Chapter :6
"Nala"
( Capturing Max , first encounter)
Three hours of relentless research had yielded nothing. My frustration boiled over, fueled by the elusive Max. Where was he? Had he vanished into thin air?
I stormed out of my office, determined to shake things up. The meeting room door swung open, revealing my team lounging like they were on a break.
"Enjoying your leisure time, aren't you?" I spat, my anger palpable. "I've had a headache for hours, and you're slacking off!"
Lenny stood, his eyes cast downward. "Boss, we're trying—"
I cut him off. "Don't call me Nala. I'm your boss. You'll address me as such."
Lenny's shoulders tensed. "Sorry, boss. We're trying hard, but—"
"Hard?" I scoffed. "I didn't ask for his location. I asked for personal information. Are you children who need instructions?"
My team cowered, fearing my wrath. I was a monster, forged by seven years of ruthless ambition.
Lenny trembled. "Yes, boss. I'll get it now."
"I won't waste my time. I'll wait here while you work."
Lenny nodded and hastened to Alan's workstation.
As I sat, surveying the room, Lenny returned with a file. "Boss, here's what you asked for."
I devoured the information:
Name: Max Corrigan
Father's Name: Ken Corrigan
Age: 32
Status: Married
Wife Name: Wendy Corrigan
Wife Age: 32
Son: Den Corrigan
Son's Age: 10
A sinister grin spread across my face. Max had a weakness – his family.
"Lenny, come here!"
He rushed back, cautious.
"His weakness is his family," I declared, tapping the file.
Lenny hesitated. "But boss, he's already left his wife—"
"I don't care. Kidnap his son and hack his wife's phone. That's your priority."
Lenny nodded, though his eyes betrayed his doubts.
As he departed, I felt a cold satisfaction. Max would soon learn the true meaning of fear.
Eight hours had passed, and still, no leads on Max. My team's exhaustion was palpable, some dozing off, others persevering. I felt a pang of guilt, but it was quickly extinguished by my resolve.
I grew up in hell, forged into a monster. Sentiment couldn't weaken me.
Just as I was lost in thought, Alan's voice jolted me. "Boss, she's calling someone."
I snapped back to attention. "Who?"
"Unknown number," Alan replied.
I slipped on my headphones, focusing on the conversation.
Max's wife, Wendy, was frantic. "Our son is missing!"
The man on the other end, unmistakably Max, reassured her. "Don't worry, we'll find him. Whoever took him will return him."
Wendy's desperation poured out. "Why can't we live happily? Why hide, pretend to hate us, and divorce me?"
Max's calm tone belied his words. "What I'm doing is for us. I promise, we'll be happy. But it takes time."
Wendy's frustration boiled over. "How much more time? You said you'd leave by ship and bring us soon. How long?"
Max's response sent a spark through me. "I'm leaving tomorrow midnight. It'll take time to get out of trouble."
I exchanged a charged glance with Alan. "Locate him," I mouthed.
The game had changed. Max was on the move, and we had a deadline .
Alan's eyes locked onto mine. "Should we move in now?"
I grinned, savoring the triumph. "Not yet. We'll strike at midnight, when Max least expects it."
With a flourish, I clapped my hands, energizing the room. "Get up, everyone! It's time. Prepare your teams; we'll capture Max tomorrow midnight."
Lenny sprang to life, his face alight with shock. "You found him!"
I chuckled, relishing the vindication. "I told you his weakness wouldn't disappoint. Underestimating me was your mistake."
Lenny nodded, determination etched on his face. "We'll be ready."
As he exited, I addressed the remaining team members. "Take a few hours' rest, then prepare yourselves. I won't tolerate mistakes tomorrow. If we lose Max, you'll face my wrath, and no one will recognize your remains."
My threat hung in the air like a specter.
After dismissing them, I retreated to my office, surrendering to exhaustion. The knock on my door awakened me; I didn't know how many hours had passed.
"Come in," I called out, sitting up.
Lenny entered, his expression resolute. "Boss, our team is ready. We'll depart in an hour."
I stood, stretching my muscles. "I'm coming with you."
Lenny's concern was palpable. "But, boss, we can't guarantee your safety. Our spies indicate Max's men will be there too."
