Cartel Targets Innocent Black Man In Prison, Not Knowing He Is A Legendary Navy Seal

inside Greystone prison innocence didn't mean anything the walls didn't care if a man had been framed the guards didn't ask questions the only law that mattered was survival and that belonged to the ones willing to kill for it they all knew he wouldn't last a lone man no crew no allies walking through a prison run by the very cartel that had put him here a prison sentence wasn't enough someone powerful wanted him buried before the truth could surface so they sent their enforcers one by one to finish what they had started at first they expected

him to go down easy like any other Outsider Marked for Death but Greystone prison had a way of revealing what a man was made of they didn't know the battles he had fought before this they didn't know that every attack every Ambush every blade in the dark only made him more dangerous he wasn't just another victim waiting for his fate he was a storm rolling in slow and inevitable before we go any further comment where in the world you are watching from and make sure to subscribe Tyrone Boon had stopped counting the days time inside

the prison wasn't measured in hours weeks or months it was measured in fights it was measured in the number of times he had to break someone's nose crush a windpipe or drive a shank into the gut of a man who came at him in the dark it was measured in attempts on his life in the careful deliberate steps he took to ensure he wasn't caught off guard in the way way he slept with his back to the wall and one eye open and it was measured in how much longer the cartel was willing to wait

before they sent someone who could actually kill him the latest attempt had been in the yard a broad-shouldered thug with a jagged blade and dead eyes lunging at him from behind a group of weightlifters Boon had moved before his mind even processed the attack his body acting on reflex grabbing the man's wrist and twisting until the blade clattered to the concrete a quick brutal knee to the stomach sent the attacker stumbling gasping for air Boon didn't hesitate he grabbed the man's head slammed It Forward onto his knee and felt the cartilage of his nose give

way with a wet crunch the man crumpled to the ground motionless bleeding and humiliated Boon straightened scanning the yard the cartel enforcers were watching they weren't even subtle about it anymore they leaned against fences sat on benches waiting for their turn waiting for an opportunity Boon had already taken down five men in a month they were getting Bolder and so was he a sharp whistle cut through the air and the guards moved in not to break up the fight but to see if Boon had finally lost they weren't here to protect him if anything they

were disappointed to see him still standing one guard sneered you got a lot of people real mad at you Boon Boon did didn't answer he wiped the blood from his knuckles and turned away his body coiled like a spring his mind already planning his next move he couldn't keep fighting alone if he wanted to make it out of here alive he had to stop playing defense it was time to start his own War the walls of Greystone Maximum Security Prison weren't just meant to keep people in They Were Meant to Break men down to strip

them of everything they had been and grind them into dust the air was thick with sweat rot and Desperation the kind of place where even the strong had to sleep with one eye open Tyrone Boon sat on a cold bench in the yard his elbows resting on his knees his breathing steady despite the dull ache in his ribs from the last fight he had learned to ignore pain a long time ago it was just another part of the routine now he didn't belong here most men in this place had spent their whole lives in the

system either trapped in it or running from it but Boon Boon had spent his life fighting for his country for the men at his side for the people who couldn't fight for themselves he had done things most would never understand some things he wasn't proud of but never for the wrong reasons and yet here he was a good man in a place that didn't care his life before all this had been one of discipline service and sacrifice a Navy SEAL for 15 years then a private military contractor taking jobs the government couldn't officially sanction he

had worked Security in war zones extracted hostages taken down dangerous men who would never see the inside of a courtroom he had never been a saint but he had never been a criminal either and yet he was now a convicted murderer sentenced to Die the setup had been perfect it had started with a simple job a security contract in Mexico protecting a corporate executive with cartel enemies Boon had done dozens of assignments like it before it had gone off without a hitch no complications no violence and then the moment he stepped off the plane back

home the feds had been waiting they had the evidence his fingerprints on bullet casings a money Trail connecting his accounts to cartel payments a witness swearing he had executed an informant Boon had laughed the first time he heard the charges it was so absurd that he had thought for just a second that it was all some kind of mistake but it wasn't the cartel had planned this for years Rodrigo Castillo Boon had crippled his operation in a classified Mission years ago disrupting his smuggling Roots taking out his enforcers but Castillo had survived he had rebuilt

and when Boon had taken a new job in his territory Castillo had seen his opportunity he hadn't just wanted Boon dead he had wanted him erased the trial had been a farce Boon had watched the jury saw the way they looked at him not as a man but as a weapon a soldier with too many bodies to his name his lawyer had fought hard but the case was too airtight too orchestrated the verdict had been guilty the sentence death Boon had been angry at first then he had been numb and now now he was just

focused on staying alive because Castillo wasn't willing to wait for the state to execute him the cartel ran this prison they had men inside inmates and guards alike all on Castillo's payroll Boon wasn't supposed to last a week here the attacks had started the first night a man with a sharpened toothbrush had lunged at him in his cell and Boon had left him in a heap on the floor his arm bent in three places the next attempt had been in the showers three men with makeshift blades two left unconscious one with a broken jaw and

it hadn't stopped since the reason was simple if Boon survived long enough the truth might come out his lawyer had already started digging there were inconsistencies in the witness testimony questions about the evidence chain and then there was the leak an anonymous source suggesting that Boon had been framed that was the cartel's real fear that someone would prove Boon was innocent before they could kill him so now they were escalating every day Boon saw new men watching him from across the yard they weren't even subtle about it anymore The Whispers The exchanged glances the coiled

anticipation of another attempt he had already taken down five men in a month but the cartel wasn't backing off he exhaled slowly scanning the yard watching the ones who were watching him the ones plotting he had been fighting alone since he got here that had to change if they wanted him dead so badly he was going to make them fight for it and he wasn't just going to survive he was going to win the walls of greystone's visitation room were stained with years of cigarette smoke and bad decisions the kind of place where time Str

