The city's skyline burned in the distance, flames licking the night sky like a serpent's tongue. Sirens wailed, the chaos unfolding exactly as Bernardo had planned. But Ochieng wasn't one to play by his enemy's script.
He leaned against the Rolls-Royce, his sharp eyes scanning the dark streets. The air smelled of gasoline, gunpowder, and betrayal.
Linet's phone was still pressed to her ear. "Jeff, it's war. Get everyone in position—"
A sudden thud against the car's hood made her spin.
A masked man, clad in black tactical gear, was sprawled across the windshield, blood pooling from a fresh gunshot wound.
Then came the unmistakable sound of boots pounding against pavement.
Ochieng exhaled. "They're here."
---
Shadows moved through the alleys, silent and swift. Muzzle flashes lit the darkness as bullets cut through the air.
Linet rolled behind cover, returning fire with cold precision. Her silencer made the shots sound like whispers of death.
Ochieng stayed calm. This wasn't an ambush—it was a test. Bernardo was gauging his response.
Ariella was still tied up, watching with a smirk. "Your move, Ochieng."
He didn't hesitate. "Linet, fall back. We're not fighting in his playground."
Linet shot two more men before retreating. "Where to?"
Ochieng grabbed Ariella's arm and pulled her along. "To the place he fears the most."
---
Half an hour later, deep in the industrial zone, the trio arrived at an abandoned warehouse. It wasn't truly abandoned—it was a fortress hidden in the skeleton of old industry.
Jeff and Tielen were already inside, their expressions grim.
Jeff adjusted his cuffs. "Bernardo just sent a message. He wants to 'negotiate.'"
Tielen scoffed. "That means he's scared."
Ochieng cracked his knuckles. "Good."
Linet crossed her arms. "And what about her?" She tilted her head toward Ariella.
Ochieng stared at the woman who had played both sides so effortlessly.
Ariella only smiled. "You need me, darling."
Silence.
Then Ochieng smirked.
"Then prove it."
---
The dim warehouse lights flickered as Ariella walked toward the table in the center of the room. The moment was thick with tension, the air practically humming with unspoken threats.
Ochieng leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "Tell me, Ariella. Why should I let you live?"
Ariella brushed dust off her dress and met his gaze without flinching. "Because I have what you need."
Tielen let out a dark chuckle. "Let me guess—Bernardo's next move?"
Ariella smiled. "Better. His weakness."
Ochieng's expression didn't change, but Linet and Jeff exchanged glances.
Jeff stepped forward. "And what might that be?"
Ariella took a seat, crossing her legs with deliberate ease. "You all think Bernardo is untouchable. That's because you don't know about her."
Silence.
Ochieng's jaw tightened. "Who?"
Ariella leaned forward. "His daughter."
The room went still.
Jeff frowned. "Bernardo doesn't have a daughter."
Ariella's smirk widened. "That's what he wants you to think."
Ochieng clenched his fists. "Where is she?"
Ariella's eyes glimmered. "If I tell you, I want something in return."
Linet scoffed. "You're not in a position to bargain."
Ariella turned her attention back to Ochieng. "But I know you. You're not just after power, Ochieng. You're after revenge."
He didn't deny it.
Ariella's voice lowered. "I know where they buried your parents."
Ochieng's breath caught.
Linet and Jeff stiffened. Even Tielen, usually indifferent, narrowed his eyes.
Ochieng's voice was calm, but there was an edge of steel beneath it. "You better start talking."
Ariella leaned back. "Let's make a deal."
The game had changed.
And Ochieng was about to make his most dangerous move yet.