Chapter 4 The Trap is Set

*Chapter Four*

Night had fallen over Vandeka, and the city's streets lay under a heavy, dark sky. In a small, busy room at the intelligence headquarters, Inspector David studied an old map spread on a scarred wooden table. Pins, strings, and faded photos marked names and places, telling the story of a long search for the truth. Sitting next to him, Inspector Juliana leaned against the cracked wall, her eyes fixed on the tangled information that might finally reveal the traitor among them.

David broke the silence in a low, tired voice. "We've been chasing shadows for too long." He pointed to a red pin on the map-a run-down warehouse near Zorika. "This warehouse is our bait. We are setting up a fake arms deal. Dan_kabal will not miss a deal like this."

Juliana studied the map closely. "We picked this place because it looks abandoned and real enough for a secret deal. We leaked false news about a big shipment so that if someone in their group sees it, they will act."

David nodded slowly. "We made the story believable on purpose. Sa_kuk loves power and profit. He would take the chance to show his strength if he thinks there's a big deal."

Their quiet talk was suddenly interrupted by a knock on the door. A young officer stepped in, holding a small data pad. "Inspectors, we just intercepted a new message," he said in a low tone.

David motioned for him to come closer. The officer played a short recording. Sa_kuk's rough and angry voice filled the room:

*"The shipment will be at the old docks. Make sure the military doesn't interfere. Our friend will handle it from the inside."*

Juliana frowned as she listened. "Our friend," she repeated. "That tells us someone inside is tipping them off."

David's face grew hard with determination. "This is our chance. We set the trap by making it look like a real arms deal. Now we wait for them to bite."

Later that night, under a moonless sky that made everything seem even darker, the warehouse stood silent and empty on the edge of Zorika. Special forces were hidden nearby, blending into the shadows behind old barrels and broken crates. Juliana checked her earpiece and spoke softly, "All units, hold your positions. Watch every entrance."

On a nearby rooftop, David peered through his binoculars. "The east door is clear," he said over the radio, his voice steady though his heart pounded hard. "No one's coming yet."

The minutes felt like hours until, suddenly, the sound of engines broke the silence. Two black SUVs pulled up slowly, followed by a couple of motorcycles. Men in dark clothes stepped out, moving with careful confidence. Finally, Sa_kuk appeared. He was tall, and his face was hidden in the dim light of a weak streetlamp. For a brief moment, he scanned the area with a cold, calculating look.

Then something shifted. His confident expression faltered as he glanced over his shoulder. "It's a trap," he muttered under his breath. In that instant, chaos exploded.

Gunfire burst out. Bullets flew, hitting the walls and crashing into crates. The hidden forces opened fire with precision. The warehouse, designed as a perfect lure, turned into a violent battleground. David ducked behind a stack of old crates and returned fire with steady aim. Juliana moved quickly through the chaos, calling out orders in a firm voice over her earpiece.

In the midst of the fray, David caught sight of Sa_kuk slipping toward a narrow side exit. Without a moment's hesitation, he dashed from his cover, chasing after him. The pursuit led them into a maze of dark, twisting alleys behind the warehouse. The night echoed with heavy footsteps and urgent shouts.

In a narrow, dimly lit alley, David finally cornered Sa_kuk. A fierce struggle began-hands grappling, each punch heavy with anger and betrayal. Sa_kuk was strong, and even as David fought hard, the terrorist managed to pull a hidden knife. In the struggle, Sa_kuk slashed at David, leaving a deep cut before breaking free and vanishing into the darkness.

Juliana arrived too late to stop him. "Stop!" she shouted, but her voice was swallowed by the noise of the night. Standing there in the dark alley, David sank to the ground, wounded and frustrated by the escape of their target.

Later, back at headquarters, as the adrenaline faded, Juliana slammed her fist on the table. "We set the trap perfectly. We fed them false information, and they took the bait. But Sa_kuk knew enough to escape."

David, holding his injured arm, met her gaze with a grim expression. "It also shows that someone is leaking our plans. The enemy is not just out there-it's with us, inside our own ranks. We need to find out who that is."

In that heavy moment, both inspectors felt the weight of the truth. The trap had worked, but it had also deepened the mystery.