Ed unbearably long and hope felt like a foreign concept A thick sheet of bulletproof glass separated the prisoners from their visitors each conversation reduced to murmurs beneath the steady hum of failing fluorescent lights the guards stood nearby pretending not to listen though Boon knew better they always listened he had been dragged from the yard an hour ago escorted Down The Long soulless corridors of Greystone past rows of cells where men either plotted murder or waited to Die the transition from the chaos of prison life to the suffocating Silence of the visitation room always felt jarring

here in this small dimly lit space the war raging inside the prison walls seemed distant but Boon knew better than to believe in Illusions he sat on the metal stool rolling his shoulders to loosen the tension that never really left his ribs still achd from the last fight but pain was something he had long ago learned to live with on the other side of the glass sat zanen Porter his lawyer looking far too polished for a man who spent most of his time elbow deep in the dirt of the justice system Porter leaned forward his

suit crisp his sharp green eyes scanning Boon the way a man sizes up a bad hand in poker you look rough he said Boon smirked resting his forearms on the metal Edge beneath the glass you should see the other guys Porter exhaled through his nose his fingers drumming against the folder in front of him Boon recognized the movement it meant bad news was coming tell me boon said his voice even what did you find Porter hesitated that wasn't like him Boon had met plenty of lawyers in his life but Porter wasn't the type to waste

time he was aggressive sharp a man who fought like a rabid dog when he smelled blood that had hesitation wasn't a good sign Porter leaned in it's getting worse he said Voice Low the cartel isn't just trying to keep you locked up they're tightening their grip on the case the lead witness dead car accident convenient timing Boon's jaw tightened and the evidence Porter shook his head still buried I'm working on it but every time I push someone pushes back harder this thing is locked down tight I don't have proof yet but I'd bet everything I

own that there are highlevel people making sure you never walk free Boon already knew that he had known from the moment they stuck him in Greystone the worst prison in the country the one controlled by the very people who wanted him dead still hearing it out loud put a weight in his chest that's the outside Boon said what about the appeals Porter frowned they stalling dragging their feet waiting for you to disappear they know the longer you stay in here the higher the chance you end up another statistic another statistic another inmate who didn't make

it to trial Boon ran his tongue over his teeth considering so what you're saying is I don't have time Porter nodded not much Boon leaned back slightly rolling his shoulders again forcing himself to stay loose stay in control he could feel the weight of Porter's stare waiting for some kind of reaction maybe anger or frustration but Boon didn't deal in wasted emotions he dealt in Solutions things are moving in here too Boon said finally they're getting Bolder the last guy came at me in the showers three onone boxed me in cartels running out of patience

Porter's fingers curled into fists against the table how bad Boon smirked but there was no humor in it I'm still here aren't I the lawyer's face was a mask of frustration Boon you can't keep fighting them off forever I don't plan to Porter narrowed his eyes what do you mean Boon exhaled slowly tilting his head as he watched a guard Step Closer pretending to check his watch they were always listening didn't matter Boon had nothing to hide I mean it's time I sto playing defense Porter didn't Flinch but Boon knew him well enough to see

the flicker of understanding behind his eyes you have a plan Porter said flatly yeah Boon said voice calm I do Porter hesitated he wasn't a man who scared easily but he wasn't Reckless either Boon listen to me if you make too many moves in here it could backfire they could isolate you put you in the hole cut you off from me completely Boon knew that was a risk but he also knew what wasn't an option sitting back and waiting to die there coming for me no matter what Boon said voice low but steady I might

as well make them bleed for it Porter sighed rubbing a hand down his face you're a stubborn man you know that Boon smirk returned that's why you like me Porter didn't answer right away when he finally spoke his voice was quieter more serious I'll keep pushing on the outside but Boon you need to make it to that appeal No Reckless moves Boon met his gaze Reckless get men killed I don't do reckless Porter studied him for another long moment then nodded standing I'll be back in a week try not to get shanked before then Boon

watched him go his lawyer words still ringing in his ears try not to get shanked yeah he'd work on that when the guards finally yanked him from his seat and led him back through the long corridors he could already feel the shift in the air the yard would be different now the men watching him would be more desperate more willing to take a chance he had just made it clear he wasn't backing down the war was already starting the walk back from visitation was always the same long tense and filled with the kind of Silence

that meant something was coming the guards LED Boon through a maze of dimly lit corridors past rows of steelb cells where men lurked in the shadows watching Whispering the air was thick with sweat the stench of unwashed bodies and something else the slow rot of men who had been here too long who had lost whatever piece of themselves had once belonged to the outside world Boon wasn't one of them not yet the minute they entered dblock Boon could feel the weight of every pair of eyes settle on him the hierarchy inside Greystone was built on

blood who controlled what who lived who got fed who got protection and who was disposable the cartel ran everything and Boon was their biggest problem at the top was Hector Rivas the man who had ordered Boon dead the moment he stepped into graestone Rivas had been a cartel enforcer before he got locked up but prison hadn't weakened him it had given him a throne he was short wiry and covered in tattoos with a face that never smiled a man who had killed his way to power and wasn't about to let Boon disrupt his Empire Boon

had already taken out five of his men in the last month and he knew Rivas wouldn't let that stand much longer then there were the soldiers the ones who did the Dirty Work The Killers the enforcers the men who controlled the drugs the weapons and the flow of money inside these walls they walked the yard like they owned it because in a way they did their loyalty was to Rivas but their orders came from the outside from Castillo Boon wasn't fighting just one man in here he was fighting an entire system designed to kill him

and then there were the guards half of them were bought paid off turning a blind eye to whatever the cartel needed the others they just didn't care they saw men like Boon as animals locked in a cage waiting to tear each other apart the warden had made it clear from day one there would be no favors no protection no concern for Boon's survival if he lived he he lived if he died paperwork would be filed and the world would move on but Boon wasn't entirely alone there were men who hated the cartel just as much

as he did Dante Alvarez was one of them a former gang leader from the streets of Los Angeles Dante had run with his own crew before the cartel had crushed them forcing his people into servitude or the grave Dante had refused to bend and now he was trapped in Grace Stone surrounded by enemies on all sides Boon had seen the way Dante watched him the way he measured every move Boon made waiting to see if he was just another man trying to survive or something else entirely they had never spoken more than a few words

to each other but Boon could feel it Dante was waiting for something a reason a spark there were others too smiley was an Oldtimer a man who had been in great Greystone so long he had stopped counting the years he was a lifer no alliances no debts just a man who had seen it all and didn't care anymore but he knew things he watched everything heard everything and Boon knew information was sometimes more valuable than muscle and then there were the new Bloods men who had no loyalty yet who were looking for something to hold

