Chapter 3 - The Asset Retrieval
“We know you’re in there, Ava,” a distorted voice called through a bullhorn.
Red laser sights cut through the darkness, dancing across the cabin’s living room wall.
“Stand down and step outside with your hands visible.”
Ava pressed her back against the wall, gripping the heavy pistol. She had never fired a gun outside of a shooting range, but her hands were completely steady.
“How did they find me so fast?” she muttered.
She looked at the coin. The metallic surface was glowing with a faint, iridescent blue light. It was broadcasting a signal.
Crack!
A tear gas canister smashed through the front window, spewing blinding white smoke into the room.
Ava coughed, her eyes watering.
The front door splintered as tactical boots kicked it open. Three soldiers in dark armor flooded the room, assault rifles raised.
“Target acquired! Moving in!” one of them barked.
Ava didn't hesitate. She rolled across the floor, dodging a burst of gunfire that shredded the sofa behind her.
She raised the pistol and fired twice. She didn't even aim, but her body somehow calculated the trajectory perfectly. Both shots hit the lead soldier in the chest plate, knocking him down.
“She’s hostile!” the second soldier yelled.
He swung his rifle toward her. Ava lunged.
She crossed the ten-foot distance in a fraction of a second, grabbing the barrel of the rifle and twisting it upward. The metal of the gun bent under her grip.
The soldier stared at his ruined weapon in horror.
Ava struck him in the chest, sending him crashing through the wooden doorframe and out onto the porch.
May you like
A sharp, burning pain erupted in her shoulder. The third soldier had fired.
Ava stumbled backward, clutching her arm. She threw a smoke grenade she stripped from the downed guard and sprinted out the back door into the forest.
