THE HEIRESS VOW - Chapter 78

Chapter 78: Protecting the Innocent
Ava’s heart pounded as she scanned the crowded venue. The public event buzzed with excitement, oblivious to the lurking danger. She tightened her grip on her earpiece. “Team, are you in position?” Her voice was calm, masking the storm brewing inside her.

“Roger that,” Lucas replied. “North perimeter secure. No sign of the Phantom yet.”

“I’ve got eyes on the south,” Elena chimed in. “All clear here too.”

Ava glanced at the stage, where a keynote speaker was beginning their address. The tension in the air was palpable. She knew the Phantom wouldn’t miss such a high-profile opportunity. “Stay sharp. They’ll make their move soon.”

As the speech continued, Ava’s mind raced through potential scenarios. Each one ended in chaos and casualties. She couldn’t let that happen. Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden crackle in her earpiece.

“Ava, we’ve got a situation,” Lucas said, his voice urgent. “Unidentified personnel near the main entrance. They’re posing as security.”

Ava’s stomach dropped. “I’m on my way.” She weaved through the crowd, her eyes scanning for any sign of trouble. When she reached the entrance, she saw them: a group of men in security uniforms, their eyes cold and calculating.

“Excuse me,” she called out, approaching them. “I need to see your identification.”

One of the men turned, a smile playing on his lips. “Of course, ma’am.” He handed over a badge, but something about it felt off.

Ava inspected it, her gut confirming her suspicion. “This isn’t real. You’re not security.”

The man’s smile widened. “Smart girl.” In a flash, he lunged at her, but Ava was ready. She sidestepped, twisting his arm and forcing him to the ground.

“All units, we’ve got operatives posing as security,” she shouted into her earpiece. “Engage with caution.”

The crowd erupted in panic as the fight broke out. Ava moved with precision, her training kicking in. She took down another operative, her movements fluid and controlled. “Lucas, Elena, status report.”

“We’re engaging on the north side,” Lucas replied. “They’re heavily armed.”

“South is under control,” Elena added. “But we’ve got civilians in the crossfire.”

Ava’s heart ached at the thought. “Do whatever it takes to keep them safe.” She looked around, her eyes landing on a group of children huddled together, fear etched on their faces. “Stay low and follow me,” she instructed them, guiding them to a safer area.

As she secured the last child, a chilling voice echoed through the venue. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention?”

Ava’s blood ran cold. The Phantom stood on the stage, a group of hostages at his mercy. His mask gleamed under the lights, a sinister smile painted on it. “This event is now under my control.”

Ava’s grip tightened on her weapon. “Damn it,” she muttered. “Team, the Phantom has hostages on the stage. We need to act fast.”

Lucas’s voice crackled through. “We’re on it. Flanking from the left.”

Elena added, “I’ll take the right. Ava, keep him talking.”

Ava nodded, stepping forward. “Phantom, let’s talk. You don’t want to do this.”

The Phantom’s laugh sent shivers down her spine. “Ah, Ava. Always the negotiator. But this isn’t about what I want. It’s about sending a message.”

She took a deep breath, trying to stay composed. “And what message is that?”

The Phantom’s eyes glinted. “That no one is safe. Not even you.” He pointed to a hostage, a young woman trembling with fear. “Do you know her, Ava?”

Ava’s heart skipped a beat. It was Emily, one of her closest friends. “Let her go. This is between you and me.”

The Phantom shook his head. “Oh, but it’s so much more fun this way.” He pressed a button on his wrist, and a series of explosions rocked the venue.

“Get down!” Ava screamed, diving for cover. Debris rained down, the chaos intensifying. She crawled to her earpiece. “Lucas, Elena, report!”

“We’re pinned down,” Lucas replied, his voice strained. “But we’re moving in.”

Elena added, “Hang tight, Ava. We’ll get through this.”

Ava’s mind raced. She needed a plan. She spotted a fire alarm on the wall and an idea sparked. “Team, I’m going to trigger the alarm. It’ll create a distraction.”

