The mercenary and the detective

Maxwell Williams, Major. 2020

The Sacrifice

Chaos dominated the scene. My platoon stood tall amidst the ravages of war. We are on a mission, kill all our Russian enemies.

The deafening noise and gunfire echoed everywhere. Under my command, we faced the Russians, every step calculated towards victory.

"Let's move forward carefully," I told them as they followed me in line. We continued downhill toward the Russians. As we advanced, I noticed something strange. Our enemies had disappeared. They were no longer near their base. Which confused me even more. I knew there was another team out there, the question was, where were they?

I quickly ordered them to hide, keeping everyone on their toes.

"Get down, let's hide for now," I tell them all, then crouch down and reload my gun. I say this to Thaddeus, one of the soldiers.

"Stand guard, me and the others will take a look." Thaddeus nodded and adjusted his weapon, turning around, looking for any movement from our enemy, and protecting the rear. If I heard anything, Thaddeus would alert me to any threat.

That strange absence of enemies awakened my instinct to investigate. So I moved forward with the other soldiers.

"Let's go that way, and carefully. Stay alert," I said to everyone.

We kept looking sideways, wielding our weapons. Watching for any movement. But it was very quiet, and I didn't understand what was going on.

I tried to use my skills to listen carefully to see if there was anything out of the ordinary.

When I focused on the sounds of the place. I could hear the breathing of all my friends. Every beat of their hearts revealed determination and courage. As I concentrated more, I heard a high-pitched shout.

"Sir, take cover, there's a bomb coming." I looked at Thaddeus, and he pointed ahead of us. A bomb on a collision course with us.

My eyes widened, and I tried to stay calm.

There was no time to run. We had to try to hide.

Without hesitation, in an act of pure instinct, I pulled my companions aside and shouted desperate orders, shielding them from the impending impact.

A blinding explosion filled the field, followed by an overwhelming heat. I was thrown among the rubble and the charred bodies of my comrades. The bomb had annihilated everyone but me, surprisingly.

Despite blurred vision and ringing in my ears, I struggled to free myself from the rubble. As I looked at a fallen soldier, a mixture of sadness and determination filled my being.

"How am I still alive?", I said to myself, looking at the wreckage covering my hips and legs. I was trapped, and everyone with me minutes before was dead.

My legs felt numb, and my face hurt. Everything was burning, I could smell the strong odor. The bomb had burned me, and my heart was still struggling not to die.

I could hardly see well. I couldn't hear well, and little by little I felt my breathing slowing down.

Alone, wounded, and dazed, a torrent of emotions flooded me. However, one thought echoed in my mind: the responsibility to live in the memory of those who sacrificed themselves.

Hours later, as I regained consciousness, I longed for death, my torn body yearning for an end. "I can't get up," I lamented as I clutched the pistol my father had given me. The only pistol that had remained with me in the face of the bomb. I tried to hold it to my chest. My hands felt weak. I had no strength left. It was the end of me.

Hours passed, and it got dark. I had lost count of how many times I had passed out and woken up again. It was like a nightmare. The scene of war was in front of me, and I could do nothing about it.

In the darkness, a man approached, praying for the end of that war scene. Surprised to see me move, he, a Russian, helped me and took me to his humble home. He improvised an apple with pieces of wood he had found during the war.

''Hold on, I will take care of your wounds.'' He hurried me to his house. And I closed my eyes, trying not to think about the pain.

After weeks of recovery, I thanked the gentleman who had helped me. "Thank you for everything.'' I didn't know what else to say to him. The man, whose name was Olav, knew that I was an English soldier. I would be wanted by the Russians if they found me, so he helped me find a place where. I could sleep without anyone finding me. I accepted with enormous gratitude and set off in disguise among the Russians. Living in hiding. I struggled to return home but was discouraged to learn that I had been declared dead. I heard my name mentioned in a news report, and I had no reason to go back now.

As I stole food and looked for a way out, anger took hold of me. The loss of my friends in the war, the impossibility of returning home-it all consumed me.

Ruth Sterling, 2023–present day.

I was trying to catch the killers.

