut through the silence in Jett’s apartment.“...vital organs, including her kidney, were missing. Authorities are yet to identify the victim or determine the motive behind this gruesome act. An investigation is ongoing.”Jett's knuckles whitened as he tightened his grip on the phone. His mind raced, connecting the dots, but dread clouded his logic. He knew it was Nina. He felt it. And he was sure Dr. Graham had something to do with it.He dialed Walker’s number. No answer. His fingers drummed anxiously against the armrest. He tried again. Still nothing.“What the hell is going on?” he muttered, pacing the room.When his phone finally rang, Walker's name flashed on the screen. Relief mingled with a fresh wave of anxiety.“Hey, Walker—”Before he could finish, the sound of hurried footsteps an
Latest Chapter
PENTHOUSE–FORTY-THIRD Floor
Penthouse, 2:17 A.M.Outside, Manhattan pulsed—wet streets, blinking signs, garbage trucks grinding somewhere far below. Inside, the hallway outside the main chamber felt like a mausoleum—quiet, cold, and waiting.Riven leaned against the wall, fidgeting with a lighter he didn’t know how to use. “You think he ever sleeps?”Dax didn’t look up from his phone. “The boss?”“No, Santa Claus.”Dax’s mouth twitched—almost a smile. “If you gotta ask, you’re not ready to meet him.”Riven glanced at the thick steel double doors ahead. “Think he’ll like me?”Dax finally looked over. “No.”Riven paused. “What if I brought donuts?”Now Dax did smile—barely. “He doesn’t eat sugar. Says it fogs the kill switch.”“What’s the kill switch?”Dax tapped his chest. “The moment you hesitate.”Before Riven could reply, the doors clicked open on their own. No creak. Just smooth, mechanical surrender.“Guess that’s our cue,” Dax said, already walking.Inside the Domain.It felt more like a fortress than a hom
The Day Of Departure
Paris, 5:26 a.m. – The Day of DepartureA gray hush hung over the apartment like a veil. Outside the window, the streets of Montparnasse were slick with rain, streetlamps still glowing, casting long yellow reflections across the pavement. Inside, the kitchen smelled of dark roast and quiet dread.Elizabeth stood barefoot by the stovetop, wrapped in one of Walker’s old cotton shirts—navy blue, frayed at the cuffs. She cradled a white mug in both hands, staring blankly at the French press slowly dripping behind her. The overhead light hummed, a faint contrast to the rhythmic patter of drizzle tapping the windowpanes.Walker entered the kitchen already dressed—charcoal jeans, black boots, and a fitted dark jacket zipped halfway. His duffel bag was slung over his right shoulder; a small black carry-on rolled behind him.“You’re early,” she said without turning.“I couldn’t sleep.”She reached for a second mug and poured. “You want one for the road?”He nodded. “Yeah. Thanks.”They sipped
You will stay here tonight
A dusty taxi creaked to a halt by the side of an empty stretch of road. Jett stepped out first—broad shoulders wrapped in a black leather coat, hood drawn, his jaw clenched beneath a well-groomed beard. His mirrored sunglasses caught the glow of the streetlight, making him unreadable.Without a word, he circled to the other door, yanked it open, and dragged Anita out. She stumbled. Her face was veiled beneath a grey scarf, pulled tight. Her wrists were tense under his grip.The taxi disappeared into the fog. Another whizzed past, not even slowing when the driver caught a glimpse of the strange duo. Jett knew better than to head home. Surveillance was real. Patterns get you caught. And tonight, he wasn't just a hacker — he was judge, jury, maybe more.He hissed into Anita’s ear, the barrel of a pistol poking under her rib cage. “One sound, and I turn your insides into fog. Got it?”She nodded slowly, eyes wet, throat stiff.When a second cab finally pulled over, Jett shoved her inside
Walker's Next Move
Paris, 2:47 a.m. The yellow nightlight near the crib cast a soft oval glow across the cream-colored walls. Outside, a light drizzle tapped the glass window rhythmically. But Walker lay wide awake, his back pressed flat against their queen-sized bed, arms folded behind his head. His eyes had been locked on the ceiling for hours. He didn’t move until he heard the soft snore from Elizabeth—steady, shallow. Then, slowly, carefully, he turned and gently laid a hand on her shoulder. “Lizzy…” His voice barely escaped his lips. She groaned softly and stirred under the weight of the duvet, one leg peeking out. “Mm?” “I need to talk to you.” She rolled to face him, her long hair spilling onto the pillow. Her voice cracked with sleep. “Now?” “I can’t keep it in anymore.” Elizabeth sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes with both hands. “Alright. Talk.” Walker inhaled sharply. “I think it’s time we move back to the US.” Elizabeth blinked at him, confused. “What?” “I’m serious.” Sh
Anita the Stripper