“Got it,” Lucas said. “On your signal.”

Ava took a deep breath, then sprinted towards the alarm. She yanked it, and the building erupted with noise. Sprinklers activated, dousing the area in water. Amidst the confusion, she saw Lucas and Elena closing in on the stage.

The Phantom’s operatives were disoriented, their movements sluggish in the downpour. Ava seized the opportunity, charging at the Phantom. She tackled him, the two of them rolling across the stage.

“You think you can stop me?” the Phantom hissed, struggling against her grip.

“I know I can,” Ava retorted, her eyes blazing with determination. She delivered a swift punch, knocking him back. “Lucas, now!”

Lucas and Elena moved in, securing the hostages and subduing the remaining operatives. Ava stood over the Phantom, her breath coming in heavy gasps. “It’s over.”

The Phantom chuckled, blood trickling from his lip. “Not quite.” He reached into his jacket, pulling out a remote. “One move, and they all die.”

Ava’s eyes widened. “Don’t do it.”

“Too late.” The Phantom pressed the button, but instead of an explosion, a holographic image appeared. It was a live feed of another location, teeming with civilians.

Ava’s heart sank. “What is this?”

“A little insurance policy,” the Phantom sneered. “If I don’t check in every hour, they die.”

Lucas approached, his face grim. “We need to find that location, fast.”

Elena scanned the image. “I recognize it. It’s the old train station downtown.”

Ava nodded. “Then we move. Now.”

As they prepared to leave, the Phantom’s voice cut through the noise. “You’ll never make it in time.”

Ava turned, her eyes filled with resolve. “Watch us.”

They raced against the clock, the weight of the mission pressing down on them. Ava’s thoughts were consumed by the innocent lives at stake. She couldn’t let them down. Not again.

When they reached the train station, it was eerily quiet. Ava signaled for silence, her team moving with practiced precision. “Stay alert. They’ll be expecting us.”

They entered the building, the air thick with tension. Ava’s pulse quickened as they navigated the dark corridors. Every shadow seemed to hide a threat.

“Over here,” Elena whispered, pointing to a group of civilians huddled together, guarded by armed operatives.

Ava’s jaw tightened. “On my signal, we take them out. Quick and clean.”

They moved into position, the operatives oblivious to their presence. Ava gave the signal, and chaos erupted. They took down the guards with swift efficiency, freeing the hostages.

“Is everyone okay?” Ava asked, her eyes scanning the crowd. Relief washed over her as they nodded, their fear slowly dissipating.

“Thank you,” one of them said, tears streaming down their face. “You saved us.”

Ava forced a smile. “Just doing our job.” But her mind was elsewhere, focused on the next move.

As they escorted the civilians out, Ava couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. She turned to Lucas. “We need to double-check the area. Make sure there are no more surprises.”

They split up, combing the station for any hidden threats. Ava’s heart pounded in her chest, the silence almost unbearable. She rounded a corner and froze.

There, standing in the shadows, was the Phantom. “Miss me?” he taunted, his mask glinting in the dim light.

Ava’s blood ran cold. “How did you—”

“No time for questions,” the Phantom interrupted. “You’re too late.”

Before Ava could react, an explosion rocked the station. She was thrown back, her vision blurring. Pain surged through her body as she struggled to stand.

Lucas and Elena rushed to her side. “Ava! Are you okay?” Lucas asked, his voice filled with concern.

“I’m fine,” Ava groaned, forcing herself up. “We need to stop him.”

But the Phantom was already gone, leaving only destruction in his wake. Ava’s heart ached with the weight of their failure. “We’ll get him next time,” she vowed, determination hardening her resolve.

Elena placed a hand on her shoulder. “We will. Together.”

As they surveyed the damage, Ava couldn’t help but feel the weight of her responsibility. The lives they saved today were a testament to their resolve, but the Phantom’s shadow loomed large.

“We need to regroup and come up with a new plan,” Lucas said. “He won’t stop until he’s caught.”

Ava nodded, her eyes steely. “Then we won’t stop either.”