A Sweet Encounter

The sudden interruption shifted the dynamics of the confrontation, creating an opening in the already tense standoff.

Just as the situation reached its critical juncture, the sharp roar of an engine broke through the tension, diverting everyone’s attention. Emerging from the dust and haze was a Chevy Tahoe. However the distraction shifted the balance of power.

The burly man, seizing the moment, regained his composure. With a swift motion, he kicked the steel pipe from his opponent’s grip and aimed his knife menacingly at him. "Tch tch tch, looks like help’s finally here... but a little too late," he sneered, unaware that his fate was sealed.

From within the car, Sky's lips curled into a smirk as she analyzed the scene. Gripping her weapon tightly, she stepped out of the vehicle, her presence commanding immediate attention. Without giving the others a chance to react or regroup, she issued a cold order. "Agnes, take the person at my 3 o’clock. Lucifer, handle the one at my 6 o’clock. Be careful; it looks like they’re holding a civilian hostage."

The precision with which Agnes and Lucifer followed their orders was chilling—nothing like the rookies who had recently joined the team. These two were battle-hardened, their skills sharpened through years of military training. Their movements were so fluid and lethal, it was evident they were far from novices.

A few agonizing screams split the air as the remaining two assailants crumpled to the ground, leaving the burly man as the last standing threat. Panic gripped him as he realized his comrades were falling one by one.

In a desperate move, he shoved the young man he was holding hostage toward Sky, using the distraction as a last-ditch attempt to flee. However, he didn’t get far—Lucifer caught up with him swiftly. Sky, her focus unbroken, steadied the hostage in her arms, her piercing eyes scanning him for any injuries.

The young man, clearly startled by the force of the push, blinked up at Sky. He met the gaze of the woman before him—clad in black tactical gear, her face concealed by a mask, only her black eyes were visible, they gleamed in the sunlight, but he didn't know why they were glaring at him. 

Her gloved hand moved before his eyes, snapping his attention back to the present. "Sir," she said, her voice calm and measured, "Please introduce yourself and explain why you’re here."

After a moment of hesitation, the man cleared his throat and replied, "Ethan Grace. CEO of Trek Tech Corp. I was on my way back to the company after inspecting a newly purchased plot on Hemspire Street."

Sky’s gaze hardened, skepticism flickering in her eyes. Hemspire Street was near the city center, and Apleton Highway—still under construction—was situated on the outskirts of the city, a far cry from the direct route to his company. Her instincts screamed that something didn’t add up.

Before she could probe further, she saw Lucifer approaching, a small briefcase in hand. He leaned in, whispering, "Captain, we secured this case. Looks like it’s filled with cash—roughly 10 million." The news took Sky by surprise, her suspicion deepening. But before she could react, Lucifer added, "Looks like Team 1 has arrived."

Turning to see one of the officers from Team 1 approaching, Sky gave a curt nod. The officer saluted. "Ma’am," Sky responded with a calm, measured tone. "Secure all the bodies, collect the evidence, and send it to forensics. Clear the area. Take this case and send it to my office."

The officer saluted again and hurried off to execute her orders. Sky gestured subtly for Lucifer to hand her the cuffs. Both of them exchanged a quick glance, confused but Lucifer complied, passing them to her.