Nam's breath slowed as he melted into the shadows of the alleyway, the weight of his escape finally sinking in. The city around him was eerily quiet, the distant hum of traffic and faint sounds of nightlife the only reminders that life went on, oblivious to the chaos he had just narrowly escaped.
His mind raced, replaying every detail of the escape. The guards, the narrow corridors, the last-second decision to toss the wrench—everything had to go perfectly for him to slip out unnoticed. But it had worked. Now, he was free, but the real work was just beginning.
He couldn't stay in the city. Not for long. Too many eyes were out there, and he knew better than anyone how quickly things could turn from an escape to a manhunt. He needed to lay low, get out of sight. But where? Who could he trust?
Nam's thoughts were interrupted by a sudden sound from behind him. A car engine. Low, steady, and unmistakably close.
His hand instinctively moved to his waistband, where his backup weapon still sat, though he hoped he wouldn't have to use it. He didn't want to attract attention. He wasn't alone yet—he hadn't made it to safety.
The car's headlights swept across the alley, illuminating the shadows for a moment before the vehicle came to a slow stop. Nam froze, watching as the figure inside rolled down the window.
"Get in," the voice was low and gravelly, but familiar.
Nam didn't hesitate. He glanced around one last time before sliding into the car, keeping his eyes sharp. The door shut behind him with a soft click, and the car pulled away, leaving the alley behind.
"Thought you'd be making more noise," the driver said without taking his eyes off the road.
Nam let out a sigh of relief. "I've been trying not to."
The man in the driver's seat was an old acquaintance—someone he'd met years ago during a mission. Viktor. He was part of a covert network, a collection of operatives, hackers, and spies who specialized in retrieving sensitive information and dealing with problems in the shadows. Viktor had always been a wildcard, but reliable when it mattered most. He had saved Nam's life once, and now, it seemed, he was here to do it again.
"Not much of a talker, huh?" Viktor said, his voice breaking the silence.
Nam shrugged, watching the city pass by through the tinted windows. "I'm not in the mood for conversation."
Viktor nodded, understanding. They both knew the dangers lurking in the shadows. He was aware that there was more at play here than just a simple escape. The facility Nam had broken out of wasn't just any ordinary place—it was a black site, a den of secrets. The people behind it had to be powerful, well-connected, and they wouldn't stop looking for him until they got what they wanted.
"Where to?" Viktor asked as he maneuvered the car through the winding streets.
Nam didn't have a concrete plan, but there was one place he could go for help—a safehouse. A contact who had worked with the network before. Someone who could help him gather the information he needed.
"Take me to the old docks," Nam said after a brief moment of hesitation. "I'll contact my source from there."
Viktor nodded without question, his hands gripping the wheel tighter. "You know the risks, right? If they find us—"
"I know," Nam cut him off. "But I don't have a choice. If I want to know who's behind this, I need someone who knows the network."
The drive to the docks was tense, the only sounds in the car the hum of the engine and the occasional streetlight passing by. As they neared the waterfront, the city's skyline began to fade behind them, the area growing more industrial and desolate with each passing block.
Viktor slowed the car as they neared an old warehouse tucked away in a corner, far from prying eyes. It was one of the last places anyone would expect to find someone, making it the perfect location for a clandestine meeting.
"Here," Viktor said, parking the car near the back entrance. "I'll keep watch."
Nam nodded, stepping out of the car and making his way toward the loading dock. The air was thick with saltwater, the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore providing an eerie backdrop to his thoughts. This was his first real move toward uncovering the truth, and he had no idea how deep the rabbit hole went.
He approached the back door, which creaked as he pushed it open. The interior was dimly lit, the smell of rust and dust filling the air. The old warehouse was filled with forgotten crates, abandoned equipment, and the lingering feeling of years of disuse. But behind the cluttered space, there was a small office in the corner, its door slightly ajar.
Nam moved quietly, his steps echoing in the empty building. He reached the door, his hand hovering for a moment before he gently pushed it open.
Inside, sitting at a desk littered with old files and half-empty cups of coffee, was a woman. She didn't look up as he entered, but the faintest smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
"I was wondering when you'd show up," she said, her voice smooth but carrying an air of authority.
Nam didn't waste time with pleasantries. "I need your help."
She glanced up now, her eyes sharp, assessing him in the same way she had done all those years ago when they'd worked together. "You've gotten yourself into something big, haven't you?" she asked, her tone calm but knowing.
Nam nodded, then took a step closer. "Someone's hunting me, and I need to know who. I need access to the network."
The woman studied him for a long moment before she stood up, pushing her chair back with a creak. "You're asking for a lot. But I think you know the cost."
Nam met her gaze. "I know the cost. I'll pay whatever it takes."
She gave a short laugh. "I'm sure you will."