Two years had passed since the beginning of this relentless search. The sun was streaming through the windows of my office, painting the room in shades of orange and dark shadows. I, Ruth Sterling, a fearless detective with the New Orleans Police Department, found myself immersed in a sinister and harrowing puzzle: the brutal murders committed by Russian terrorists. Alongside my partner, Eva, I faced the frantic search for the next target.

The phone rang, breaking the heavy silence in the room. I answered it, listening to the reports of the latest crimes: entire families brutally slaughtered. My heart raced, feeling the pressure of recent events. The case I was trying to solve had not yet succeeded in finding the culprit. My boss was direct: "You and your partner are in charge of catching these bastards, Miss Sterling. I want answers, and fast."

"Okay, boss, I'll call you if I hear anything new," I replied, hanging up the phone and looking at Eva, who already knew what we had to do.

Driven by determination, I plunged into the investigation of the latest murder. I looked at every detail of the crime scene and felt a chill as I witnessed the brutality of the terrorists. The savagery in every corner of the compound. Every clue found echoed the urgency of our mission. The photos taken a few days ago of the crime scene still haunt me, as do the smell and the air of terror throughout the place. Everything was fresh in my mind.

With a restless mind, I turned back to Eva, clutching the map-a patchwork of possibilities and imminent dangers. "Eva, this was the site of the last attack. I have a feeling about the next targets. Since we know where each gang meets, I think I know where the next crime scene might be. I need you to be on my side," I said, highlighting the epicenter of the events on the map, the bustling center of New Orleans. "Right, we can stop by later, what do you think? I'll check with my source about any new leads, okay?" Eva suggested it, and I nodded, agreeing to our visit to the crime scene later.

Together, we circled possible spots, outlining strategies and possible patterns. With determined eyes, I began to plot our attack. I planned to infiltrate the area with Eva later, confirming my suspicions and anticipating the terrorists' movements.

Before moving on, I decided to revisit the security cameras in search of crucial clues. Every second, every pixel on the screens, was crucial to uncovering the next action of these ruthless criminals. I wanted to catch the terrorists, even if it meant hours without sleep.

The clock was ticking relentlessly, time was pressing. I felt the urgency to stop these evildoers before more lives were taken. Determined, I prepared for the night raid, carrying with me the determination to find answers and, above all, justice.

I left the department and went home to prepare for the night's adventure. I took a shower in an attempt to relax a little, and I washed my hair. I put on some ordinary clothes and went to the fridge to grab a quick bite.

I made myself a vitamin, ate some stuffed bread, and when I was on the sofa, I received a new message. -No leads so far, I'm trying to look for something new. I have some things to sort out at home. I won't be able to go with you to the crime scene, girlfriend. I'm sorry," said Eva.

I finished eating and rolled my eyes. "Fine, it'll be me, as usual," I replied. "It's okay, Eva. Don't worry. Do your things, I'll go on my own. Any news? Call me.

I sent the message, finished my vitamin, and put on long pants and a black button-down shirt with a vest underneath. I put my guns in my holster and my badge in my pants pocket.

I left the apartment, got into my car, and drove quickly to the scene.

"I want to catch these criminals as soon as possible. You won't win. That I guarantee." I say as I drive quickly, feeling my heart racing, that it can only be the adrenaline of wanting to catch these scumbags.

In search of justice

With determination stamped on my face, I approached the crime scene, the shadow of night engulfing me. An aura of mystery and tension hung over the macabre scene. The place hadn't been cleaned, the smell of blood permeated the atmosphere, and the mess in the house was undeniable.

Every step I took was calculated, my gaze scanning the room for any sign of danger. The metallic smell of blood permeated the floor, and it was as if the place itself was still impregnated with the energy of the violence that had taken place there.

My footsteps echoed softly as I advanced, carefully avoiding the slimy puddles that marked the floor. The eerie glow of broken glass shards spread to every corner.

In one hand, I held my gun, ready for any eventuality. On the other hand, my cell phone had its flashlight activated, illuminating my path and allowing me to examine the darkest and gloomiest corners of the house.

Cautiously, I explored each room thoroughly, sifting through the debris and looking for traces that might have escaped the previous investigation. My eyes scrutinized my surroundings, meticulous and eager for any clue that might bring me closer to the truth. Sweat threatened to fall into my eyes, but I wiped it away, determined to continue.

