Chapter 13: Fractured Alliances

Adrenaline still coursed through Ava’s veins as the FBI agents moved swiftly to secure the scene. She watched as Collins’s men were handcuffed and led away, their faces twisted with anger and fear. Despite the initial relief of the FBI’s arrival, Ava’s mind was filled with questions. The ambush had come too close; their plan had almost crumbled. She glanced at Lucas, who spoke urgently with Daniel and the lead FBI agent. His face was tight with tension, his hands clenched into fists. Ava could see the weight of the situation pressing down on him, and she felt a pang of empathy mixed with her lingering doubts. Lucas turned back to her, his eyes filled with concern. “Ava, are you okay?” Ava nodded, though her heart was still pounding. “I’m fine. Just… shaken. That was close, Lucas. Too close.” Lucas exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “I know. I didn’t expect Foster to betray us like that. I thought… I thought he wanted out.” Ava felt a surge of frustration. “We should have kn