I overrode his objections. "This is my mission, my idea. I won't be left behind."
Lenny's voice took on a warning tone. "We can't risk your life, boss."
My gaze hardened. "I didn't ask for your permission. I'm going, no matter what."
Lenny's concern grated on my nerves. "Your life is precious, don't endanger it."
I sneered, my anger simmering. "Precious to whom?"
Lenny hesitated, his words dying on his lips.
"Finish your sentence," I demanded, my tone razor-sharp.
"To your father, your loved ones," he ventured, cautious.
My laughter was cold, mirthless. "You think they care? They hate me."
Lenny's eyes pleaded. "No, boss, there are people who—"
I cut him off, disgust dripping from my voice. "Spare me the sentiment, Lenny. I'm tired. Just leave."
Lenny's persistence irritated me. "But it's dangerous—"
My fury boiled over. "You think I fear bullets? My own father put one in my heart! I've risen from hell, Lenny. I'm a monster, not some fragile princess."
My shout echoed through the office, drawing unwanted attention.
Lenny's gaze held a flicker of hurt before he nodded and departed.
I seethed, my anger still simmering. Time to focus.
In my wardrobe, I selected a black outfit, donning it with precision: black shirt, tight pants, shoes, hat, and mask. My hand closed around the dagger hidden within my clothes, a gift from a powerful ally.
As I emerged from my office, the corridor bustled with activity. My team prepared for departure, armed and ready.
Lenny awaited me outside the meeting room. "Ready, boss?"
I nodded curtly. "Let's move. We have Max to catch."
Lenny gestured toward the exit. "We need to stop for weapons first."
I fell into step behind him, my mind fixed on the mission ahead.
Lenny held the door open, gesturing for me to enter. "After you, boss."
As I stepped inside, my eyes widened in awe. The room was an arsenal, filled with guns, bullets, rifles, snipers, daggers, and swords. My heart raced with anticipation.
"I choose my own weapon?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Lenny nodded. "As you like, boss."
I wandered through the array, scanning the pistols on display. Each had its name etched into the mirror: Desert Eagle, Beretta, SIG Sauer. I hesitated, unsure.
Lenny approached, sensing my indecision. "May I assist you?"
I turned, my gaze meeting his. "Please."
"Have you handled a gun before?" he asked.
I nodded. "Someone taught me."
Lenny's expression turned professional. "Excellent. Let me introduce you to our selection."
He presented the 9mm, touting its suitability for beginners.
I shook my head. "I need something deadly, with a sharp grip."
Lenny's eyes locked onto mine. "Then consider the GLOCK 17 – simple, accurate, effective, and deadly."
I reached for the GLOCK 17, its weight settling comfortably in my hand. The grip felt tailored to my palm.
Without hesitation, I pulled the trigger, aiming at Lenny.
His eyes widened in shock. "Hopefully, it's unloaded… or you'd have killed me just now."
I smiled, a cold glint in my eye. "I knew it wasn't loaded. Or I'd have felt it."
Lenny exhaled slowly, his composure regained. "Well, boss, I think you've made your choice."
"Let's move, Lenny. We can't lose Max," I urged, exiting the vehicle.
The 30-minute drive had given me ample time to contemplate our plan.
As Lenny gathered our team, I addressed them with a stern tone, "Today's mission is crucial. Your lives depend on its success. Fail, and you'll face my wrath or worse."
Unified, they responded, "Yes, lady boss!"
"Spread out, cover every corner, ship, and especially the security room. We need eyes everywhere," I instructed.
With a nod, they dispersed.
In the security room, I waited patiently, my eyes fixed on the monitors.
"One of our men reported Max's potential arrival," my team member whispered.
"Let's wait," I replied, my voice low and even.
Through Bluetooth, I communicated with my team, "Hold positions, don't move."
Minutes ticked by, silence punctuated only by static.
Suddenly, a voice crackled through the comms, "Boss, a man's entering through the back gate."
"Observe from a distance, don't engage," I ordered.
I contacted Lenny, "Where are you?"
"With the area's owner, boss," he replied.
"Tell him to alert us when Max arrives," I instructed.
Lenny confirmed, "Got it, boss."
