As Lucas and Jed headed back to the car, the rain had finally stopped, leaving the streets slick and the air thick with dampness. With the weight of their most recent assignment bearing down on them like an invisible hand, the drive back was quiet. The usual feeling of dread took hold of Lucas's stomach as they arrived at the unremarkable structure that housed GoreCorp's activities.

Rae waited for their report inside. Her face was unreadable as she sat behind her desk. Lucas was often disturbed by the sharp discrepancy between her public image and her actual character. But something was different tonight—a flicker of interest, or maybe suspicion—in her eyes.

"You have the USB?" Although Rae spoke calmly, there was a hint of expectancy.

Without a word, Lucas gave it to her, his eyes briefly locked. He briefly believed he caught a glimpse of something human beyond her icy façade, but it was gone as fast as it had come.

She replied, "Good work," as she plugged the USB into her laptop. The television's shine on her face was unnerving. This information is genuinely essential. It will give us an important edge over our rivals.

Jed shifted uncomfortably, his typical bravado masking his earlier vulnerability. "What's next?"

Rae glanced at Jed and then back at the screen. "We're aiming for someone else. Someone who has been getting in the way of our work. I need both of you to be prepared. It won't be simple."

An adrenaline rush went through Lucas. Something about this new job felt strange, but he knew better enough to question Rae's directions. More risky. He said, "Who is it?"

A dossier emerged on the screen as Rae's fingers flew over the keyboard. "His name is Petrov Viktor. Before he went rogue, he was one of us. He has been offering the highest bidder our secrets. I want to find and get rid of him.

Leaning closer, Jed examined the face on the screen. "And where do we find him?"

"An old mansion on the outskirts of the city has been his hiding place. He's expecting us, and it's quite guarded. You must use caution.

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The seriousness of the issue dawned over them as they exited Rae's office. Within the confines of GoreCorp, the name Viktor Petrov was a source of both respect and fear. It would be tough to defeat him.

Jed smoked another cigarette in the car, the smoke curling like a veil over him. His voice was hardly audible above a whisper as he asked, "You ever think about getting out of this life?"

Lucas' thoughts were racing as he gazed out at the dimly lit streets. "Sometimes," he openly confessed. But we only know this. Everything we're skilled at."

Jed let out a cloud of smoke and nodded. Yes, you're right. However, there might be a way out for us. After Petrov is dealt with."

Each man was deep in thought during the exhausting and anxious drive to the estate. The extending suburbs and then the deep woods replaced the city. The mansion towered over them, a holdover from a different time, now a traitor's stronghold.

With the moonlight creating long shadows on the ground, they parked a safe distance away and walked up. They could see armed guards patrolling the perimeter of the high fence that encircled the mansion.

In a whisper, Lucas said, "We need to be smart about this," "No mistakes." They climbed over the gate and vanished into the pitch black, making their way toward the home in silence. Although the guards were well-trained, Lucas and Jed had the benefit of surprise. With precise and lethal motions, they eliminated the sentries one by one.

The mansion's interior was a maze of corridors and rooms. Since Petrov could be anywhere, they proceeded with caution. They flattened themselves against the walls and waited as the sound of footsteps reverberated down the hallway.

A figure emerged as a door creaked open. Petrov spotted them and his eyes widened in surprise. "You," he spat as he grabbed his revolver.Lucas was quicker. Disarming Petrov and pressing him against the wall, he pushed forward. He insisted, "Why did you do it?" "Why betray us?"

Petrov let out a loud, acrid laugh. "You believe you are an expert in your field? Like she did with me, Rae is using you. You are merely pawns in her ruse.

Lucas's knuckles whitened as he tightened his hold. "We all have a part to play."

A shot rang out before Petrov could react. Lucas was knocked back by the force of the bullet's impact. His eyesight became blurry as he struck the ground hard.

In an instant, Jed was at his side, firing back. Gunfire echoed through the halls as the mansion fell into mayhem. Lucas's thoughts were racing, and he was fighting to stay awake. They were now suffering for their underestimate of Petrov.

Lucas could only pray that Jed could complete the task as the darkness drew closer. Their lives were a never-ending spiral of treachery and bloodshed. Furthermore, there was no escape.