Chapter 44 - The Dockside Ambush
Jack and Chris sit in the car, eyes fixed on the dock as shadows move between the shipping containers. The hum of engines and the clang of metal echoes through the night. Chris adjusts the camera lens, snapping photos as men unload crates marked with Horizon Holdings' logo.
"Got them," Chris mutters. "This is more than just a standard shipment. They're moving something big."
"Illegal goods," Jack says, his eyes narrowing. "If we can prove it, we can destroy Lisa's reputation and force her into a corner."
[Mission Update: Reclaim the Bakery. Progress: 80%]
---
Jack steps out of the car, motioning for Chris to stay behind. "Keep the camera rolling. If anything goes wrong, call Marcus."
"Be careful," Chris warns, eyes scanning the dock.
Jack slips into the shadows, moving closer to the containers. Two guards stand nearby, smoking and chatting. Jack crouches behind a stack of pallets, straining to hear.
"Boss says to get this stuff loaded up quick," one guard says. "The buyer's expecting delivery by morning."
"What's in the crates anyway?" the other asks, taking a drag of his cigarette.
"None of our business," the first guard mutters. "Just keep watch."
Jack grits his teeth. Whatever Lisa is moving, it's big. And if he can get his hands on the shipping manifest...
---
Meanwhile, Emily paces the empty bakery, wringing her hands. Mia sits on a stool nearby, tapping her foot anxiously.
"Why hasn't he called?" Emily asks, her voice tight. "What if something happened?"
"Jack can handle himself," Mia says, though her own worry is evident.
Emily sinks into a chair, burying her face in her hands. "I can't lose this place, Mia. It's all I have left."
Mia gets up, placing a comforting hand on Emily's shoulder. "Jack promised to protect you. And he always keeps his promises."
---
Back at the dock, Jack inches closer to a stack of crates. One of the guards walks away to take a phone call, leaving the other distracted. Jack seizes the moment, slipping around the corner and prying open one of the crates.
Inside are stacks of electronics – phones, tablets, and other high-end gadgets. Jack snaps a quick photo, then closes the crate.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?"
Jack freezes, heart pounding. The guard stands behind him, a flashlight beam glaring in his face.
"Just lost," Jack says, forcing a grin.
"Lost my ass," the guard snarls, grabbing Jack by the collar. "You're coming with me."
[Mission Update: Reclaim the Bakery. Progress: 90%]
---
Jack is dragged into a nearby warehouse, where Derek is waiting. Derek's smug grin widens as he steps forward, clapping his hands slowly.
"Well, well. What do we have here?"
"You're making a mistake, Derek," Jack says, keeping his voice steady. "Whatever Lisa's paying you, it won't be enough when this all comes crashing down."
"Oh, it's already crashing down," Derek sneers, leaning in close. "Right on top of you."
[Mission Update: Reclaim the Bakery. Progress: 100%]
Jack clenches his fists, eyes blazing. If Derek thinks he's going to walk away unscathed, he's got another thing coming.