Minutes passed.
Lenny's voice came through, "Boss, the man from the back gate is entering the owner's room."
"Hide, don't let him spot you. Warn the owner to stay calm," I directed.
Lenny acknowledged, "Yes, boss."
My grip on the GLOCK 17 tightened, anticipation building.
As Lenny's voice crackled through the comms, I sprang into action. "Max is moving," he said.
"Get the owner's information," I ordered. "How many are with him?"
Lenny replied, "Max is alone, boss. He's sailing to Indonesia in 15 minutes."
I rallied my team. "Let's move in. Catch Max, but don't shoot. We need him alive."
I rushed toward the way where Lenny tell me Max goes .
Within minutes, Lenny reported, "We have him, boss. He put up a fight and injured three of our men."
And from there
I rushed to the scene, finding Max tied up. A sly grin spread across my face. "Your plan was good, but we caught you."
Max smirked. "I guess it was fate."
I dismissed my men, and Lenny and now it's only me with Max. "I don't want to kill you," I said. "Give me the evidence against the boss, and you'll go free."
Max raised an eyebrow. "You're making deals?"
"well yes ,and I know you wanna live for you son_"
Lenny interrupted, "Boss, 'M' is here! Run, kill Max!"
Gunfire erupted around us. Lenny's fearful voice pierced the chaos. "Boss, 'M' has killed half our men. Run, please!"
"No , I don't want to .we will kill him"I said but Lenny insisted .
I grabbed Max andi only take few steps and stop by hearing gunfire and Lenny's desperate cries. "Don't turn, Nala, run!"
I turned, regretting it. Lenny lay on the ground, bleeding from a bullet wound.
A menacing voice commanded, "Hands up, or you're dead."
I raised my hands, locking eyes with the speaker – a man with piercing purple mixed with -black coloured attractive eyes . A complete rare one giving a view of night thundering a beautiful yet a dangerous one .
His face is covered in range. He's wearing a black outfit. His dark black hairs are falling over his eyes . His forehead is covered in sweat so is his neck . His adam apple bobble up and down looks like he run here . He's looking to different. I'm losing it I'm losing myself.until I hear Lenny voice .
Lenny whispered, "Kill Max, or the boss's secrets are ruined."
Kill Max is what Lenny say but I'm not going to kill him .am I ?.
Memories flooded back: "Complete this mission, or face consequences."
I nodded to Lenny, who shot at the dangerous handsome purple eye man but missed. I seized the chance, shooting Max.
A shout echoed, "No!" followed by gunfire and screams.
He approached, his eyes blazing with fury. "You should have feared me."
Lenny's eyes widened. "Mortifer…you're Mortifer."
"yes,I sure am .and you know what, by not taking my command I will give you the death sentence" he say turning toward me .
Mortifer shot me , I close my eyes to feel the pain but there is nothing after some second I open my eyes and there only Lenny Infront of me . He's falling I hold his arm . What happened? What the hell happened now .
I'm losing it .. I'm losing it ..
Blood it's blood ...why is there blood?.
No, no ,no the dead body of my mother ..my eyes got blury no no no . It's can't be .
I took a moment to understand what happened here ?.
I start to gather my memories. So, all just happened is Mortifer shot me , but Lenny took the bullet. I saw Lenny holding his last breath and looking at me with his those black eyes whom I really love as a child but now they are shuting . No no they can be I don't want Lenny no no no .
I screamed, "Lenny, no!"
I shout again and again "please Lenny wake up . I'm sorry I will never shout at you . I'm sorry I will never dis respect you . Please Lenny please . Don't leave me like my mother did .don't betrayed me like my mother did .please Lenny .please"
Seeing Lenny lying on the floor hopeless. My eyes become teary and the seen become blurry memories flash back again .my mother's dead body came into view .oh no no .mom .no please don't leave me .
I was so immersed in my thought I didn't watch out .and something heavy hit my head .
No I can't become unconscious now .
I have to take Lenny hospital .
I have to search for my man's.
I have to go back to report boss and save Andy .
No,no .
And then darkness claimed me, and the last things I saw Lenny's pain-filled eyes, his body on ground lying beside mine .and then everything went dark.t .