Chapter 11: Allies and Enemies “This place a muttered, casting a disdainful glance at the wallpaper fluorescent lights. “Better than Ava replied, her voice barely the storm outside. “We just to lay low until we figure out our next move. A sudden knock on the door made them both freeze. Liam’s hand went to concealed gun at his while eyes darted toward the exit. The knock again, louder time, and a voice called out, “It’s Max. Liam exchanged a wary glance Ava before unlocking door. A tall, lanky figure inside, rainwater dripping from his black hoodie. Max pulled back his hood, revealing a mop of hair and a pair sharp, calculating eyes. you didn’t have trouble finding the place,” standing to him. Max shrugged, dropping his backpack on the floor. This my first rodeo. Liam’s eyes narrowed as up their ally. you’re the infamous Max. The hacker who crack anything. Max eyes glinting mischief. And you must be Liam. The muscle. Liam could retort, Ava stepped between them, her tone firm. “We have time for this. Max, what do you have for us?” expression turned serious as he unzipped his backpack and out a sleek laptop. “I’ve been digging through Henry Dalton’s files. Found something you might find interesting. ” He a keys, and a series of documents flashed across the screen. Ava leaned in, her eyes the information. this is proof. Henry’s everything. The betrayals, the leaks… even death. Liam’s tightened, his clenching at his sides. “We need to this to the authorities. shook his head, shutting the with a decisive snap. “It’s that simple. Henry has people everywhere. We strategy, a way to use this without getting ourselves killed. Tension crackled in the room static electricity. Liam took a step closer to Max, his voice low growl. “And what’s plan, hacker? Hide behind your computer we do the dirty work?” Max didn’t flinch, Liam’s glare head-on. “My plan is to alive enough to bring down. that means being smart, not reckless. Ava placed a hand on Liam’s her touch calming but her resolute. right, Liam. We can’t rush this. Liam pulled away, etching lines his face. we get another chance down, we take it. No hesitation. his eyes flicking to Ava. “Agreed. But we need to cover our tracks. probably already for us. Ava sighed, sinking back onto couch. “How it come We were so to bringing to justice, now the the run. Max crouched beside her, his voice surprisingly gentle. get him, Ava. But we have to be smart about it. She met his gaze, for any sign of deceit. all she was a of own. What’s the plan?” Max at Liam before turning back to Ava. we need to create digital trail that leads Henry away us. I’ll need high-powered network. There’s old lab not far from here that should have what we need. Liam frowned. “And how do you expect to get in? Those places locked down tight. grinned, his confidence returning. “Leave that to me. Just be to when I give the word. rain intensified, against the windows like a warning. Ava stood, her hardening. “Then let’s get to work. The sooner we get what we need, the sooner we can this. packed up laptop, slinging his backpack over his shoulder. “Follow me. And stay close. The trio slipped into the night, the storm providing cover as they navigated the narrow streets. Max led through series of back alleys and streets, his movements and sure. They arrived at a nondescript building, its facade worn and unassuming. “This is it,” Max whispered, pulling out a of tools. He worked picking the lock with practiced ease. The swung open, and they slipped inside. lab was a maze of outdated equipment shelves. Max moved with purpose, leading them to a hidden room at the back. He up an old server, the of the space. “Give a few minutes,” said, flying over the keyboard. “I need to set a diversion. Ava watched, with each passing second. Liam guard by the door, eyes scanning for any sign danger. “Got triumphant his voice. “I’ve rerouted our digital footprint. It’ll take goons a while to untangle this mess. Liam nodded, impressed despite himself. to Ava, expression serious. “Now, we go after Henry’s offshore accounts. We drain his resources make him vulnerable. hesitated, the weight of their mission pressing on her. if fail?” Max’s gaze was unwavering. “Then we make we go down fighting. The storm outside raged on, a backdrop resolve. they to move, a crash echoed through building. door burst and armed men poured in, faces and their intentions clear. “Ambush!” Liam drawing gun. shoved Ava behind metal cabinet, out concealed of own. Gunfire the deafening in confined space. heart pounded as she crouched low, racing. She a glimpse his face in determination as returned fire. “Liam!” Ava screamed, voice barely audible over the chaos. Liam fought with the precision of a trained soldier, movements fluid and deadly. But the were against them, and the room was rapidly filling with enemies. we need an Liam shouted, his voice strained. glanced around, spotting a ventilation shaft. Go, I’ll cover you!” Ava hesitated, torn between survival and loyalty. But Liam’s hand on arm made the decision for her. “Go, We can’t lose you!” With final, desperate look Max, she into the shaft, Liam close behind. The sound of gunfire faded as they moved deeper into the building, the narrow passage turning. emerged an the rain still pouring down. Liam helped to her feet, face etched worry. need to moving. will find us. Ava nodded, her heavy with and fear. “We leave him. Liam’s grip tightened her hand. “We won’t. But we to survive first.