The stripper hit the floor hard, stunned. Her mouth opened to scream—but Jett was faster. He clamped his hand over her lips and shoved her against the wall.“Where is she?” he growled. “The one with the yellow short hair. Lip piercing. Tribal mark. The one who sold me out.”She gasped, struggling under his grip. “I—I don’t know who you mean—”Wrong answer.Jett’s grip tightened around her throat. Her eyes bulged, bloodshot and watering. Her heels scraped against the floor. He leaned in, voice colder than steel.“When you get to hell, tell them I send my regards.”He released her. She collapsed, coughing, trying to breathe—but Jett wasn’t done.He drew the pistol, cold and black, and pressed the barrel to her lips. Slowly. Deliberately.“Talk. Or I blow your teeth through the back of your skull.”Her eyes filled with panic. She coughed, choked, shook her head. “I—I can’t…”He shoved the barrel deeper.“You will.”Finally, she broke.“Anita,” she wheezed. “Her name is Anita.”“Where?”“
Jett’s next move
Jett could finally rest now. Ramirez—the man he was assigned to watch like a hound on a scent—was locked up. Prison steel swallowed his old target. Jett wasn’t bitter anymore. Not exactly. If he hadn’t heard about how Ramirez’s wife and kid were kidnapped, he would’ve thought Ramirez had sold him out. But Jett knew betrayal. This wasn’t it.He had a new life now. One with the possibility of something like peace. Marriage? Maybe. But he knew how his world worked. People he crossed through his dark trade—hacking, digital theft, surveillance—if they couldn’t reach him, they'd go after the ones he loved. Just like Ramirez.That’s why he never married.That’s why tonight he carried a pistol in his back pocket and a black ski mask folded tight inside his duffel. It was 8 p.m. The club would be starting to heat up. If he waited too late, she’d be gone—dancing on another pole, working another poor bastard.She. The stripper who sold him out.Tonight, she dies.Jett covered the hole behind him
Lizzy, Pasta & The Snake-Bitten Husband
Elizabeth stood frozen in the middle of the hallway, one eye on her baby monitor and another on her phone screen. Her thumb hovered over the call button. There was only one person she could call right now. Someone who always had an annoying answer but always showed up when it mattered—Svet.She dialed.It rang once.Twice.Nothing.“What?!” she gasped out loud, glaring at her phone like it just cheated in Monopoly. “Svet NEVER ignores my calls. That man picks faster than Google Search!”She stomped to her room, still in her house robe—a faded pink monstrosity with “Best Wife Ever” peeling off the front. Her hair was in a bun so messy it looked like a raccoon had made a nest and abandoned it mid-morning. Inside the room, little Seth, her twelve-month-old heartthrob, was babbling to himself, a plush toy of a yellow duck clutched in one chubby hand.He was mumbling gibberish with a sense of purpose, like he was explaining blockchain to the duck.“Ba ba goo…noo noo waba…”Elizabeth stared
You’re using criminals to catch cops now?
Ramirez crept forward on aching elbows, the metal biting into his skin with every inch he advanced. The stale air of the ventilation shaft was thick with grime and rust, the silence broken only by the faint groans of the prison’s ancient structure. His heart pounded in his ears as he reached a long shaft stretching over the highest-security wing—the place they called The Pit.This has to be it, he thought. Javier Montoya’s cage.But as he crawled closer, his gut twisted.The shaft above this particular section wasn't like the others. It was reinforced with iron bars, thick and welded to an inner frame—an iron lattice designed to block even the smallest object from falling through. Someone had gone to great lengths to seal this section off from above. Not because of an escape risk—but because of rescue attempts. They had sealed it like a vault.They knew his men might try this. They thought of everything.Ramirez pressed his face to the narrowest gap in the ironwork. He couldn’t see mu
Memory Loss
Tiny flickers of light danced before his eyes. His vision blurred, unfocused. He groanved, trying to move, but his body felt weighted, sluggish. Panic clawed at his chest as he struggled to make sense of his surroundings."Where... where am I?" His voice cracked, dry as desert air.The sound of hurried footsteps. A soft gasp. Then, warmth—a gentle hand brushing against his cheek. "Walker! Oh my God, you're awake!" A familiar voice. Comforting. Shaky with emotion.He tried to lift his head, but the effort was exhausting. Squinting through the haze, he could barely make out the silhouette of a woman. His heart told him it was Elizabeth, but his mind refused to connect the dots."I’m here," she whispered, her fingers tracing his face as though confirming he was real. "It’s me, Elizabeth."Walker’s breath came out in short puffs. "What happened to me? Why can’t I see properly?" He reached up, his fingers brushing against bandages wrapped tightly around his hands and arms.Elizabeth sque
