The first light of dawn seeped through the broken windows of the warehouse, cold and unyielding. Daniel hadn't managed to sleep, nor had Aisha. Kieran lingered by the door, tense as he listened to the city stir, as if he had forgotten how to find peace.
"They'll be searching for us," Aisha said softly. "All over."
Kieran nodded in agreement. "Marcus won't hesitate. He'll act quickly, block escape routes, and cover his tracks."
Daniel rubbed his tired eyes. "Then we need to act quicker."
Kieran faced him, his gaze penetrating. "There's something you both must know before we proceed." He reached into his jacket and revealed a small, worn flash drive. "This is the reason Marcus won't give up."
Aisha's eyes widened with curiosity. "What's on it?"
"Names. Transactions. Evidence." Kieran lowered his voice. "Enough to take down everyone he's connected with."
A shiver raced down Daniel's spine. "So why haven't you handed it over?"
"Because the system is compromised," Kieran replied. "If this falls into the wrong hands, we won't survive past sunset."
Suddenly, a loud noise rang out from outside.
They all froze in place.
Footsteps approached—steady and measured. A shadow loomed under the warehouse door.
Aisha whispered, "They've tracked us down."
Kieran raised a finger for silence and motioned towards a concealed side exit behind some crates. "Daniel, take Aisha and go. If I don't make it—"
"No," Daniel interrupted. "We don't separate anymore."
For a brief moment, Kieran seemed almost proud.
The door rattled, and a smooth, familiar voice floated in.
"Kieran," Marcus called. "You're running out of hiding spots."
Kieran straightened, determination filling his gaze. "Stay behind me," he whispered. "No matter what."
The door began to creak open.
In that instant, Daniel understood something chilling and inescapable—
This was no longer a chase.
It was a trap.
And they were right in its midst.
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