Volume Two
Chapter Sixteen: Ghost Protocol
16.3
INT. SERVICE CORRIDOR – CONTINUOUS
The two men in maintenance uniforms pause, glancing around suspiciously. Gibbs steps out from the shadows, gun drawn but steady.
Gibbs (calm, authoritative):
"Step aside. You're not on the clock."
The men exchange a quick glance, then reach for concealed weapons. A swift, silent fight ensues—Gibbs and team move with practiced precision. Within seconds, the threat is neutralized.
Happy (checking the men):
"No IDs. Professional hit squad."
Olivia (grim):
"They're closer than we thought."
Gibbs nods, eyes scanning the corridor.
Gibbs:
"Keep moving. We find Judge Vasquez before they do."
INT. FEDERAL JUDGE'S CHAMBERS – MOMENTS LATER
The door creaks open. Judge Vasquez, mid-50s, looks up from his paperwork, startled.
Judge Vasquez:
"Who—?"
Olivia (stepping forward):
"We don't have time. You're in danger. Project Ghost is targeting you."
The judge's face tightens, disbelief turning to resolve.
Judge Vasquez:
"Then let's make sure they don't get the chance."
INT. SAFEHOUSE – SAME TIME
Walter, Paige, and Samara monitor courthouse security feeds on a laptop.
Walter:
"Incoming. Multiple armed units approaching the building's east side."
Paige:
"They've found us."
Samara:
"Time to move. We can't get pinned down here."
EXT. FEDERAL COURTHOUSE – EAST SIDE – CONTINUOUS
Armed men in tactical gear fan out, breaching the perimeter. The coalition's backup team races to intercept.
TO BE CONTINUED...