Chapter 12
The glass sliding door of the back deck shattered inward with a muffled pop as a silenced firearm was discharged.
Two shadowy figures in black tactical gear slipped silently into the darkened kitchen, moving with professional military training.
They crept down the hallway toward the study, their rifles raised, expecting an empty, vulnerable suburban home.
As the lead operative reached the study doorway, the heavy oak door swung open wide on its own.
General Thomas Vance stood waiting in the center of the room, his sidearm aimed with absolute, unwavering steadiness.
"Drop your weapons and face the wall," Thomas ordered, his voice echoing with terrifying, lethal authority.
The operative raised his rifle instantly, but before he could squeeze the trigger, a red laser dot appeared on his chest.
Three federal tactical officers emerged from the shadows of the hallway behind them, their weapons locked on the intruders.
"Drop the weapon now or you will be terminated!" an officer bellowed.
The two operatives froze, slowly lowering their rifles to the hardwood floor before raising their hands in surrender.
Thomas walked forward, kicking their discarded firearms away with the toe of his combat boot.
He grabbed the lead operative by his tactical vest, ripping off his ski mask to reveal a cold, scarred face.
"Who sent you?" Thomas demanded, pressing the barrel of his sidearm gently against the man's chin.
The operative smiled grimly, showing no sign of fear as he stared back into the general's eyes.
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"You can lock us up, General... but you can't stop the director," the operative rasped.
"The director is already inside your perimeter."
