THE HEIRESS VOW - Chapter 88

Chapter 88: Race Against Time
The air in the command room crackled with urgency. Ava stood at the center, eyes darting between the digital maps and the faces of her team.

“We’ve got the location and time,” she announced, her voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins. “The assassination is set to happen at midnight, at the East Sector Gala.”

Liam, leaning over a console, scanned the intel. “We need a solid plan. This isn’t just about stopping the Phantom; we have to protect the target without tipping our hand.”

Ava nodded. “Agreed. Suggestions?”

An unfamiliar voice cut through the tension. “You’ll need a perimeter sweep and decoy tactics.”

All eyes turned to the doorway where a tall, sharp-eyed man stood. He exuded an air of confidence and authority.

“I’m Ian Carter, security expert,” he introduced himself, stepping forward. “I’ve dealt with threats like this before. Your best bet is to use a layered defense.”

Ava’s gaze lingered on him for a moment, measuring his worth. “Alright, Carter. You’re in. We need to secure the venue and set traps for any potential ambushes.”

As the team huddled around the table, Carter began outlining his strategy. “First, we need to sweep for any surveillance devices. Then, position our own to monitor key points. We’ll place decoys at vulnerable spots to draw their attention away from the real target.”

The room buzzed with activity as each member took on their assignments. Ava felt a familiar knot of fear tightening in her chest. The Phantom’s reach was insidious, and this insider knowledge about their plans meant there was a mole among them.

The night was unnaturally quiet as the team moved into position around the East Sector Gala. Security was tight, but the tension was palpable. Ava could feel the weight of the impending threat pressing down on her shoulders.

“Everything in place?” she whispered into her earpiece.

“All clear on the west side,” Liam replied.

“East side secure,” Carter confirmed.

Ava’s heart pounded as she watched the clock. Midnight was approaching fast. She couldn’t shake the nagging worry that something was off. The Phantom was always one step ahead.

Just then, a soft chime in her earpiece. “Ava, we’ve got movement in the south wing,” Liam’s voice crackled. “It’s subtle, but something’s there.”

Ava tensed. “Carter, can you verify?”

Carter checked his monitor, frowning. “It’s faint, but there’s definitely something. Let’s check it out.”

They moved quickly and silently, converging on the south wing. Ava’s instincts screamed danger. She signaled for the team to spread out and approach cautiously.

As they neared, a shadow darted across the hallway. Ava’s breath caught in her throat. They rounded the corner just in time to see a figure disappearing into a side room.

“Go!” Ava ordered, and they surged forward, weapons drawn.

Inside, the room was dark and empty, but the air felt charged. Ava scanned the shadows, every sense on high alert.

Then she saw it—a small device attached to the ceiling, blinking ominously.

“Trap!” she shouted. “Everyone out, now!”

They bolted for the door, but it was too late. The device exploded, sending a shockwave that knocked them off their feet. Dazed, Ava struggled to her feet, ears ringing.

“Everyone okay?” she called out, her voice strained.

“Yeah,” Liam groaned, helping Carter up. “But they knew we’d be here. This was a diversion.”

Ava cursed under her breath. “We’ve been played. The real target’s in danger.”

They raced back to the main event hall, but as they burst through the doors, chaos greeted them. Guests were screaming, and security was in disarray.

In the midst of the turmoil, Ava spotted the Phantom’s operatives, moving with deadly precision. Her heart sank as she saw their target, the governor, being dragged away.

“No!” Ava yelled, pushing through the crowd. “Stop them!”

Liam and Carter were right behind her, but the operatives were swift and ruthless. A fight broke out, punches and gunshots echoing in the grand hall.

Ava fought with everything she had, but the Phantom’s men were skilled and prepared. She saw Liam grappling with two attackers, his face grim. Carter was holding his own, but the odds were against them.

Just as Ava reached the governor, a figure stepped in her path. Tall, cloaked in black, and wearing a mask—the Phantom himself.

“Ava,” the Phantom’s voice was smooth, mocking. “Did you really think you could stop me?”

Ava’s eyes blazed with fury. “I won’t let you take him.”