on to Boon could see it in their eyes they hated the cartel but they were afraid that fear wouldn't last forever Boon had seen it before the Moment Men realized they had nothing left to lose they became dangerous he just had to light the match the daily routine inside Greystone was designed to break men Wake Up Before Dawn to the sound of cell doors clanking open the stench of sweat and filth pressing in from all sides line up for breakfast a gray flavorless pile of slop dumped onto a plastic tray then came the yard 30

minutes of so-called Freedom where every step had to be measured every glance calculated because a wrong move could mean a blade in the ribs then work duty cleaning kitchen shifts maintenance anything to keep the prisoners busy to keep them from thinking too much then back to the cells then dinner then lights out and then the real violence began nighttime was when men disappeared when debts were collected when men who had outlived their usefulness were found hanging in their cells when the weak were taken when the strong became targets Boon had survived a month of this

one month of constant attacks one month of fighting off Killers avoiding poisoned food dodging ambushes in the showers watching Men bleed out on the concrete floor because they had crossed the wrong people and he wasn't just going to survive the next month he was going to take this place apart Brick by Brick Boon sat on the edge of his cot back against the cold cement wall listening to the sounds of the prison settling into its nightly Rhythm the distant echo of fists pounding against steel muffled curses the occasional scream that no one ever answered tomorrow

it would start tomorrow Boon would stop playing defense and Greystone would never be the same again morning in Greystone came like a hammer to the skull loud merciless and full of bad intentions the sharp clang of metal doors crashing open echoed through the cell block followed by the guards barking orders the air was stale thick with the kind of tension that never really left and Boon could already feel the weight of what was coming he rolled his shoulders pushing himself off the cot moving with the deliberate pace of a man who knew every step had

to be calculated measured controlled he was still breathing Still Standing but that wouldn't last much longer if he kept waiting for the cartel to make their next move it was time to make his own the guards herded the inmates out for breakfast forcing them into a slow moving line toward the mess hall Boon stayed near the Back Eyes sweeping the room cataloging the faces the movement the subtle shifts in body language that always preceded violence the cartel soldiers were watching him same as always but today there was something different they weren't just watching they were

waiting Boon had spent his life reading situations like this this wasn't just another test another warning this was a setup he had two options wait for it to hit him or hit first he grabbed his tray of inedible slop and moved toward the far end of the mess hall where the unaligned inmates sat men who didn't have protection who lived on the edges of power staying silent and unnoticed Boon didn't have time for subtlety anymore he needed to move now and that meant Dante Alvarez Dante sat alone leaning back against the cold brick wall arms

crossed unreadable expression on his face he was a man who had built his own power without bending the knee and that had put him on on the cartel's list a long time ago Boon dropped his tray across from him and sat down Dante didn't look up at first he let the silence stretch his fingers tapping rhythmically against the table his dark eyes finally flicking up to meet Boon this going to be a problem Dante asked his voice low unreadable depends Boon said you like breathing Dante smirked shaking his head you got a Death Wish man

Boon leaned in slightly voice calm even I've been here a month the cartel wants me dead and I've taken out five of their guys that means one of two things either they're incompetent or they're getting ready to send someone who isn't Dante didn't deny it he just watched calculated problem is Boon continued when that happens they're not just going to stop with me you think they want men like you walking around when I'm gone men who don't kneel they'll gut this whole block to make a point Dante's smirk faded Boon let the words sink in

before he continued so here's the deal you want to keep playing Lone Wolf be my guest but we both know that gets you a shiv in the rib sooner or later or we do something about it Dante exhaled slowly then leaned forward lowering his voice and what exactly do you think we're going to do Boon glanced around the room lowering his voice to match we start cutting the head off the snake one by one Dante's jaw tightened his fingers curling against the table Boon let the moment stretch before he continued I don't need you to

like me I don't need trust I just need you to be smart enough to see what's coming Dante studied him for a long moment then finally nodded not agreement but understanding you're crazy Dante muttered probably Boon admitted but I'm still alive Dante let out a slow breath shaking his head so what's the plan tough guy Boon's eyes flicked to The Far Side of the mess hall where Rivas sat surrounded by his enforcers eating like he didn't have a worry in the world the first step Boon said voice quiet we take away their power Dante frowned

and how do you plan to do that Boon's smirk was cold we cut off their supply lines their smuggling Roots the drugs the money the bribes everything that keeps them on top Dante gave a dry chuckle yeah sure let's just do that should be easy Boon didn't blink you know how they move product in here you know who the weak links are all we need is one Dante's smirk faded he stared at Boon for a long moment then finally exhaled shaking his head you're out of your mind he muttered again Boon took a slow bite

of his food smirking so is that a yes Dante sighed rubbing his temples I'm going to regret this probably Dante looked at Boon one last time before nodding barely perceptible all right let's make some trouble Boon felt the shift immediately the war had officially begun the deal was made Boon and Dante had set the first piece in motion but in a place like Greystone nothing happened without consequences the morning after their conversation in the mess hall Boon moved with purpose through the routine the same breakfast of cold gray slop the same yard rotations the same

distant glares from the cartel soldiers who still controlled everything but something had changed the air was different now they knew word traveled fast in Greystone and Boon had no doubt that Hector Ras already had men watching their every move that was fine watching wasn't the same as stopping Boon had spent his entire career walking through places where he wasn't supposed to survive he knew how to maneuver how to hit without getting hit back how to make his enemies bleed before they even realized they were in a fight and that started now the first Target was

an inmate named Rico Salazar a greasy rat-faced man who had spent his entire sentence acting as a courier for the cartel Rico didn't carry blades or muscle he carried information he was the reason Rivas always knew who was planning what who was aligning with whom take out Rico and the the cartel lost its ears inside the prison the setup was simple Boon and Dante waited until the laundry detail was called one of the few places in Greystone where there were no cameras where the guards didn't bother supervising Beyond locking and unlocking the doors it was

the perfect place to send a message Rico walked in first completely unaware that Boon was waiting in the shadows Dante kept watch near the entrance while Boon struck a quick brutal grab one hand clamped over Rico's mouth the other twisting his arm behind his back until he was forced onto his knees do you know who I am Boon asked his voice calm Rico thrashed trying to turn his head but Boon tightened his grip you're going to stop talking Boon continued no more messages no more updates whatever Rivas asks you you tell him nothing or Boon

