âEverettâs team is conducting thorough searches on everyone outside.
The scene with Caspianâs body was gruesomeâ¦â
She grimaced, the memory nearly making her gag.
Nathan had swiftly concealed the note upon hearing her approach.
He rose and walked over to her, caressing her face softly before taking her hand and leading her out of the cabin.
He inhaled deeply and then asked a nearby officer, âWhere are Larry and Lonnie? Havenât they returned yet? Tell them I need to see them immediately.
â
The area outside was chaotic, with unconscious and injured individuals scattered about, and those requiring immediate attention had already been searched by Everettâs team.
Spotting Nathan, Everett approached with a grave expression, eager to demonstrate his diligence.
âMr.
Payne, my team and I have done everything we can.
Caspianâs men were very shrewd; we found nothing of substance on them.
I doubt weâll uncover more even if we raid their hideout.
Once Caspian was dead, his followers scattered.
â
Lonnie then approached with his report.
âMr.
Payne, weâve accounted for all the ambushers in the mountainsâ130 in total.
Theyâve been detained and taken to the Bureau.
Additionally, we captured five elite assassins; they were seriously wounded while trying to flee but are stable now.
What are our next steps?â
Nathan nodded in approval.
âWell done.
Keep up the efforts.
Continue the investigation and focus on tracking down the fugitives on our list.
Whereâs Larry?â
âLarry led his men to clear mines in the mountains, but curiously, they found no mines at all.
Instead, they unearthed some ancient, worthless bombs,â Lonnie said.
Lucinda felt a wave of relief.
âIt seems they were bluffing.
When I first heard about the mines, I truly feared they wanted all of us to dieâ¦â
As she talked, tears welled up in her eyes.
The memory of the event still filled her with dread.
Nathan empathized with her concern for the safety of himself and his team.
He gently patted the back of her hand and reassured her, âItâs okay.
I trust my menâs skills.
For us, that situation was manageable.
â
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Suddenly, they heard footsteps.
Looking up together, they saw Fletcher approaching.
âMr.
Payne, the vehicles are ready.
When would you like to leave?â
Lucinda was eager to return as soon as possible.
She had been away for several days, and Colby had been in the hospital.
Although she knew Kyson was with Colby, she couldnât shake off her unease without seeing Colby herself.
Throughout her stay in the basement of the villa, she found solace in the thoughts of Colby, Destinee, and Nathan.
She was certain that Colby and Destinee were missing her deeply as well.
Catching a glimpse of her expression, Nathan immediately realized she was longing for the children.
He decisively said, âLetâs count everyone up, and weâll leave immediately.
â
Then he exited the area with his arm around Lucindaâs shoulders.
Four identical cars surrounded theirs, moving cautiously along the mountain road as they drove from the forested outskirts to the city center.
The journey from the suburban forest to the urban area was rough and lengthy.
Gazing out at the unchanging landscape of terraced fields, Lucinda felt drowsiness creeping over her and yawned involuntarily.