"I hope I find something," I whispered to myself, exhaustion weighing heavily on my shoulders. I had worked tirelessly in the department, and now I was there, looking for any clue that would lead us to the suspect. "I have to keep going," I said confidently, believing that we would finally find a solid lead.

With every step and every glance. I moved towards the heart of the mystery, determined to find the answers I was looking for.

I approached the room where the killings took place. I rummaged through the debris and shadows until something glinted faintly near me. It was a piece of stone from a necklace, almost forgotten, but it caught my sharp attention. Carefully, using a glove, I picked up the object and placed it gently in a plastic bag. Hope and determination were rekindled in my chest. "I can't believe this. This is the key. If it belongs to the suspect, we can finally catch him," I muttered with a twinkle in my eye and a broad smile on my lips.

The feeling of having a valuable clue in my hands brought an intense smile to my lips. I quickly sent a message to my colleague Eva, sharing the discovery and my plan to take the object to the department for analysis.

*Friend, I've got a clue, can you believe it? Today is my lucky day. I'm going to go back and deliver the object. Let's pray it belongs to the criminal. Then I'm going to bed, I'm exhausted, and I'll keep you informed of anything.

I sent the message and left that dark place. As I drove back, the silence of the vehicle was filled with the echo of my expectations and the suspense that the discovery brought. The road unfolded before me, and I longed for answers, hoping that this piece of jewelry would be the key to unlocking the mystery that haunted the city.

Arriving at the department, I handed the item to my colleague, Daniel, pinning my hopes of unraveling the enigma on him.

"Please keep me informed about the identity of this piece. It's our only chance," I begged, feeling the exhaustion of the day weighing on me.

My colleague reassured me, put the plastic bag away on his desk, and promised to start identifying the fingerprints immediately. "You can go home and rest, Ruth. I'll call you if we find out anything."

I nodded gratefully and left. It was time to go home, but the wait was still a challenge.

The feeling of closure hung in the air, but exhaustion weighed heavily on my shoulders. With a mixture of anxiety and anticipation, I longed for the outcome that would bring justice to the victims and peace to the city.

The full moon in the sky enveloped the city as I returned home. The tiredness was overwhelming, but my mind was still restless. My days were a constant battle against crime, and even in the calm of the evening, the struggle echoed in my mind. As I waited for answers that would finally bring some respite.

After a hot shower, I snuggled into my pajamas. It was exactly the comfort I needed at that moment.

"This is what I required," I whispered to myself, relieved.

I ate a light snack before bed and lay down in bed. I knew the next day would be hard work, searching for the killer's identity. I set the alarm on my cell phone for very early in the morning and put it next to the bed.

I snuggled under the covers and closed my eyes, trying to rest for a brief moment. The waiting and the uncertainty were still challenges to be faced, but for the moment, the darkness of sleep enveloped me, offering temporary refuge from the whirlwind of emotions that accompanied me.

The Call of Vengeance

MAXWELL

I arrived in New Orleans with the determination to live in the shadows, with the help of Olav, the Russian who had helped me in the past. He referred me to an American friend who worked in dangerous services. I chose a small boarding house on the outskirts of the city, keeping a low profile and avoiding unnecessary contact. My experience as a fugitive in Russia had taught me how to hide and survive, and I planned to continue doing so.

I had little money on me, but it would be enough for a few days. However, my quiet life changed when I saw the news on television. I was sitting on my bed, watching the screen. The news showed a group of Russian terrorists who had carried out a series of brutal attacks on American citizens. An incandescent rage grew inside me as I saw the images of the innocent victims. My fists clenched, my hands trembled with rage, my eyes changed color, and my face began to contort. But I fought not to let my other self take control.

I remembered the horrors I had seen in Russia, the lives lost, and the suffering I had faced. I knew I couldn't allow these terrorists to continue killing with impunity. Revenge became my deepest motivation, a flame that burned in my heart. At that moment, I knew I had to act. However, I also understood that confronting a group of terrorists would require more than determination. I needed to see myself in action to release all the energy and anger I felt. Not to mention the need for resources and contacts.

