The sky outside was heavy with the promise of another storm, the clouds swirling in dark, ominous patterns. The sound of distant thunder rumbled through the air, a constant reminder of the chaos closing in around them. Grimm and Volkova ran through the slick, rain-drenched streets, the weight of the hard drives and documents pressing against their backs. They were close to the extraction point, but the night was far from over.
The sound of pursuing soldiers echoed behind them, their boots slapping against the wet pavement as they gave chase. The drones overhead buzzed like relentless predators, their lights cutting through the rain like searchlights.
"We're too exposed out here," Grimm said, glancing over at Volkova. His breath was labored, his mind already working through the next move. "We need to get to cover."
Volkova's gaze was fixed ahead, her rifle slung across her back as she kept a steady pace. "I see a tunnel entrance up ahead," she said, her voice calm but urgent. "It'll lead us to the old subway system. We can use it to flank around."
Grimm nodded, not needing to be told twice. "Move."
They picked up the pace, making their way toward the tunnel entrance that loomed ahead, a dark, gaping mouth in the side of a crumbling building. As they neared it, a sharp crack of gunfire shattered the air, the bullet narrowly missing Grimm's shoulder as it tore through the night. He spun, his rifle already raised, but the assailant had already ducked behind cover.
"Shit," Grimm muttered, his teeth gritted. "We've got snipers."
Volkova didn't hesitate. She dropped to one knee, pulling her rifle from her back with fluid precision. Without a word, she lined up the shot and fired. The high-powered round cut through the air, the telltale crack of the sniper's rifle barely audible over the storm. The figure on the rooftop dropped like a ragdoll, silenced by the deadly precision of her aim.
"We don't have time for this," Grimm said, his voice tight as he started toward the tunnel. "Let's go."
They made it into the tunnel just as more gunfire erupted from behind them. The narrow, dark passageway provided them with some temporary shelter, but they both knew it wouldn't last long. They were in enemy territory now, and every minute that passed brought them closer to being surrounded.
Grimm led the way, his senses alert, his rifle at the ready. The tunnel was damp and cold, the walls lined with graffiti and old advertisements that had long since faded. It was a ghost of the city that once was, and it was the perfect place for an ambush.
"You're sure this leads to the extraction point?" Grimm asked, his voice low but skeptical. The tunnel twisted and turned, and the deeper they went, the more disorienting it became.
"It's the fastest route," Volkova replied, her eyes scanning the shadows ahead. "And if we take the side passage near the old train yard, we can cut through to the docks."
Grimm nodded, pushing forward. He trusted Volkova's instincts—she knew the terrain better than anyone. And right now, they needed every advantage they could get.
They moved quickly, but not without caution. Every sound seemed amplified in the tunnel, every footstep an echo in the dark. Grimm's mind raced, his thoughts focused on the mission. The intel they had secured would be invaluable—proof that Kessler's operation was far worse than anyone had imagined. If they could get it to the right people, they might finally be able to expose the man behind it all.
But there was still one question that gnawed at him—why had Kessler targeted him and his team? The betrayal was personal. There was something deeper at play, something Grimm had yet to fully understand.
The sound of footsteps behind them shattered his thoughts. He glanced back to see a small squad of soldiers rounding the corner. They were too close.
"Dammit," Grimm cursed under his breath. "We've got company."
Volkova immediately ducked into an alcove, motioning for Grimm to follow. They pressed themselves against the cold stone, trying to blend into the shadows as the soldiers passed by, unaware of their presence.
Grimm's heart pounded in his chest, the sound deafening in the silence. He could feel the soldiers' presence like a weight on his back. The tension was unbearable, the only thing keeping him from reacting being his years of training and discipline.
As the soldiers moved further down the tunnel, Grimm exchanged a glance with Volkova. She nodded, and without a word, they slipped from their hiding spot and continued forward.
But the danger wasn't over. They had to make it to the docks. And with every step, it felt like the walls were closing in.
The sound of distant gunfire echoed down the tunnel, and Grimm's grip on his rifle tightened. The enemies were closing in, and he knew they wouldn't stop until they were dead.
They emerged into a wider section of the tunnel, and Grimm could see the faint light of the exit ahead. The docks were just beyond the exit, but they weren't going to make it there without a fight.
"Get ready," Grimm whispered, his voice steady. "We'll have to fight our way out."
Volkova didn't say anything, but her eyes were sharp, focused. She was ready.
They moved toward the exit, but before they could reach it, the unmistakable sound of a helicopter filled the air above them. It was too loud, too close.
"Helicopter," Grimm said, his voice a low growl. "They're bringing in reinforcements."
Volkova raised an eyebrow. "That's just great."
Grimm didn't have time to respond. The helicopter was coming in fast, and he could hear the thrum of the rotors above, getting louder with every passing second.
"This way," Grimm ordered, pulling Volkova toward the side passage. "We need to get to cover before they land."
They sprinted down the passage, the wind from the helicopter's descent whipping against their faces. The sound of rotors grew deafening, and Grimm's mind raced. They had no choice but to make it to the docks. And they had to do it fast.
"Almost there," Grimm said, his voice tight. "Stay with me."
And with that, they rounded the final corner, and the docks were in sight.