Chapter 529

529
Caitlin immediately called the number, but after several rings, no one picked up.
After she hung up and waited a moment, another message came through.
[Caitlin, I’ve caught a bad cold and my throat hurts. I can’t talk right now–let’s just stick to messaging.]
Reading that, Caitlin was nearly certain now–it wasn’t Zeke.
He was clearly trying to avoid speaking with her, afraid she’d catch on to the impersonation through his voice.
[Got it. Take care of yourself.]
She kept her reply brief, hiding her suspicion.
Not long after, another message came.
[Caitlin, what time and place did you settle on for the exchange?]
“He’s asking about the exchange location and time,” Caitlin told Sebastian.
< -33%A “Stall him,” Sebastian said. “We still don’t have any solid news from Xero. We can’t act without knowing for sure what’s going on with Zeke.” “No,” Caitlin shook her head, eyes sharp. “I think we can turn this whole thing around.” She understood better than anyone how precious time was. And if Zeke was really still in Zorro’s hands, they’d need leverage to get him back. The imposter Zeke and Pierrick–that was their leverage. She quickly outlined her idea to Sebastian. After a brief silence, he nodded. “Alright. If that’s your call, we go with it.” With their plan aligned, Caitlin messaged back the time and location for the exchange. Private Estate, US Samir and Pierrick had arrived in New York and taken up residence at Zeke’s private estate in the US Samir communicated with Caitlin, intentionally keeping contact limited to text supposedly for “security reasons, and to prevent Susperion: He received her reply and turned to Pierrick She confirmed Bear Mountain foothills, tomorrow morning at 9” Pierrick let out a cold sneer Perfect Get Shadow Moon Parton’s captais ready. We’ll lay an ambush Tomorrow, we not only like the codes, we capture them all alive.” “Hah, that’s exactly what I was unking baru laughed Just then, a satinats entered. “Vice Leader, all squad captains from Shadow Moon Pavilion have arrived” 1/4 17:56 Fri, 22 AugQ 529 “Good.” Samir followed him into the main hall, where over a dozen squad leaders stood waiting. “Gentlemen, thank you for coming.” “Vice Leader, we await your orders!” They all saluted in perfect unison, unaware that the man they were addressing wasn’t Zeke, but Samir in disguise. “Excellent. The exchange will take place at Bear Mountain’s base.” He pulled up the map Caitlin had sent, projecting it onto the wall for everyone to see . 33% “This area has ideal terrain for ambush. I want your teams concealed all around the foothills. Once I have the codex, you’ll spring into action and surround them. “Do not let Caitlin, Sebastian, or Zinnia escape. If you can capture them, good. If not, eliminate them on the spot. Clear?” “Yes, sir!” they shouted in unison. “Good. Go prepare. This mission must not fail.” “Yes, sir!” With only about ten hours left before the exchange, James and Tyler quietly approached Zeke’s private estate that evening. Their goal: scout the area and see if there was any chance to free the hostages ahead of schedule. They lay hidden in the woods nearby, scanning the grounds. “Breaking in is going to be a problem,” Tyler whispered. Through his night–vision goggles, he saw armed guards stationed all around the estate. The place was locked down tight Even if they got inside, locating and extracting the hostages would be a massive risk “Let’s not spook them,” James murmured. “We go back for now.” Tyler nodded, and under cover of night, the two quietly slipped away The woods fell silent again. But elsewhere, a wave of black–clad figures moved like shadows across the terrain, making their wity Loward Bear Mountain’s foothills Without a sound, they vanished into the surrounding forest, disturbing only a flock of reating birds as they settled into position, Morning light broke over the horizon, painting Bear Mountain in hues of gold and crimson. The time was nearly 9 sin Caitlin had changed into practical athletic clothing and sturdy hiking bouts perfect for the team Everyone was Belly geared and ready Every last detad had been checked and rechecked Zinnia couldn’t help but feel nervous Today’s operation would deternuse whether her family lived or died. No one could predict 213 17:56 Fri, 22 Aug 529 what might happen on the ground. Before departure, Xavi approached her. “I’m coming with you.” “You should stay. Wait for us to return.” It wasn’t that she didn’t want him there, but she was worried for his safety. Xavi wasn’t like James or Tyler–he wasn’t trained for this kind of field work. “How can I sit back and wait while you’re out there risking your life?” Xavi ended up going straight to Caitlin and Sebastian to plead his case. “Mr. Vanderbilt, Mrs. Vanderbilt, please let me come!” Sebastian raised a brow. “Didn’t we tell you to stay behind?” “But I want to help! One more person means one more set of hands.” Sebastian stared at him in disbelief as Xavi tried to play cute–literally. With a long sigh, Sebastian muttered, “First Yates, now Xavi. What’s with everyone and the puppy eyes?” Caitlin chuckled. “Xavi, fine. You can come. But I’m putting you in charge of Zinnia’s safety. Don’t leave her side, no matter what.” “Yes ma’am! Thank you, Mrs. Vanderbilt! You’re the best!” Xavi nearly danced as he ran off to join Zinnia. Sebastian shook his head and gave Caitlin a look. “He’s going to be a walking disaster.” “He won’t mess things up. Zinnia’s going, and if he stayed behind, he’d just sneak out after us anyway. If he gets hurt, that’s on him.” Caitlin glanced at her phone–confirmation had arrived. She climbed into the vehicle and gave the order to depart At the same time, Samir and Pierrick’s convoy was heading toward Bear Mountain as well, bringing the hostages along. From different directions, the two sides approached the same target The stage was set. Now, it was time to see how the exchange would play out. AD Comment Send gift No Ads 17:56 Fri, 22 Aug