Sweet Vengeances
Chapter 30: The Fortress Beckons

Chapter 30: Chapter 30: The Fortress Beckons

As the team went over the information that was recovered from Kane’s hard drive, the anxiety in the safe house was evident. They learned more about his organization from each file they decrypted, including financial records, transportation routes, and encrypted communications with dangerous people. One term, however, kept coming up: The Fortress.

"What is known about this location?" Marcus leaned over the laptop and inquired in a harsh voice.

Ethan was clearly exhausted as he rubbed his temples. Not a lot. Although it is highly secured, it appears that Kane’s troops utilize it as a base of operations. He pointed to the map on the screen and said, "These routes suggest it’s somewhere near the outskirts of the city, by the old industrial district," even though there was no actual address listed.

Monica furrowed her face and crossed her arms. This might be a trap if we’re mistaken. Kane wouldn’t let something like this happen without any safeguards.

With her arms firmly encircling her body, Lily stood at the room’s edge. Since the hard drive had been decrypted and the experts could get to work, she had remained silent. However, as she listened more, she became more aware of how important this moment was.

"What if we are correct?" With a voice that broke through the noise of the room, she questioned.

Everyone looked at her.

She moved closer to the table and asked, "What if this is the break we need?" "We’ve made progress thus far. If Kane works at The Fortress, we must take action before he discovers what we have.

After examining her for a considerable amount of time, Marcus nodded. She is correct. Kane is unaware that we currently possess his hard disk. This could be our only opportunity to surprise him.

With a glimmer of admiration, Ethan’s eyes lingered on Lily. "After that, we move quickly. We design an entry after first scouting the area and verifying the site. However, we cannot enter hastily. Kane is too intelligent for that.

Monica stood up straight, her self-assurance coming back. "I’ll get the information. Let me have a couple of hours.

Marcus nodded, his expression solemn. "All right. Prepare the equipment, Ethan. Lily—

Despite her nervousness, she asked in a calm voice, "What about me?"

"You remain here," Marcus firmly stated.

Lily became agitated. "With you, I’ve come this far. I will no longer remain on the sidelines.

"This cannot be negotiated," Marcus retorted. "You’re not trained for this kind of thing, and it’s dangerous."

Ethan interrupted, calm but determined, "She’s more capable than you think." "She has demonstrated that."

Startled by his defense, Lily turned to face him.

Marcus squeezed the bridge of his nose and moaned. "All right. However, you obey all instructions if you’re coming. No bravery.

Lily nodded, her expression displaying resolve. "Agree."

The group had their strategy in place before dusk. The Fortress, a vast warehouse site encircled by tall gates and guarded by armed guards, was the place Monica had verified. It sounded as daunting as it actually was.

The anxiety in the automobile was high as they got closer to the industrial sector. With her heart racing with excitement, Lily sat next to Ethan. The weight of what they were going to do was too much for her to handle, and she had never been in this predicament before.

"Are you alright?" Ethan’s voice cut through her thoughts as he questioned softly.

Her hands trembled a little, but she nodded. "I’ll be all right."

Reaching over, he squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Remain near me. We will overcome this.

She felt a surge of warmth from his touch, which briefly eased her anxiety. She nodded once more, more assuredly this time.

The crew took their positions once Monica parked the vehicle a safe distance from the complex. Marcus and Ethan took the lead, moving silently and precisely. With her senses sharpened Lily trailed closely behind. In the quiet night air, every sound appeared to be exaggerated and every shadow to change.

They arrived at the perimeter of the compound and took refuge behind an abandoned car. Marcus took out his binoculars and looked around the area.

He muttered, "There are two guards at the main gate." Every five minutes, another patrol circles the fence.

Ethan gave the order, "We wait for the patrol to pass before moving."

As they waited for their window, the minutes seemed to drag on for hours. When the patrol finally disappeared from view, the crew launched into action. They swiftly climbed the fence and gently landed on the other side.

The only sound in the eerily silent facility was the distant buzz of equipment. Following the plan, they made their way through the darkness. The decision to join them weighed heavy on Lily’s chest, and her heart raced with each step.

A low voice hissed through Marcus’s earpiece as they got closer to the main building. "Security is light, but remain vigilant." Kane isn’t reckless.

Ethan gave a nod, indicating that they should go. They crept into a dimly lighted hallway through an open side door. The walls were lined with containers and machinery, and the air was heavy with the smell of metal and grease.

Ethan muttered, "This way," and guided them to a stairway.

The rusty metal steps masked their footsteps as they climbed silently. They discovered a tiny office with equipment and monitors at the summit. Ethan walked over to the computer and plugged in a tiny gadget.

With his fingers gliding over the keyboard, he whispered, "This should give us access to their system."

With her heart thumping in her chest, Lily stood watch near the door. As Ethan worked, the minutes passed slowly, and the tension in the room was evident.

With a joyful sound in his voice, he eventually said, "Got it."

"What did you discover?" Marcus moved to his side and inquired.

Ethan gestured toward the display. "Shipment logs, blueprints, and this."

Lily gasped in shock as she looked over his shoulder. A room full of armed men and weapon boxes was captured on a live stream from a security camera. Kane was positioned in the middle, and even in the shaky video, his presence was imposing.

Grimly, Ethan muttered, "He’s here."

Marcus’s mouth clenched. "Then we proceed."

Lily’s heartbeat accelerated. They could reach the man who had wreaked such suffering and devastation. But when they got ready to face him, she had a terrifying idea.

Could it be that they were stepping into a trap?