Chapter 3

My memory snapped back to that storm on the Mississippi River three years ago.

Three hours before the operation, the witness sent the final intelligence.

"The drug lord 'Ghost Hand' is bringing heavy firepower this time, and he seems to know we have an operation tonight!"

The witness nervously rubbed his hands, his face drenched in sweat.

"He also said there's someone from your team on his side. Be careful!"

I looked towards the command vehicle not far away. Mark was gesturing at a map with several high-ranking officials.

Noticing my gaze, Mark walked over and clapped me on the chest,

"Adam, how are your preparations? Don't be nervous. This operation is foolproof; we've set up a dragnet."

He spoke with certainty, looking completely relaxed.

"Mark," I whispered,

"The situation has changed. The witness says Ghost Hand knows about our operation tonight. There's a traitor in our team!"

Mark's face changed, then quickly regained composure:

"Adam, don't get flustered. How can we trust a single witness? We need to trust command's judgment. There's no traitor!"

I looked at his complex expression, mistaking it for concern, and secretly made a vow.

If there really was a traitor, I would expose him and honor the brothers who were betrayed and sacrificed.

Three hours later, the operation began.

"All units, attention! Target has entered the designated waters. Prepare to close the net!"

Police speedboats swarmed from all directions, gunfire and flashes of light tearing through the Mississippi River night sky.

In the fierce battle, "Ghost Hand," the drug lord's leader, tried to escape on a speedboat.

I couldn't wait!

I looked at Mark, and switched on the voice recorder clipped to my uniform:

"Chloe, if I die, live for me, please forget me. I love you."

After saying that, I turned and charged towards the cockpit.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Mark standing at the bow of the command ship.

I thought he would provide cover for me.

Just then, Mark's clear voice came through the communicator.

"Command, Adam has betrayed us! He's stolen the contraband and is trying to escape with the drug lord via Channel B! He's attacking us!"

"Received. All units, attention. Target Adam. You are clear to fire!"

The reply from command made me fully understand.

Mark was lying.

He was deliberately framing me as a traitor.

"Boom—!"

The collision of the two boats triggered a violent explosion. The world collapsed before my eyes; flames and river water engulfed me.

In my last moments before being submerged, I finally understood.

This wasn't a sacrifice; this was a premeditated murder.