Chapter 18: The Countdown Begins

The old radio station felt like a fortress on the brink of siege. The air inside was thick with anticipation and fear as Ava, Lucas, Sara, Daniel, and Jess reviewed the final details of their plan. They had made their move, given Jess the evidence to take Collins down, but now they were in the waiting game—the most dangerous part of all. Ava’s heart raced as she watched Jess finalize the story, typing quickly on her laptop. Jess’s fingers moved like lightning across the keys, her face set in a mask of determination. Ava could feel the tension building in the room, like a tightly wound spring ready to snap. “How long will it take to go live?” Lucas asked, his voice steady but urgent. Jess glanced up from her screen, her expression focused. “Not long. I’m sending the files to my editor now. Once he gives the green light, we’ll break the story on our website and social media channels. Collins won’t be able to stop it.” Sara nodded. “Good. The sooner, the better. We need this story to