pressed a knee against Rico's back pushing just hard enough to make it clear he wasn't bluffing you won't walk out of here Rico's breathing turned shallow his pulse a wild Rhythm beneath Boon's hand you understand me boon asked a quick frantic nod Boon let go stepping back watching as Rico scrambled to his feet gasping walk away Boon said quietly make them think you were never here Rico bolted without looking back Dante exhaled through his nose subtle he muttered Boon smirked he'll make sure knows exactly what happened let him stew on it but Boon wasn't naive

he knew this wouldn't be the end of it the cartel had survived inside Greystone for years because they didn't let threats go unanswered they would hit back the only question was when that night Boon sat on his cot back against the cold cement wall staring at the ceiling the plan had to move faster if they waited the cartel would adjust he needed some something bigger than a scare tactic he needed leverage you're thinking too loud Dante muttered from his own bunk Boon didn't respond right away he had spent years thinking through problems Under Pressure working

through obstacles when the odds were against him prison wasn't so different from a battlefield you know how they move product in here Boon said finally Dante was quiet for a moment then yeah who runs the actual distribution Boon asked not the enforcers the guys who move it between blocks handle the drops Dante exhaled slowly that' be Miguel Ooa and his crew they're the ones that make sure every shipment gets where it needs to go Rivas trusts them because they're smart enough not to get greedy but dumb enough to be controlled Boon nodded to himself that

was the weak spot they get their orders directly from Rivas mostly but Miguel's a middleman he doesn't make decisions he just follows them Boon tapped his fingers against his knee working through the angles if they cut off the supply routes they could choke the cel's entire operation inside the prison the drugs the bribes the smuggling all of it ran through those networks Dante seemed to be following his train of thought you're thinking about taking out Miguel aren't you Boon shook his head not yet killing him does nothing controlling him though that changes everything Dante let

out a low chuckle you're ambitious Boon turned his head meeting Dante's gaze you in Dante rolled his shoulders Rivas has had a hold on this place for too long if we break that he's got nothing Boon leaned back against the wall his mind already working through the details if they could get to Miguel they could make sure the next cartel shipment never made it to its destination that would put the pressure on Rivas force him to make mistakes and in a place like Greystone one mistake was all it took for a king to fall Boon

closed his eyes briefly exhaling tomorrow they'd make their move and Greystone would never be the same again morning arrived with the same clang of metal doors and the echoing shouts of guards but Boon knew today would be different the quiet conversations between cartel members the way rias's men watched him in the yard it all pointed to a growing tension a few FES burning toward an inevitable explosion Boon needed leverage and he knew exactly where to get it Miguel Ooa was a lynchpin in rias's network the one who Moved Contraband and information through the prison taking

him out directly would be too obvious too messy and would bring the full weight of the cartel crashing down on Boon and Dante instead Boon needed to make Miguel come to him as the inmates gathered for their brief yard time Boon and an positioned themselves near the edge of the exercise area casually watching as Miguel coordinated a handoff with another inmate the exchange was subtle almost imperceptible a small package slipped from one hand to another disguised by a handshake Dante leaned in Voice Low you sure about this Boon nodded we need him nervous if he

feels like he's being watched he'll start making mistakes they waited until Miguel finished the handoff then approached him casually as if they were merely passing by Boon let his gaze linger just long enough for Miguel to notice problem Boon Miguel asked his tone guarded Boon shook his head a faint smirk on his lips just watching the show seems like you're running quite the operation here Miguel's eyes narrowed mind your business Boon Shrugged Turning Away sure not like Rivas needs to know you're skimming off the top right the accusation hung in the air thick and heavy

Miguel's posture stiffened and Dante barely suppressed a grin Boon hadn't accused Miguel of anything specific but the seed was planted paranoia could be more destructive than any weapon later that day Boon made sure to be in the mess hall seated in clear view of Miguel he exchanged a few quiet words with Dante their conversation deliberately ambiguous casting glances in Miguel's Direction just enough to make him uneasy by the time dinner rolled around round Miguel was visibly on edge casting furtive glances over his shoulder his movements more jerky less confident Boon and Dante continued their silent

campaign never confronting him directly but making it clear that Miguel was on their radar it was during evening lockdown that Miguel finally cracked as the guards secured the cells Miguel slipped a note to one of the lower level inmates a request for a meeting with Rivas Ave he wouldn't have made unless he felt cornered Boon watched The Exchange from his cell a faint smile playing at his lips Miguel was trapped not by force but by his own fear of being discovered by making Miguel think he was under surveillance Boon had forced him to reveal his

vulnerabilities when lights out came Boon leaned back against the cold concrete wall of his cell his mind already moving to the next step now that Miguel was scrambling to cover his tracks Boon could exploit the cracks forming in the cartel's Network the plan wasn't to take out Miguel it was to make him a liability to Rivas if Boon could sew enough doubt Rivas would start questioning everyone around him his paranoia causing more damage than any direct attack ever could Dante's voice drifted over from the adjacent cell think he's sweating enough not yet Boon replied quietly

but he will be the key wasn't just to disrupt the C 's operations but to turn them against each other if Reas believed his own people couldn't be trusted he'd tighten his grip alienating those who supported him a divided cartel was a weak cartel and Boon knew that weakness would be their downfall tomorrow they'd start redirecting some of Miguel's shipments making it look like Miguel was losing control or worse that he was double crossing Rivas The Fallout would force Rivas to either replace Miguel or retaliate against him creating the chaos Boon needed to seize control

as the prison settled into the uneasy quiet of the night Boon felt the shift this wasn't just Survival anymore it was a campaign a strategy a slow dismantling of the power structure that had ruled Greystone for too long and Boon was ready for the next move morning arrived like a slow moving storm the air in the yard was different heavier charged with the kind of tension that signaled something was coming Boon had spent enough time in war zones to recognize the shift the way men stood differently the way conversations were shorter more hushed everyone knew

what was about to happen then Rivas walked in he moved like he owned the place because for years he had the guards didn't stop him the other inmates didn't challenge him he didn't need his usual muscle today not for this Boon watched as Rivas walked straight toward him his smirk sharp calculated the silence in the yard spread like a ripple men stepping back instinctively giving them space the guards were still watching still doing their jobs but everyone understood this wasn't something they were going to stop Rivas stopped a few feet away studying Boon shaking his

