As the door swung wide, Colt entered, bringing with him a gust of the icy storm from outside. Everyone turned to look, but there was one person standing smack in the middle of the aisle, back to Colt.

"Boss..." Colt managed, dragging his injured body forward.

The person slowly turned, and upon seeing Colt, battered and bruised, they stayed remarkably calm. Not far off, one of the Costello family's bodyguards was holding his breath, eyes glued to the unfolding scene inside the hall. He quickly forwarded his location to Colby. Just then, a sharp blade pierced the bodyguard's neck from behind. His phone slipped from his fingers, clattering to the floor as he collapsed into a pool of his own blood.

The man who had dispatched the bodyguard soon entered, his face hidden behind a white mask. He called out to the figure in the distance, "Boss, someone's tailing us." "What? How could we have a tail?"

The seated folks on both sides jumped to their feet, a flurry of whispers breaking out. Only the person called "Boss" turned slowly, his presence alone silencing the room with an intense pressure.

Boss's eyes landed on Colt, who, usually cool as a cucumber, was now clearly rattled. "It wasn't me! I didn't bring anyone here! I swear!"

Before Colt could say another word, the man slashed his throat again. Colt clutched his neck, desperately trying to stop the bleeding, reaching out to the high and mighty Boss for help, but got nothing in return.

"This place isn't safe anymore, let's get out of here," the man declared.

At his word, the crowd quickly cleared out. Black-clad bodyguards streamed in from all sides, tidying up the scene in a matter of moments.

Sophie and Colby arrived at the last known location sent by the Costello family's bodyguard. As soon as they stepped out of the car, Sophie frowned, "What's going on? It's way too quiet."

Colby had brought backup, and a bunch of guys spilled out of the six vehicles that had followed them. With a motion from Colby, they began to surround the church.

Colby frowned, "They're gone."

"What's gone?" Sophie asked.

Colby bent down, picking up a phone

from the ground, "This is a standard-issue phone for the

Costello family's D

but

there's no sign of anyone."

"Colby, there's nobody inside," reported one of his men.

Colby stood, turning to Sophie, "Let's have a look inside." "Alright," Sophie agreed.

Inside the church, it was empty, but when Sophie touched one of the chairs, she felt a lingering warmth She looked at Colby, "There were definitely people here not long ago. Do you think your guys were spotted and everyone bolted?"

Colby scanned the area, then instructed his men, "Search everything, and get the surveillance footage from around here." "Got it."

As they inspected the scene, Sophie remarked, "Colby, remember back in Summerfield, we found a church just like this one?" "Yeah, I remember."Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

"That place got shut down by crew. I

Odie's

the Summerfield was et

ought Summerfield was

their main hangout, but looks like they're in Devonport too."

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"Boss, we've checked the local surveillance footage, but tonight's recordings seem to have been wiped clean."

"That fast?" Sophie raised an eyebrow. "Could it be a hacker?"