CHAPTER SIX HUNDRED AND TWENTY – CUT TO THE CHASE

For a long moment, the only sound in the factory was the ragged breathing of the hostage and the distant hum of the city outside. Then, slowly, Anthony lowered his gun. "How do we do this?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. Jasmine let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. "First, you let him go," she said, nodding towards the hostage. "Then we talk details." As Anthony cut the bonds of Marco's lieutenant, Jasmine exchanged a meaningful look with Marco. They both knew that this solution was far from perfect, that it carried enormous risks. But it was the best chance they had to end this conflict without further bloodshed. In the days that followed, Jasmine and Marco worked tirelessly to make good on their promise. They leveraged every connection, called in every favor to create a new identity for Anthony and arrange for his discreet transportation out of the country. On the night of his departure, Jasmine met Anthony one last time. They stood on a deserted