Chapter 8

Heavy rain poured down on the abandoned plant, blood staining the concrete a violent red. When Ethan stormed inside with the tactical team, the warehouse was empty, save for the strong smell of blood that lingered in the damp air. Flashlights swept over dragged blood trails, discarded ropes, and a few bloody fingernails. Each detail was seared into his vision like a red-hot iron. "Iris!" he called out. His voice echoed throughout the empty factory, and no one responded. His phone vibrated nonstop. The field commander's hoarse voice burst through. "Mr. Cooper! The kidnappers killed a hostage at Professor Caldwell's location. One of the negotiators was… Professor Caldwell was gravely injured. The sniper missed the best window, and now—" Before he could finish, a deep, muffled gunshot rang out from the direction of a distant high-rise. The field commander's gasp came through the radio. "The primary target has been neutralized. I repeat, the ringleader has been neutralized! Where did