Chapter 16
Days passed into a quiet, crisp autumn, bringing vibrant orange and red foliage to the rolling hills outside the capital.
Vincent stood on the manicured lawn of a secluded family estate, watching the American flag wave proudly in the morning breeze.
The nightmare that had haunted his entire existence was finally a closed chapter in the history books of the nation.
He walked slowly toward his parked sedan, preparing to drive down to the coast to visit Martha at her roadside diner.
Suddenly, his secure satellite burner phone buzzed violently in his coat pocket, breaking the peaceful morning silence.
He pulled the device out cautiously, noticing the incoming call was routed through an unlisted international satellite frequency.
He pressed the answer button, holding the phone slowly to his ear without uttering a single word.
"Impressive work dismantling Cole's regional branch, Mr. Vance," a cold, cultured voice whispered through the static.
May you like
Vincent froze, his muscles tightening instantly as a cold chill ran down his spine.
"Who is this?" Vincent demanded, his voice dropping an octave into a lethal, defensive register.