head with something that almost looked like disappointment you just couldn't let it go could you revas said his voice smooth but laced with something darker had to poke at something that didn't Belong To You Boon didn't respond he simply waited Rivas exhaled tapping his fingers against his knuckles see here's the thing Boon you were dead the moment you stepped in here the bosses on the outside they didn't want you making it to that appeal they gave me one job make sure you never leave Greystone alive he let that sink in before continuing but I figured

why rush it you were stuck in here anyway no way out no one coming to save you I thought might as well have some fun first he tilted his head slightly but then you had to start acting like you had options Boon's expression remained unreadable but inside his mind was already moving revas leaned in slightly I know about Miguel and Rico that got a reaction Boon kept his face neutral but Rivas saw the subtle shift the awareness that his moves had been tracked you thought you were being clever didn't you Rivas chuckled messing with my

network whispering in ears making my men question things that little game with Rico cute and Miguel oh that one really got my attention Boon still didn't speak rias's smirk faded here's the problem Boon you're stepping into something bigger than you understand hand you think this is about Greystone about me he exhaled shaking his head The Men Who Run things outside the ones who pull the real strings they don't care about you they don't care about this prison but they do care when a loose end starts making noise he took another step forward so I got

my orders his voice dropped lower I don't get to play with you anymore Boon met his gaze his voice calm so it's tonight then Rivas nodded tonight there was no Bluff no theatrics it was a death sentence Boon exhaled slowly good Rivas narrowed his eyes you don't look worried Boon smirked maybe you should be for the first time Rivas hesitated just for a fraction of a second then he stepped back adjusting his sleeves his expression smoothing over I'll see you tonight Boon and with that he turned and walked away the yard slowly came back to

life but Boon didn't move he already knew what was coming tonight Greystone would become a battlefield Boon sat in his cell back against the cold wall staring at the ceiling the muffled sounds of Greystone settling into its nightly routine echoed through the corridors distant shouts the occasional clatter of metal the murmurs of men who had survived another day but Boon wasn't thinking about making it through the day anymore he had been too confident he thought he had control thought he had time to slowly dismantle rias's operation piece by piece he had been strategic methodical careful

but he hadn't been fast enough now he was out of time his fingers curled into fists as he replayed the conversation in the yard I got my orders I don't get to play with you anymore this wasn't just about Survival anymore rias wasn't trying to push him out of the game wasn't trying to send a message this was an exec ution and Boon wasn't sure if he could stop it the thought unsettled him in a way he wasn't used to he had spent most of his life on the other side of these situations the one

preparing the Ambush the one eliminating the threats but now he was the hunted and for the first time since stepping into Greystone he felt it the weight of real fear he pushed the feeling down fear was useful but only if he controlled it he didn't have time to doubt himself he needed a plan Boon sat up slowly running through every scenario he could think of Rivas had the Manpower he wasn't just sending a few guys after Boon this was an order from the outside that meant Rivas couldn't afford to fail he would bring as many

men as he needed to get the job done five 10 more if Rivas was serious about ending this he wouldn't leave it to chance that meant the fight would be brutal and boon couldn't win it alone he had spent a month learning the layout watching the patterns mapping out Escape Routes and blind spots he needed to use every inch of that knowledge where would Rivas make his move not the yard not the mes Hall too many eyes it would be in the corridors or near the showers somewhere isolated and if Boon knew where it would

happen he could set the terms of the fight Dante Boon's mind locked onto the only man in Greystone who could stand beside him when it counted Dante wasn't a friend wasn't someone Boon could trust completely but he hated Rivas that was enough Boon found Dante leaning against the railing outside his cell arms crossed watching the floor below you don't usually come looking for me Dante muttered without looking at him Boon didn't waste time Rivas is making his move tonight Dante's posture didn't change but his eyes flickered with something sharp how bad worst case scenario he

sends 10 men best case five either way I don't walk out of it alone Dante finally turned to him studying Boon's expression and you want me to jump in the fire with you Boon nodded Dante let the silence stretch before speaking I don't take suicide missions Boon it's not suicide Boon said not if we hit first Dante frowned you got a plan Boon exhaled I'm working on it Dante scoffed not good enough Boon stepped closer lowering his voice I don't need you to like the plan I need you to understand something if they kill me

tonight they're coming for you next you think Rivas is going to let you keep walking around after I'm gone he'll clear out anyone whoever stood near me Dante didn't Flinch but Boon could see the wheels turning after a long pause Dante exhaled through his nose fine he straightened but if we're doing this we're not just fighting to survive Boon nodded we end this Dante grinned cracking his knuckles now you're talking Boon knew the fight was inevitable but now he wasn't just reacting he was controlling it the fear was still there buried under adrenaline and cold

calculation but that was fine fear kept men alive and tonight he was going to make Rivas regret underestimating him the prison felt different at night it always did the quiet was wasn't real just a thin layer of Silence covering something darker Boon could feel it in his bones in the stale air pressing against his skin he had been in places like this before places where death moved in the shadows where the wrong step meant you didn't see mour tonight was one of those nights Dante stood a few feet away his back against the cell bars

rolling his shoulders loose he wasn't nervous not the way most men would be but boon could see it the sharpness in his gaze the way his weight shifted slightly from one foot to the other he knew what was coming the lights had dimmed for lockdown any minute now how many Dante asked his voice barely a whisper two many Boon muttered back a few of the guards had been bought off that much was clear Rivas wasn't sending a few men to send a message he was sending enough to make sure Boon never walked out of his

cell again there was no running from this they were coming Boon's fingers flexed at his sides he wasn't a religious man but there were moments in life where time slowed down just enough for him to hear something underneath the noise some quiet understanding of what was about to happen he had felt it in combat in those seconds before a mission turned bloody he felt it now and then it happened the first sound was the click of a lock sliding open not boons not Dante's down the tier past the row of cells the second sound was

