The night was heavy with tension as Sarah and her team regrouped in the cabin, the dim light casting shadows on the walls like looming threats. Each member of the group felt the weight of their newfound knowledge, the clock ticking down to the docks’ midnight shipment.
“Alright, we need to devise a solid plan,” Sarah said, her voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins. She spread out the documents they had collected on the table, the ink still fresh with details about Bennett’s operations. “Victor said there would be extra security, so we can’t go in blind.”
Kade leaned over the papers, pointing at a map of the docks. “We should approach from the east side; it’s less visible, and there are fewer guards. If we time it right, we can get close enough to overhear their conversations.”
Mark, who had been silent until now, chimed in. “I can create a distraction from the west side. If I set off a couple of fireworks, it should draw their attention away from you.”
“That could work,” Clara added, her eyes glinting with determination. “But we need a backup plan in case they decide to investigate. If Bennett’s men are as sharp as we think, they’ll be on high alert.”
Sarah nodded, appreciating the input. “We’ll also need to stay connected through our earpieces. If anything goes wrong, we need to be able to communicate quickly.”
The team continued to strategize, laying out every possible scenario. They gathered gear, ensuring they were equipped with everything they might need—night vision goggles, a small camera, and a stash of self-defense tools. Sarah felt the familiar rush of anxiety mixed with excitement; this was what she was meant to do.
As they prepared, Kade stepped outside for a moment, taking a breath of the cool night air. The world felt alive around them, a stark contrast to the chaos that awaited at the docks. He leaned against the side of the cabin, watching the stars blink above, lost in thought.
“Hey,” Sarah called out, stepping outside to join him. “You alright?”
He turned, his expression softening slightly. “Yeah, just… thinking. This is a big risk. I know how much Elizabeth means to you, but if things go south, we could lose everything.”
“I know the stakes,” Sarah replied, her voice steady. “But I can’t sit back and do nothing. Not after everything that’s happened. We have to try.”
Kade studied her for a moment, then nodded. “You’re right. Just promise me you’ll be careful. I don’t want to lose you in this fight.”
A warmth spread through Sarah at his concern. “I promise. We’ll watch each other’s backs.”
With a final nod, they rejoined the others, who had finalized their preparations. The team was ready, and as the clock struck ten, they moved out, navigating the streets toward the docks.
The atmosphere grew tenser as they approached their destination. Shadows flitted in and out of the faint light, and the air crackled with anticipation. Sarah could feel her heart pounding in her chest, the reality of the situation settling in.
As they reached the eastern edge of the docks, the sounds of the bustling city faded into the background. The sight before them was a stark reminder of the danger they were stepping into: containers stacked high, guarded by men whose presence was a constant threat.
“Remember the plan,” Sarah whispered into the earpiece. “Mark, you’ll go first to create the distraction. Kade and I will move in once we hear the fireworks.”
Mark gave her a thumbs-up before slipping away into the shadows, his movements barely making a sound. Sarah watched as he blended into the darkness, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on her shoulders.
Moments later, the air erupted with a series of loud bangs. Bright colors lit up the night sky, and the guards at the docks turned their heads, momentarily distracted.
“Now!” Sarah urged, and she and Kade darted toward the nearest stack of containers, their hearts racing in sync with the fireworks.
They navigated the maze of crates, moving quietly and quickly. As they approached the center of the docks, the sounds of the commotion drew them closer to where the shipment was being unloaded. Sarah could see figures moving in the distance, their silhouettes stark against the dim lights of the loading area.
“Stay low,” Kade murmured, leading the way as they crept closer. The sound of heavy machinery and low voices filled the air, making it difficult to hear anything else.
They edged around a large container, hiding in the shadows as they observed the scene before them. A group of men, including some Sarah recognized as Bennett’s enforcers, were unloading crates marked with a logo she hadn’t seen before.
“Are those weapons?” Kade whispered, his expression tense.
“Looks like it,” Sarah replied, her pulse quickening. “This isn’t just about Elizabeth. Bennett’s planning something bigger.”
They exchanged worried glances, but there was no time to dwell on it. They needed to find Elizabeth before they could do anything else.
Sarah scanned the area, looking for any sign of a holding space or a way to gather more information. Her eyes caught a glimpse of a door set back from the loading area. “There,” she pointed, her heart racing with the urgency of the moment. “That might lead us to where they’re keeping her.”
“Let’s move,” Kade said, leading the way again. They crept toward the door, the sounds of the docks fading into the background as they focused on their goal.
As they reached the door, Sarah paused, glancing back at the chaos still unfolding behind them. “We need to be quick.”
Kade nodded and pushed the door open, revealing a dimly lit hallway. They slipped inside, the sound of the door creaking closed behind them.
The corridor was narrow and lined with concrete walls, each step echoing in the silence. Sarah’s heart raced as they moved deeper into the building. She could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on her.
“Where do you think this leads?” Kade whispered, his voice barely above a murmur.
“I don’t know,” Sarah replied, glancing at the doors that lined the hallway. “But we need to find out.”
They continued down the hall, opening doors cautiously, each one revealing empty rooms, some filled with crates, others with equipment, but no sign of Elizabeth.
Just as they approached the last door, a loud crash echoed from behind them, sending a jolt of fear through Sarah. “We need to hurry,” she urged, her pulse quickening.
Kade nodded, and with a deep breath, they opened the final door. The sight that met them stole the breath from Sarah’s lungs.
There, bound to a chair and looking disheveled but defiant, was Elizabeth Harper.