I spent days looking for the person Olav had referred me to, but he was hard to find. I wanted to enter the dark world of mercenaries at all costs. I knew that this was the only way to get close to the Russian terrorists and seek revenge. I had nothing left to lose. Finally, a clue led me to the man I was looking for. He worked in the darkest corners of New Orleans and was known for his involvement in clandestine operations. I heard about an opportunity to meet him at a bar frequented by veterans and ex-military personnel. I approached the place, ready to dive headfirst into a world where justice is rarely black and white. I was dressed in my usual dark clothes and wore a mask that covered my face. My hair fell over my cheeks, making it difficult for anyone to identify me.

In the smoky bar, I ordered a drink and waited, knowing that my journey for revenge was about to begin. The mysterious man, Ivan, examined me suspiciously before finally speaking in an accent laden with mystery. Ivan: "So, you say you're willing to do whatever it takes to join us? It's not every day that a stranger walks into this bar looking for work," said the man in a deep voice, still curious to know who I was. Maxwell: "I've seen things you can't even imagine, Ivan. I'm here because I need to make these guys pay for what they've done," I replied with seriousness and direction. I looked at the man, showing him that I was capable. He had no idea who I was or what I could do. Ivan studied me for a moment, as if trying to decipher my true intentions. Finally, he said, "All right, we have a test for you. A basic job to see if you have what it takes. You'll complete this task, and if you do it successfully, we'll have more work for you."

I shook my head with determination. I was ready to prove myself at any cost.

Ivan: "Our first task is simple, but make no mistake, it's dangerous. There's a man who owes us money and has been avoiding us. He's hiding in an abandoned shed on the outskirts of town. Your mission is to find him and bring him here, no matter what. I want him alive," said Ivan, showing Max the pile of money he would receive if he carried out the task.

I listened carefully to Ivan's instructions. I knew that this task would serve as a test of my skills and determination. Without asking any more questions, I finished my drink, got up from my chair, and headed for the exit of the bar.

The abandoned shed was shrouded in an eerie darkness when I arrived. I wasn't alone; an aura of danger hung in the air. Moving in the shadows, I was going to use all the survival skills I had acquired in Russia. I looked for the man, trying to sniff out something in the air. I tried to concentrate to listen for any sound, but I couldn't hear anything. Only my breathing could be heard.

As I got closer to where my target was hiding. I felt the adrenaline pumping through my veins. I was willing to do whatever it took to complete the task and prove my worth to Ivan and the organization. I kept walking, looking around, trying to identify the man. I stopped walking for a moment, closed my eyes, and concentrated. My heart began to beat slowly, and I could hear some sounds around me. I blurred the sound of my heart and could hear, not far away, the sound of a heart beating fast. His breathing was fast, the man looked sweaty, and I could sense that he was nervous. A mischievous smile appeared on my face. And I followed quickly to the sound of his heart.

I found him hiding in a shadowy corner. As soon as the man's eyes met mine, which were abnormally yellow, he opened his eyes in panic and started to run. I took a deep breath and, with my abnormal speed, appeared in front of the man, frightening him. The man screamed with fear and tried to turn around, but he wouldn't stand a chance. I outran him, pulled out my gun, and aimed at his foot. Causing him to fall, groaning, to the ground. '' Bastard, who are you?''

I ignored him and pulled on his arms, pinning him down and saying.

"It doesn't matter what my name is, you'll get what you deserve.'' I yanked him hard out of there, and I heard him complaining and swearing at me.

I then took him back to the bar.

Ivan, seeing that I had completed the task, nodded approvingly. It was the start of a collaboration that would take me deeper into the dark world of mercenaries. And it would bring me closer to my quest to confront the Russian terrorists who had tormented me so much.

"You impressed me, here's your money. Here's your briefcase with the next tasks I have for you. Inside is a cell phone that you can only use to talk to me. I'll send you emails and messages every day. Welcome to the team.

"Take the idiot to his room, he'll learn a lesson.'' The others obeyed Ivan's order. I picked up my briefcase and thanked Ivan for the opportunity. I left, heading for the place that would be my home for the time being.

Now I was ready to face danger, determined to avenge those I had lost. And to protect my new homeland from the horrors I knew so well. I knew that this was only the first stage of a dangerous journey full of challenges.