3 Knock! Knock!

While I lay there, I was formulating different scenarios; either escape or surrender. I did my research well before advancing on my approach with Vega, but this time I hit rock bottom. I did find out that this neighborhood had connecting tunnels accessed through the basement.

But now accessing the basement was the problem. According to the updated blueprints, they were filled up following reports of unstable topography in the area. Now the new owners knew nothing about the basements.

But thinking of it, what about her daughter? I came out of my stupor as I heard my name being called.

'Max'...

'I don't know you well, all I know is that you have a good heart.' She says.

'I don't know what you have done and I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I hope you'll understand and be cooperative as I will be getting the full custody of my child.' Vega says while pointing at the shower.

'Go and clean yourself, they will be here any minute now.'

'Again I am sorry.'

An okay was all that came out of my mouth. The sad truth about all of this is that I can pick out a liar in a crowd. I knew she was lying about something because her heartbeat increased every time we made eye contact.

Just as I remember what a wise man once said,

"The further backward you can look, the further forward you will see."

'Shit!'

I curse silently because at this time is when it hit me.

Thinking about it now is that she has an athletic body. Probably a regular at a certain fitness facility. I remember her walking style on some days, she looks like she undergoes vigorous training. But what for?!

I just got up and stretched out covering a yawn on the slide doors leading to the balcony. I checked the horizon for possible sniper hideouts and I found two. Because if I were the shooter, those would be my vantage points.

I stood there for some time before asking her.

'Why you?'

Vega with a smile answered after thinking for a while.

'I don't know.'

'How old is she.' I asked.

'Ten.' She replied looking straight into my eyes.

Man!.. She sent chills up my spine. I realized that she can be authoritative when she wants while keeping a straight face. I turned and walked to the shower.

I turned in an attempt to close the door after turning on the faucet, and it's when I saw her body walk to the closet to get a change of clothes.

I took this chance while she was out of sight and used the running water as a distraction. I quietly unscrewed the wall mirror to the side as the old blueprints referred to a hidden door behind it. It took me no time to open the door. I saw a pole leading down a dark passageway. I wrapped the towel around the pole and slide myself down the thirty-two-foot drop. Not before silently attaching the wall mirror and closing the door.

...

'Something's up, I can't see his heat signature anymore.' Leah said over the comms.

'Bravo team make entry, Bravo 6 find and slow him down he can't have just disappeared into thin air.