3rd person POV
The jet touched down in Zurich just before dawn. A thick fog blanketed the runway, making the city beyond it look eerie and unfamiliar. Max stepped off the aircraft, adjusting the cuffs of his coat as the cold air bit at his skin.
Ray followed closely behind, scanning their surroundings with sharp eyes. He was always cautious, always prepared. Max appreciated that about him.
Their car was already waiting. A sleek black SUV with tinted windows. The driver, one of Max’s trusted men, nodded silently as they climbed inside.
“Where to?” the driver asked.
“The hotel first,” Max replied. “We need to regroup before heading to Stanford’s location.”
The vehicle pulled away from the airport, gliding through the quiet streets of Zurich. Max’s mind was restless. He had barely slept on the flight, his thoughts too occupied with that one man; Stanford Hayes.
Max clenched his fists. He wouldn’t let it go unpunished. Soon they arrived at a 5- star hotel.
The hotel suite was spacious, modern, and well-secured-exactly what they needed. Max paced near the window, staring out at the city as Ray spread out a set of documents on the table.
“Stanford’s last known location is a private estate on the outskirts,” Ray said, tapping a map with his finger. “He’s staying under tight security, but we have eyes on him. If we move carefully, we can get to him before he realizes we’re here.”
Max nodded. “How many guards?”
“At least six,” Ray answered. “Maybe more inside. But we don’t need to fight our way through. We just need to get to him.”
Max smirked. “I want him alone. No protection. No escape.”
Ray nodded in understanding. “Then we wait for the right moment.”
Max turned back to the window. His mind was focused, but somewhere deep inside, thoughts of Vivian weighed heavily on his mind. He had promised to come back. And he would.
But first, he had to end this!
________
Night fell swiftly, exactly the moment they had been waiting for.
Max and Ray was already prepared and they left the hotel under the cover of darkness, dressed in black, blending into the night. Their car moved smoothly through the quiet roads, taking them toward Stanford’s hideout.
Ray’s voice was calm but firm. “Our guy inside says Stanford is in his study. No visitors. No movement.”
“Good,” Max murmured.
They arrived at the estate, parking a short distance away. The mansion was grand, surrounded by tall iron gates and a long driveway. Security cameras dotted the perimeter.
Ray checked his watch. “Cameras are on a loop for the next five minutes. This is our window.”
Max nodded. “Let’s move.”
They climbed the gate swiftly, landing softly on the other side. Moving through the walls. They reached the main house. A side door was unlocked-just as planned.
Inside, the mansion was silent. Marble floors gleamed under dim lighting, and the faint sound of classical music played from somewhere down the hall.
Max’s heart pounded, adrenaline heightening his senses.
Ray led the way, moving like a ghost through the corridors. They avoided guards, slipping past rooms until they reached a heavy wooden door at the end of the hall.
Stanford’s study.
Max pressed his back against the wall, taking a steady breath.
Then, with a swift motion, he pushed open the door.
Stanford Hayes was seated behind a massive oak desk, a glass of whiskey in his hand. His silver hair was neatly combed, his tailored suit unwrinkled, as if he had been expecting company.
He looked up, a slow smirk forming on his lips.
“Maxwell,” he called his full name smoothly. “I was wondering when you’d come.”
Max stepped forward, his gaze dark and unyielding. “Did you?”
Stanford leaned back in his chair, completely at ease. “Of course. You’re your father’s son. I knew you wouldn’t sit back and do nothing.”
Max didn’t waste time with small talk. “Where is he?”
Stanford swirled his whiskey in the glass, watching the amber liquid dance. “Oh, Maxwell. Do you really think I’ll just tell you?”
Max took another step closer. “I’m not in the mood for games, Stanford.”
Stanford chuckled, setting his glass down. “And what exactly do you plan to do? Kill me?”
Max’s jaw clenched. “If that’s what it takes.”
Stanford raised a brow. “Then I suppose we should talk quickly, before things get messy.”
Ray moved to the door, standing guard as Max stepped closer.
Stanford sighed, as if bored. “Your father is alive.”
Max’s pulse spiked.
“But,” Stanford continued, “he won’t be for long.”
Max lunged, grabbing Stanford by the collar and yanking him out of his chair. The old man’s smirk faltered for the first time.
“Where is he?” Max growled.
Stanford’s hands trembled slightly, but he forced another smirk. “Somewhere you won’t reach in time.”
Max’s grip tightened. “Try me.”
Stanford exhaled. “A warehouse, near the docks. But I doubt he’s still there. My men are very thorough.”
Max shoved him back into the chair. “If anything happens to him, I’ll make sure you pay for it.”
Stanford adjusted his collar, regaining his composure. “You’re already too late, Maxwell.”
Max didn’t respond. He turned to Ray. “Let’s go.”
Ray didn’t need to be told twice. They moved quickly, slipping out through the way they came.
Time was running out and Max wasn’t ready to back out.
The docks were nearly empty, the scent of salt and oil thick in the air. Max’s heart pounded as he and Ray moved swiftly through the abandoned warehouses, searching for any sign of his father.
Ray checked his phone, scanning the map. “This should be it.”
They approached the large steel door. It was locked.
Max didn’t hesitate-he kicked it open.
Inside, the warehouse was dimly lit. Stacks of wooden crates lined the walls, and the air was damp and heavy.
Then, he saw him-His father.
Tied to a chair, bruised and weak, but alive.
“Dad!” Max rushed forward, kneeling beside him.
His father’s eyes fluttered open, weak but aware. “Max…”
Max quickly cut the ropes, supporting his father as he pulled him up.
“You’re going to be okay,” Max murmured, relief flooding him. Footsteps approached behind them.
Ray turned with his gun raised. “We’ve got company.”
Max pulled his father up, steadying him. “Let’s move.”
They hurried toward the exit, but two men stepped into their path with their guns drawn already.
Ray fired first. One man dropped instantly.
The second man hesitated just a second too long-Max lunged at him, slamming him against the wall. He knocked the gun away and delivered a sharp punch to the man’s jaw. The guard crumpled.
Ray grabbed Max’s father’s arm. “We need to go, now!”
Max didn’t argue. He threw his father’s arm over his shoulder, supporting him as they ran outside.
Their car was waiting.
As soon as they climbed in, the driver sped off.
Max glanced at his father. He was weak but breathing.
Relief washed over him, but it was quickly replaced by something else.
Anger.
Stanford had crossed his limits, daring to kidnap the Norman’s? Now, he would make sure Stanford Hayes never got another chance to hurt his family.
The battle wasn’t over and soon, he would end it for good.