The air was thick with the scent of salt and diesel as Sarah crept closer to the ship, her heart hammering in her chest. The low murmur of voices echoed through the loading area, punctuated by the occasional clank of metal on metal. She peered around the corner, her breath hitching as she spotted two men standing guard near the entrance, their expressions tense as they scanned the area.
Taking a deep breath, she remembered Rico’s advice: patience and precision were key. She needed to wait for the right moment to make her move. As the guards shifted their attention, Sarah slipped behind a stack of crates, using the shadows to conceal her presence.
From her vantage point, she could see a few more men unloading boxes from the ship, their movements hurried. It was clear that they were under pressure, likely due to Bennett’s expectations. That gave her an edge. If she could disrupt their operation, it would send a clear message.
As the guards exchanged words, Sarah’s mind raced with possibilities. She had to create a diversion, something that would draw the guards away from the entrance. She remembered the flares she had packed in her bag, a simple yet effective tool for chaos. If she could ignite one near the perimeter, it might just be enough to draw attention away from the loading area.
With a determined nod, she quietly pulled the flare from her bag, her hands steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins. She crept to the edge of the loading area, scanning for a clear line of sight.
Spotting a stack of crates further down the dock, she carefully positioned herself behind them. It was a bit of a gamble, but the guards were too focused on their duties to notice her movements. With a flick of her lighter, she ignited the flare, the bright red flame illuminating the area around her.
The flare hissed loudly, casting an eerie glow as it crackled. She hurled it towards the far side of the dock, where a cluster of crates was stacked. The moment it landed, the flare erupted, sending sparks flying and creating a sudden burst of light and smoke.
“What the hell?” one of the guards shouted, turning sharply toward the commotion.
“Stay here!” the other guard barked, but the curiosity was evident in his voice as he moved to investigate.
Seizing the opportunity, Sarah dashed toward the entrance of the ship, her heart racing. She slipped inside, the darkness enveloping her as she scanned the interior for any sign of movement. The sounds of the dock faded behind her, replaced by the creaking of the ship and the distant hum of machinery.
The interior was dimly lit, illuminated only by the flickering overhead lights. Rows of crates lined the walls, some marked with Bennett’s insignia, others labeled with foreign symbols she couldn’t decipher. She moved cautiously, her senses on high alert as she navigated through the maze of containers.
She could hear voices coming from deeper within the ship—rough and low, filled with urgency. It seemed Bennett’s men were busy coordinating their operation, oblivious to the storm that was about to hit them.
“Just a little further,” she whispered to herself, her breath steady as she approached a set of double doors at the back of the ship. She pressed her ear against the cold metal, straining to hear the conversation inside.
“I don’t care if the shipment is delayed! We need to get this done before Bennett arrives!” a voice barked, unmistakably belonging to one of Bennett’s lieutenants.
Another voice replied, “We’re working as fast as we can! The new shipment’s coming in—”
Sarah’s heart raced as she pieced together their plan. They were preparing for something big, something that could change everything for Bennett and his empire. She had to get the information and disrupt their operations.
Gathering her courage, Sarah pushed the door open slightly, peering inside. The room was filled with men moving crates, while a large table at the center displayed maps and documents. She could see their plans laid out in front of them, crucial information she needed to gather.
Taking a deep breath, she slipped inside, staying low and blending into the shadows. As she maneuvered around the table, she could hear the men arguing about their next steps, the tension palpable in the air. They were focused on their task, and she needed to seize this moment.
Reaching for her phone, she quickly snapped pictures of the documents scattered across the table, the flash off to prevent drawing attention. Each click felt like a heartbeat, time slipping through her fingers as she documented everything she could.
Suddenly, the door burst open, and a guard rushed in, scanning the room. “What’s going on here? I heard a commotion!”
Panic surged through Sarah, but she quickly ducked behind a stack of crates, her heart pounding in her chest. She held her breath, praying that the shadows would hide her. The guard’s footsteps echoed as he moved deeper into the room, his figure silhouetted against the dim light.
“Just a few more minutes!” one of the men shouted, frustration creeping into his tone.
With the guard distracted, Sarah knew she had to act quickly. She silently moved toward the exit, her instincts guiding her as she slipped past the crates. Just as she reached the door, she glanced back to catch a glimpse of the chaos that was unfolding.
The guard turned to his comrades, confusion evident on his face. “Did anyone check the perimeter? Something’s not right!”
In that moment, Sarah seized her chance. She pushed the door open and darted out, adrenaline propelling her forward as she navigated through the labyrinth of crates, determined to escape before anyone noticed her absence.
As she burst back into the loading area, the commotion from the flare still echoed in the distance, a cacophony of shouts and confusion. She couldn’t waste any time; she had to regroup with Jack and Rico, armed with the vital information she had just gathered.
Racing toward the rendezvous point, Sarah felt a mix of exhilaration and fear. They were one step closer to uncovering the truth and dismantling Bennett’s empire, but the danger was far from over. Time was ticking, and with Bennett’s men now aware of her presence, every second counted.