footsteps fast and heavy then the yelling started Dante barely had time to curse before the first man came barreling toward them blade in hand eyes wild Boon moved first grabbing the attacker's wrist before the blade could sink into Dante's ribs twisting hard enough to snap bone the man screamed stumbling back and Boon drove his knee into his stomach before shoving him into the bars more men were pouring in Dante didn't wait he lunged at the second attacker catching him in the throat with an elbow before yanking him down into a brutal knee strike the man

collapsed gasping but there was no time to finish him three more were rushing in Boon barely ducked in time to avoid a shiv aimed for his neck he caught the attacker's wrist twisting him off balance but another man tackled him from the side sending them both crashing against the cold concrete the fight descended into chaos Boon landed two hard punches knocking his attacker off balance but before he could get up a boot connected with his ribs sharp pain flaring through his side he gritted his teeth rolling just as another blade slashed down barely missing his

shoulder Dante was brawling with two men at once fists flying elbows cracking into Jaws blood dripped from his lip but he didn't slow down dodging a wild punch and driving one of his own into a man's stomach Boon felt another kick coming twisting just in time to grab the attacker's leg and yank him off balance the man hit the floor hard and Boon followed raining down two quick brutal punches before rolling away barely avoiding another attack the air rre of sweat and blood the sound of fists hitting flesh the grunts of pain the heavy breathing

of men locked in a fight where losing meant dying more men were coming Boon's mind was racing looking for an opening a way to turn the fight in their favor they couldn't hold this spot forever then he saw it the hallway leading toward the maintenance Corridor it was tight narrow only one or two men could fight at a time if they moved now they could force rias's men into a bottleneck neck take them on one at a time instead of being swarmed Dante Boon shouted between breaths back move back Dante barely hesitated he shoved his

attacker away grabbing Boon's arm as they pushed toward the corridor the cartel soldiers hesitated for a fraction of a second just enough time for Boon to grab a loose piece of metal from the floor and swing it hard against the nearest man's head the attacker crumpled blood smearing against the wall then Boon and Dante were in the corridor a tight enclosed space exactly what they needed rias's men started to funnel in after them but now they couldn't attack all at once Boon tightened his grip on the metal shard this fight was far from Over the

prison felt different at night it always did the quiet wasn't real just a thin layer of Silence covering something darker Boon could feel it in his bones in the stale air pressing against his skin he had been in places like this before places where death moved in the shadows where the wrong step meant you didn't see mourning tonight was one of those nights Dante stood a few feet away his back against the cell bars rolling his shoulders loose he wasn't nervous not the way most men would be but Boon could see it the sharpness in

his gaze the way his weight shifted slightly from one foot to the other he knew what was coming the lights had dimmed for lockdown any minute now how many Dante asked his voice barely a whisper too many Boon muttered back a few of the guards had been bought off that much was clear Rivas wasn't sending a few men to send a message he was sending enough to make sure Boon never walked out of his cell again there was no running from this they were coming Boon's fingers flexed at his sides he wasn't a religious man

but there were moments in life where time slowed down just enough for him to hear something underneath the noise some quiet understanding of what was about to happen he had felt it in combat in those seconds before a mission turned bloody he felt it now and then it happened the first sound was the click of a lock sliding open not boon not Dante down the tier past the row of cells the second sound was footsteps fast and heavy then the yelling started Dante barely had time to curse before the first man came barreling toward them

blade in hand eyes wild Boon moved first grabbing the attacker's wrist before the blade could sink into Dante's ribs twisting hard enough to snap bone the man screamed stumbling back and Boon drove his knee into his stomach before shoving him into the bars more men were pouring in Dante didn't wait he lunged at the second attacker catching him in the throat with an elbow before yanking him down into a brutal knee strike the man collapsed gasping but there was no time to finish him three more were rushing in Boon barely ducked in time to avoid

a shiv aimed for his neck he caught the attacker's wrist twisting him off balance but another man tackled him from the side sending them both crashing against the cold concrete the fight descended into chaos Boon landed two hard punches knocking his attacker off balance but before he could get up a boot connected with his ribs sharp pain flaring through his side he gritted his teeth rolling just as another blade slashed down barely missing his shoulder Dante was brawling with two men at once fists flying elbows cracking into Jaws blood dripped from his lip but he

didn't slow down dodging a wild punch and driving one of his own into a man's stomach Boon felt another kick coming twisting just in time to grab the attacker's leg and yank him off balance the man hit the floor hard and Boon followed raining down two quick brutal punches before rolling away barely avoiding another attack the air W of sweat and blood the sound of fists hitting flesh the grunts of pain the heavy breathing of men locked in a fight where losing meant dying more men were coming Boon's mind was was racing looking for an

opening a way to turn the fight in their favor they couldn't hold this spot forever then he saw it the hallway leading toward the maintenance Corridor it was tight narrow only one or two men could fight at a time if they moved now they could force rias's men into a bottleneck take them on one at a time instead of being swarmed Dante Boon shouted between breaths back move back Dante barely hesitated he shoved his attacker away grabbing Boon's arm as they pushed toward the corridor the cartel soldiers hesitated for a fraction of a second just

enough time for Boon to grab a loose piece of metal from the floor and swing it hard against the nearest man's head the attacker crumpled blood smearing against the wall then Boon and Dante were in the corridor a tight enclosed space exactly what they needed rias's men started to funnel in after them but now they couldn't attack all at once Boon tightened his grip on the metal shard this fight was far from Over the corridor was tight dark and unforgiving the kind of space where men fought like animals because there was nowhere else to go

