Chapter 3 A Deadly Decision

Scene One: Old Friends, New Mission

The morning air was sharp and cold, but Alex barely noticed. He stood by the window of his workshop, staring out at the empty street. His thoughts were consumed by the files spread across his desk. Each name, address, and detail from Ethan's investigation painted a picture of a vast and dangerous operation.

A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts.

He opened it to find Marcus Reed standing there, as solid and imposing as ever. The years hadn't changed him much-his sharp eyes, muscular build, and military posture were all still intact.

"Long time, Alex," Marcus said, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. He glanced around the workshop. "This what you've been doing all these years? Making chairs?"

Alex gave him a hard look. "Everyone needs a way to stay sane."

Marcus chuckled, but it faded quickly as he noticed the files on the desk. He picked one up, scanning it. "You weren't kidding about this syndicate. Ethan was digging into something big."

Alex nodded. "Too big. It cost him his life."

Marcus set the file down and looked Alex in the eye. "I'm here to help, but let's be clear-you go after these guys, there's no turning back. They'll come after you, and anyone close to you. Are you sure you're ready for that?"

Alex's jaw tightened. "They already took my brother. They don't get to walk away from this."

Marcus nodded. "Alright, then. Let's get to work."

Scene Two: Gathering Intel

The two men spent hours combing through Ethan's notes and the case files Alex had received. The syndicate's network was extensive, but one name kept coming up Victor Graves.

"He's the key," Marcus said, tapping the name on one of the documents. "Graves is the one running the show. If we can find him, we can dismantle this whole operation."

Alex frowned. "Ethan was following a lead at the docks before he died. That's where we start."

Marcus leaned back in his chair, considering. "The docks are crawling with their men. If we go in unprepared, we'll get killed."

"Then we prepare," Alex said firmly. "We watch, we listen, and we strike when the time is right."

Marcus smirked. "There's the Alex I remember."

Scene Three: Into the Shadows

That night, Alex and Marcus parked near the docks, their car hidden in the shadows. The docks were alive with activity cranes lifting shipping containers, trucks rumbling in and out, and men moving under the cover of darkness.

They watched from a distance, using binoculars to observe the patterns of movement. It didn't take long to spot the enforcers armed men patrolling the area, their presence unmistakable.

"There," Marcus said, pointing to a group near a shipping container. "They're guarding something."

Alex nodded. "We need to find out what's inside that container."

They waited for the right moment, slipping out of the car and moving silently toward the perimeter. Marcus took out one of the guards with a chokehold, while Alex dismantled a surveillance camera with practiced ease.

When they reached the container, Marcus worked on the lock while Alex kept watch. The seconds felt like hours, but finally, the door creaked open.

Inside, they found crates filled with weapons-rifles, handguns, and explosives. It was a smuggler's paradise.

"Ethan was right," Marcus muttered. "These guys are armed to the teeth."

Before they could retreat, the sound of approaching footsteps made Alex's heart race. "We've got company," he whispered.

They slipped into the shadows as two guards approached the container, their voices low but tense.

"Graves wants this shipment out by tomorrow," one of them said. "No delays."

Alex's fists clenched at the mention of Graves. He exchanged a look with Marcus, who nodded.

Without hesitation, they took down the guards in a swift, brutal attack. Alex's training came flooding back precise strikes, efficient movements, no wasted energy.

As the guards lay unconscious, Marcus grinned. "Still got it, Kane."

Alex didn't respond. His focus was already on the next step. "We need to send a message. Burn it all."

Using the explosives they found in the container, they rigged the shipment and retreated to a safe distance. The explosion lit up the night, a fiery warning to the syndicate.

As they drove away, Marcus glanced at Alex. "This is war now, you know that, right?"

Alex stared out the window, his expression hard. "They started it. I'll finish it."