CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY SEVEN – THE MISSING AGENT

As they approached the looming structure, its imposing silhouette cast in stark relief against the night sky, Jasmine couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. The factory was shrouded in an eerie silence, its empty windows like soulless eyes staring back at them. "This place looks deserted," she murmured, her gaze sweeping over the crumbling facade. Gordon shook his head grimly. "Looks can be deceiving. Stay sharp – if Sebastian's here, you can bet there'll be eyes on this place." They skirted the perimeter, keeping to the shadows as they searched for a point of entry. Suddenly, Gordon motioned for her to halt, his finger pressed to his lips in a silent warning. Footsteps, heavy and measured, echoed from around the corner, accompanied by the faint murmur of voices. "Guards," Gordon mouthed, his expression taut with concentration. Jasmine's heart thundered in her chest as the patrol drew nearer, the sound of their approach growing louder with each agonizing second. She held