Boon dug his heels in gripping the jagged piece of metal in his hands every muscle in his body coiled and ready the air stank of sweat blood and rage Dante stood beside him rolling his shoulders loose his lips split his breath steady despite the chaos behind them there was no turning back now the first man lunged into the corridor wild and Reckless a mistake Boon didn't hesitate he sidestepped the charge grabbed the man's wrist and slammed the jagged metal into his forearm a sharp scream filled the corridor as the attacker staggered back clutching his arm

but Boon was already moving slamming an elbow into his face and sending him crashing into the wall another man forced his way in Dante met him head on a sharp hook to the ribs a knee to the stomach the man crumbled but not before another rushed forward swinging a blade wildly Boon barely Twisted in time the shiv slicing through his sleeve cutting shallow into his arm pain flared hot and sharp but he ignored it he caught the man's wrist twisting hard forcing the Blade free before driving his forehead into the attacker's nose the wet crunch

of bone breaking filled the air more were coming the bottleneck worked in their favor but Boon knew they couldn't stay here forever all Rivas had to do was send enough men keep them pinned and eventually exhaustion would set in a thunderous Roar of pain made Boon turn his head just in time to see Dante rip a blade from an attacker's grip and slam it into the man's thigh the cartel Soldier howled collapsing to the ground clutching at the wound as blood pulled beneath him how long we holding this spot Dante growled wiping blood from his

chin Boon's mind raced they needed to move but the moment they left the corridor they were back in open ground the guards wouldn't interfere not unless bodies started piling up in a way that couldn't be ignored another attacker forced his way in Boon barely had time to react before a blade flashed toward his side he twisted but not fast enough the knife sliced into his ribs shallow but deep enough to make his vision go white for a second Boon gritted his teeth and used the momentum he grabbed the attacker's arm and slammed him head first

into the wall the man slumped instantly unconscious or Worse Dante cursed under his breath your bleeding noted enough to stop Boon wiped sweat from his brow forcing himself to focus they had to turn the tide now then he saw it the attackers weren't as coordinated anymore the first wave had been rias's best men Killers enforcers but now the ones forcing their way in were younger inexperienced Boon's lips curled into something between a smirk and a snarl they sending the weak ones now Dante caught on instantly means they're running out of good options it was a

gamble but Boon had spent his life betting on his own Survival he took a step forward into the tight crowd of remaining cartel soldiers still trying to push their way into the corridor if Rivas was watching he wanted him to see this you already lost Boon said his voice low steady you think sending more bodies is going to change that one of the younger cartel members hesitated his grip on his weapon faltering for just a second second Boon latched onto it you got two options he continued stay here fight and get fed to the concrete

or you can walk and if you walk now maybe Rivas doesn't come looking for you next the hesitation spread like an infection the younger men started glancing at each other the uncertainty sinking in and then one of them stepped back then another Boon could see the moment rias's entire plan started to crumble but Rivas wasn't done yet from the far side of the corridor more movement a final wave bigger stronger rias's last push Boon exhaled slowly rolling his shoulders the fight wasn't over not yet but now now Rivas was desperate and desperate men made mistakes

Boon clenched his fists ignoring the sting of his wounds the exhaustion creeping into his limbs one more push Boon's breaths came heavy his muscles screaming from the Relentless assault but he forced his body to keep moving there was no room for exhaustion no space for hesitation he had trained for this lived through worse fought in conditions more brutal than anything these men could imagine they weren't soldiers they weren't Killers not in the way he was they were prison thugs street level enforcers who had relied on numbers and fear their entire lives Boon had spent his

career taking men like this apart in the dark in places where failure meant never going home this was just another Battlefield the final wave came hard the last men pushing into the corridor with desperation in their eyes the stench of uncertainty mixing with blood and sweat Rivas had sent everything he had and Boon could feel it the difference between the first wave of hardened enforcers and these men less disciplined more Reckless running on anger instead of strategy that was a mistake Boon didn't fight angry he fought to end things the first Man rushed him sloppy

a shiv clutched tight in his fist Boon read the attack before it came Sid stepped at the last second and drove his elbow into the man's throat the attacker gagged stumbling and Boon grabbed his wrist twisting it hard until the blade dropped to the floor a sing single brutal punch sent him crashing against the wall unconscious another came from the left Boon barely turned in time but his training kicked in before thought could he used the momentum dropping low sweeping the man's leg out from under him as soon as he hit the ground Boon was

on top of him driving his knee into his chest before slamming a fist into his temple two more rushed in together Dante caught one tackling him in to the wall fists swinging raw and brutal Boon turned to the other dodging the wild swing of a makeshift Club too slow too predictable Boon closed the distance fast stepping into the man's guard trapping his weapon arm and twisting him into a choke the man thrashed but Boon squeezed cutting off his air keeping him locked until he went limp more men kept coming but Boon's world had narrowed to

calculate movements precise strikes no wasted energy his body was battered his ribs achd but his mind remained sharp he had trained for this to fight when outnumbered to break through waves of untrained enemies to keep moving no matter what a hard hit to the ribs nearly sent him stumbling a fist cracked against his jaw pain blurred his vision for a second but he recovered slipping under another wild swing and driving his fist into the attacker's kidney the bodies started piling up some unconscious some groaning others too broken to get back up the last man standing

hesitated glancing at the wreckage Boon and Dante had left behind Boon saw the fear settle into his eyes he wasn't a fighter he was a follower and right now there was nothing left to follow the man turned and ran Boon exhaled sharply rolling his shoulders his body aching from the sheer brutality of the fight then the alarm blared the guards had finally decided to show up bright lights flooded the corridor heavy boots thundered down the walkways shouts echoing through the prison Boon barely registered it his vision was tunneling exhaustion wrapping around him like a weighted

blanket Dante wiped blood from his chin glancing around at the aftermath we made a mess Boon let out a breath his hands still clenched into fists he could hear the guards shouting orders their footsteps growing closer they had let it go on long enough but now now they had no choice but to react a moment later four guards stormed in weapons drawn eyes scanning the devastation one of them the ranking officer stared at the scene his face a mask of shock his gaze flicked from the unconscious bodies littering the corridor to boon bruised bloodied Still

Standing his voice was almost incredulous you did all this Boon didn't answer the exhaustion finally hit him like a freight train his body finally registering the toll of the fight his knees buckled slightly Dante caught his arm before he could collapse completely his smirk laced with something between amusement and respect not bad Boon the guards were already barking orders ordering everyone to the ground locking down the prison Boon barely heard them his heart was still pounding his vision still blurred from the adrenaline leaving his system he had won but he wasn't done yet this wasn't

just about surviving the night this was about the war still to come Boon let out a slow breath closing his eyes just for a second Rivas had thrown everything at him and Boon was still standing solitary was designed to break men to strip them down to their most Primal selves to remind them that no one cared if they disappeared into these walls forever Boon had seen it happen before had watched strong men come out of the hole with something missing in their eyes a piece of themselves left behind in the darkness but he had spent

too many nights alone in places worse than this had learned to listen to think to wait there was always something to hear if you paid attention at first it was just the usual the Clank of metal doors the shuffle of boots against concrete the distant murmur of guards talking just outside most of it was routine then a name caught his ear revas one of them muttered Voice Low cautious Boon didn't move didn't react just let his breathing slow as he focused they're done with him the second guard said frustration seeping into his tone got word

this morning the outside bosses don't trust him anymore the first guard scoffed figures he was supposed to take care of it quick clean instead he turns this place into a war zone and now they've got us watching our backs just as much as the inmates Boon's pulse stayed steady but something inside him shifted the outside cartel had cut Rivas loose that changed everything place is a mess now the first guard continued lieutenants fighting each other new guys trying to step up they're all too busy trying to keep from getting stabbed to worry about finishing what