The Phantom chuckled. “You’re too late. This was always about more than just the governor.”

Before Ava could react, the Phantom threw a smoke bomb, filling the room with thick, choking clouds. When it cleared, the Phantom and the governor were gone.

Ava sank to her knees, gasping for breath. The weight of failure crushed her. She had been so close, yet the Phantom had slipped through her fingers once again.

Back at the command center, the mood was somber. Ava stared at the map, replaying the events in her mind.

“We need to regroup,” Carter said quietly. “The Phantom won this round, but we’ll get another chance.”

Ava nodded, but the doubt gnawed at her. “How did they know? There’s a mole, and until we find them, we’re always at a disadvantage.”

Liam placed a hand on her shoulder. “We’ll find the mole, Ava. And we’ll rescue the governor.”

Ava took a deep breath, steeling herself. “You’re right. We can’t give up. This isn’t over.”

Just then, one of the monitors beeped. “We have a new lead,” one of the analysts reported. “The Phantom left a message. He wants Ava to meet him alone.”

Ava’s blood ran cold. “It’s a trap.”

“Maybe,” Carter agreed. “But it’s also an opportunity. We can use this to our advantage.”

Ava looked at her team, determination hardening her features. “Prepare for a rescue mission. We’re going to bring the governor back, and this time, we won’t fail.”

The team sprang into action, the room buzzing with renewed energy. As they prepared, Ava couldn’t shake the feeling that this was the Phantom’s plan all along—to draw her out, to test her resolve.

But she wouldn’t back down. The stakes were too high, and too much was at risk. She had to face the Phantom, not just for the governor, but for everything she believed in.

The night was dark and foreboding as Ava approached the rendezvous point, a deserted warehouse on the outskirts of the city. She moved cautiously, every sense alert for danger.

Suddenly, a voice echoed through the empty space. “Welcome, Ava.”

The Phantom stepped out of the shadows, a mocking smile on his face. “I knew you’d come.”

Ava stood her ground, eyes blazing with determination. “Where’s the governor?”

The Phantom laughed. “Safe, for now. But that depends on you.”

“What do you want?” Ava demanded.

“Your cooperation,” the Phantom replied smoothly. “You’re going to help me, or he dies.”

Ava’s heart pounded, but she forced herself to stay calm. “Why should I believe you?”

The Phantom’s smile widened. “Because you have no choice.”

Ava’s mind raced, weighing her options. She had to buy time, to find a way to outsmart him. “Alright,” she said finally. “I’ll help you. But if you harm him, I swear—”

The Phantom held up a hand. “Save your threats, Ava. You’ll have your chance to prove yourself soon enough.”

As he spoke, Ava’s earpiece crackled with a faint signal. Liam’s voice came through, barely audible. “We’re in position. Ready to move on your signal.”

Ava’s heart lifted. They had a chance. She just had to keep the Phantom talking a little longer.

“What’s your endgame?” she asked, trying to keep him engaged. “Why go through all this trouble?”

The Phantom’s eyes gleamed. “To change the world, Ava. To tear down the old and build something new. And you’re going to help me do it.”

Ava’s mind whirled. She needed more time. “You’re delusional,” she said, stalling. “You can’t change the world with terror and violence.”

“Watch me,” the Phantom replied coldly.

Just then, a flash of movement behind the Phantom caught Ava’s eye. Liam and Carter, moving in silently. Ava tensed, ready to act.

But the Phantom was faster. In one swift motion, he grabbed Ava, pulling her close. “Nice try,” he whispered in her ear. “But you’ll have to do better than that.”

A shot rang out, and Ava felt the Phantom’s grip loosen. She broke free, spinning around to see Liam and Carter rushing forward. The Phantom staggered, clutching his side, but managed to disappear into the shadows once more.

“Ava, are you alright?” Liam asked, breathless.

“I’m fine,” Ava replied, her voice shaking with adrenaline. “But the governor—”

“Already secured,” Carter said, pointing to a side room where the governor was being freed by their team.

Relief flooded Ava, but it was tempered by the knowledge that the Phantom had escaped again. This battle was over, but the war was far from won.