21:07 - Thomas' Apartment
Inside his apartment, Thomas opened the brown envelope handed to him earlier. Inside were documents and a flash drive. With slightly trembling hands, he grabbed his laptop, plugged in the flash drive, and opened the files stored within.
An audio recording began to play:
"We've gone too far, Lex. We should call this off before we endanger everyone."
"What do you mean, Merlin? Are you afraid this will be exposed? Listen... more than half of the police force is involved. What are you so scared of?"
"The chief of police is starting to suspect something, Lex. I've received intel that he's forming a special team to investigate this."
Thomas' heart pounded. His breath grew heavy as he realized he was entangled in something far bigger than he had imagined. He opened a video file from the flash drive. The CCTV footage showed a drug transaction involving several corrupt police officers. His fists clenched. His breath hitched. For a moment, he hesitated, but he knew he had to act.
Thomas turned to the documents inside the envelope. Names and ranks, financial transaction records, and extensive details of the operation were meticulously organized. This was enough to destroy countless careers, maybe even topple the system.
His phone suddenly rang. Maya.
"Hey, Thom. What time are you coming?"
Thomas exhaled, trying to steady his thoughts. "Oh, sorry, Maya. I forgot. I'll be there soon."
"Alright, Thom. I'll be waiting. Bye..."
As the call ended, Thomas looked back at the documents. He took a deep breath and murmured, "Maya needs to know about this." Quickly, he stuffed some files into his bag and left his apartment, driving straight to Maya's place.
On the way, his mind raced. What should he do? Where should he take these files? The police? No, that was too risky. If nearly half of them were involved, who could he trust?
When he arrived at Maya's apartment, he knocked. No response.
He tried the doorknob. Unlocked.
A bad feeling crept over him. He cautiously pushed the door open and stepped inside the darkened apartment. As he reached the main room, his breath caught in his throat.
Maya was tied to a chair.
"Maya?!" Thomas rushed forward, but-
THUD!!!
A brutal blow struck the back of his head. His vision blurred as he collapsed. Footsteps approached, and a rough hand grabbed his collar.
SMACK!!!
The handle of a gun slammed against his temple. Pain exploded through his skull. Thomas blinked, trying to focus. The figure gripping him yanked him into a chair and forced him down.
"Where are the documents?" a cold voice demanded. It was Alex.
Thomas struggled to breathe. "What are you talking about? Who are you?"
A hand yanked his hair back violently. "Where did you hide the files?!"
Thomas groaned in pain. His eyes darted toward Maya, still tied up.
"Let her go, and I'll tell you where the files are."
THUD!
Another vicious punch sent him sprawling to the floor. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. He lifted his head slowly, glaring at Alex.
"I said, release her, and I'll give you the files."
One of them, Merlin, approached Maya, gripping her hair and pressing a blade to her face. Maya screamed.
"Thomas! Help me, Thom!"
"Hey, you bastard! Look at me! Don't involve her! I'll give you the files!" Thomas pointed to his bag on the sofa. "They're in the bag!"
One of them grabbed the bag and pulled out a few documents.
"This is all?!"
THUD!
Another punch landed on Thomas' face.
"Where's the rest?!"
Breathing heavily, Thomas replied, "Let her go first, then I'll give you the rest."
Alex stepped closer, hatred burning in his eyes. "Negotiation is pointless."
Merlin turned to his partner. "What are you doing?! We haven't gotten all the files yet."
"We will. Trust me."
"Hey, wait!" Thomas raised his hands, but before he could finish his sentence-
A syringe pierced his neck.
A burning sensation spread through his body instantly. His vision blurred. He saw a shadowy figure raising a gun, aiming it at Maya's head.
"Tell us where the rest of the files are!!"
His consciousness faded. All sounds became distant echoes. His thoughts drifted into darkness.