Chapter 307
Facing Shane''s inquiry, Ste was not about to spill the beans. "I have no clue, but I wouldn''t have
taken the job if I didn''t have some level of confidence," she replied with a nonchnt shrug.
As Ste parted ways, she didn''t forget to leave Shane with a sharp reminder. "Mr. Shane, while
rescuing Bran, don''t forget to catch the mole."
He had two other sons, for heaven''s sake. What if they decided to take turns getting into trouble?
The mere thought made Shane''s blood pressure spike. Once he got the ungrateful brat back, he
was seriously considering cutting the cord on their father-son rtionship.
Leaving the Porras mansion, Ste and her quartet headed back to her vi, where she brought up
the need for a ne and fuel.
The team looked at her in disbelief. "A ne? What for? Cool as it might be, we can''t afford to
maintain one."
Steid it out inly. "Food and meat are easy toe by, but who knows what disasters lie
ahead. If a more severe earthquake hits and there''s nowhere left to run onnd, we might just need
to take to the skies."
Kitty didn''t see an issue. "Owning a jet is pretty awesome. Fancy a trip, and you''re off."
If they could pull this off, they''d be living the high life for quite some time.
N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.
This was an unexpected boon, and Cody and Lukas had no objections. It had been ages since
they''d fought side-by-side with Ste and Jasper.
The memories of life on the 18th floor were resurfacing, but unfortunately, they were too
inexperienced at the time. When danger arose, it was always Ste taking the lead, with Jasper
covering the rear. Thinking back, it was quite embarrassing actually.
They hoped that this time around they could tap into their full potential.
Jasper, once a SWAT officer, was unmatched when it came to tactical nning. He shot down
Kitty''s original n. The kind of folks who could thrive in this post-apocalyptic world, subsisting on
kidnapping and ransom, were not to be underestimated in their ruthlessness or capability.
Kitty and Ang, if caught, would be searched immediately, stripped of all weapons. A strong fist
was no match for a loaded gun, and there was the looming threat of being drugged or worse at the
hands of those men.
Too many risks were at y. Any resistance or slip-up could trigger their suspicions, possibly putting
their lives on the line.
Kitty was adamant. "We can''t gather intel on the inside if we don''t get in."
Jasper countered, "Even if you do get in, unarmed and with no way tomunicate, any intel on
theiryout is useless if it can''t be shared in real-time. You''d be sitting ducks if they decided to use
you as leverage against us."
Ste shared the details of her deal with Shane. "The Porras family will pay a ransom with supplies.
That''ll draw some of them out."
With such arge stronghold, they could probably grab a lookout for questioning and get the
lowdown on the cave''s interior before sealing off the other exits.
Kitty knew when to fold and agreed to cooperate fully with the seasoned Ste and Jasper.
With less than 24 hours to Shane''s ransom drop, Ste suggested they head out early to scope out
the cave''s surroundings.
Cooper was a must-bring. As for Rosie, she would have to stay with the neighbors.
Skill-wise, Rosie was on par with Cody and Lukas, but she’s just a kid. Even in her disappointment,
she managed a smile. "Take care, guys. I''ll be waiting for your safe return."
Jasper ruffled her hair reassuringly. "Don''t worry, we''lle back without a scratch."
Once Rosie was safely settled next door, the team set off by car.
Considering the cave''s abundant supplies, they knew their Hummer wouldn''t carry much. Besides,
making too much noise could draw military or police attention.
Ste handed over the Hummer to the rest of the team. "We''ve stashed a truck elsewhere. We''ll
park it near the foot of the mountain and keep it hidden."
Kitty stayed behind at a suburban junction while Ste and Jasper went to retrieve the truck.
Half an hourter, the two returned in the vehicle. Wearing night-vision goggles and keeping the
headlights off to avoid detection, they stopped a few mountains away and hid the truck.
Dressed in protective gear, Kitty led the way as they trekked into the mountains, each armed to the
teeth.
After navigating several peaks in the dark, they edged closer to the nefarious hideout, their senses
heightened.
Jasper, adept at reconnaissance, could discern the frequency of patrols and the paths most traveled
by the enemy under the new high-definition night-vision goggles, skillfully avoiding any likely
encounters.
Kitty was silently impressed. She had taken several trips to master they of thend, and yet
Jasper could call it out after a mere nce.
Kitty pointed out several lookout posts. It was still early for the scheduled trade, and if they took out
the sentries now, it might raise suspicion.
Opting for caution, they circled around, taking over two hours to sneak within two hundred meters of
the cave entrance. They pulled out binocrs and meticulously observed the scene.
Three armed men stood guard at a concealed side near the entrance. Ste observed the
mountainous terrain, specting on where the other entrances and exits might be.
Trusting Kitty''s familiarity with the area, Ste suggested, "You guys keep watch here. Jasper and I
will scout for other exits."
Lukas wanted to apany them for safety, but Jasper declined, "Just Cooper, Ste, and I will do.
More people might increase the risk of exposure."
Traces would be left anywhere people moved. Cooper with his keen nose would pick up the scent.
In the event of trouble, they were all capable fighters, and they had Arcadia to fall back on if need
be.
Under the cover of night, the pair and the dog set out along the mountain''s contours in search of
alternative paths. Thankfully, the terrain wasn''t too treacherous, or their task would have been
significantly riskier.
Ste instructed Cooper to sniff out any human scents. The dog weaved through the woods,
pausing now and then to wait for the pair.
After traversing ridges and taking detours, it took over two hours until Cooper caught a whiff and
crouched down, alert. Both humans followed suit, scanning the surroundings with their high-
definition binocrs.
Ste followed the wind''s direction and spotted a cave entrance concealed by bushes.
Someone was leaning against the cave''s edge, seemingly enjoying a drink to fend off the sub-zero
chill.
The trio hid in the tall grass, taking turns to keep an eye on the entrance.
Jasper, concerned for Ste''s well-being, suggested she rest. "You take a break. I''ll keep watch."
Without argument, Ste handed him a in bread roll and some hot water. "Get something in your
stomach first."
Jasper quickly grabbed a bite. Ste wrapped herself in a mink coat and, holding Cooper, closed
her eyes to rest. She drifted in and out of sleep, and after what felt like several hours, Jasper
nudged her gently awake. "Shift change. There are two of them now," he whispered.
ncing at her watch, Ste noted they had 12 hours left before the ransom was due.
The new guards would be alert, having just started their shift. They would have to wait them out,
make their move when the guards started to get drowsy.
They retraced their steps until they met up with Kitty and the rest.
Seeing the pair safe and sound, Cody and the others let out a collective sigh of relief. "We were
worried sick. Did you find another way out?"
Ste recounted their findings. "Yes, we found one. It''s quite hidden, and the entrance isn''trge.
Looks like it was hammered out as a makeshift escape route."
Together, they huddled and hashed out a n of attack, suggesting to split up to cover more
ground.