Rivas started the second guard let out a humorless laugh good maybe they'll kill each other off before the warden decides to clean house they're already talking about moving some of the high-risk guys out breaking things up before it gets worse their voices faded as they walked down the corridor leaving Boon alone with the weight of what he had just learned he wasn't out of danger that would be foolish to believe but Rivas was no long longer the threat he had been the man who had tried to have him killed the one with all the connections

and the backing of an Empire was now a man fighting for scraps trying to hold on to a throne that had already been taken from him Boon had spent enough time in war zones to know what happened next the Scavengers would move in tearing apart what was left too busy with their own power struggles to care about an ex-navy seal locked in a cage for the first time in a long time he liked his odds he didn't need to fight anymore he didn't need to start another War if the cartel was turning on itself then

all Boon had to do was Outlast them he let out a slow breath feeling the tension in his shoulders ease just slightly his lawyer was working the case was moving even if it was slow if he could just stay alive long enough the system would catch up the evidence was there the flaws in the case were unraveling and the pressure was building sooner or later someone would have to act and when they did Boon wouldn't be in Greystone anymore that was his mission now not Revenge not control not even survival in the way he had

been thinking before just time if he could buy himself a few more weeks maybe a month that would be enough the cartel would finish tearing itself apart the legal fight would reach its breaking point and Boon would walk out of this place through the front Gates instead of a body bag he wasn't used to waiting every Instinct in his body told him to move to push to strike first but this wasn't a battlefield and the rules were different if he played this right he wouldn't have to fight again he closed his eyes letting his head

rest against the cold wall the worst of it was over now all he had to do was wait the air and Greystone felt different when Boon stepped out of solitary it wasn't a big change not something the guards would notice but Boon could feel it the way the noise level in the block had shifted the way men spoke in quieter voices the way certain faces were missing from their usual places it was the Silence of uncertainty Rivas was losing power Boon had seen it happen before a leader stumbles takes a hit they weren't supposed to

take and sudden The Men Who swore loyalty start looking for a new flag to stand under in a place like GreyStone Power didn't last unless you reminded people why they should fear you and Rivas had failed to do that the guards barely spoke as they led him through the block though Boon caught a few sideways glances some assessing some irritated they had wanted the cartel to handle him wanted Boon to disappear into a prison scuffle so they wouldn't have to deal with the mess but that hadn't happened Boon was still standing and now they had

no idea what to do with him he stepped back into the tier moving toward his bunk eyes sweeping the room some men watched him openly now not hiding their curiosity their calculations before most of them had probably assumed he'd be dead within the first month but now now they weren't sure what to make of him Boon wasn't sure what to make of it either he spotted Dante leaning against the railing of the second level arms crossed watching the yard below Boon made his way up moving slow feeling the stiffness in his ribs where the last

fight had left its Mark Dante smirked as Boon stepped up beside him they let you out early Boon exhaled guess they missed me Dante chuckled yeah that must be it nothing to do with the fact that half the blocks still licking their wounds from that mess in the corridors Boon didn't respond just let his gaze move across the room room tracking the shifting alliances the quiet conversations how bad is it Dante tilted his head slightly revas is done his crew's falling apart word is the outside bosses cut him loose that means the GU still loyal

to him they're trying to figure out where to land before they end up on the wrong side of a shank Boon nodded slightly he had expected as much the cartel wasn't a family it was a machine and when a part stopped working they didn't fix it they replaced it you worried about anyone stepping up Boon asked Dante Shrugged there's always someone willing to take the crown but nobody's got the pull yet they're too busy watching each other waiting to see who makes the first move that buys you time Boon let out a slow breath time

that was all he needed now he wasn't in the crosshairs anymore not the way he had been he wasn't rias's problem and with the cartel fighting among themselves no one was looking at him as a priority for the first time since stepping into Greystone he wasn't a Marked Man Dante studied him for a moment you thinking of making a move Boon shook his head no more moves I sit tight let them eat each other alive Dante grinned smart let someone else take the heat for once Boon didn't answer his lawyer was working the case was

moving he had fought his way through hell but now now he just had to survive long enough for the system to catch up he leaned against the railing exhaling slowly for the first time since arriving at Greystone he liked his chances Boon felt the shift in the air before he saw him prison had a way of warning you a subtle change in energy the feeling of tension wrapping around the room like a coiled wire he had been standing near his bunk talking with Dante when the low murmur of the block suddenly dipped conversations tapering off

heads turning ever so slightly then came the footsteps slow deliberate heavy with something dangerous Boon didn't have to look to know who it was Rivas he turned just as the man stalked toward him his face Twisted with a fury that wasn't just anger it was desperation Rivas had lost his control over Greystone had lost the trust of the outside cartel leaders and now he was spiraling looking for any way to claw back power before it slipped completely from his grasp and Boon Boon was the man who had shattered his reputation Rivas wasn't coming for a

conversation Boon's gaze flicked downward a makeshift shank a sharpened piece of metal clutched tight in rias's grip held low against his thigh to hide it from immediate view the moment stretched Dante tensed beside him barely shifting his weight eyes locked on the weapon Boon kept his face neutral body still but his muscles were already coiling calculating angles distance reaction time if Rivas was going to make his move it would be now Rivas stopped just short of Striking Distance breathing hard through his nose shoulders rising and falling with the weight of his rage you think this

is over his voice was quiet but there was a sharpness to it a barely contained violence you think because I took a hit I'm done Boon met his gaze steady unreadable you already lost you just don't know it yet rias's grip on the shank tightened Boon saw the shift in his stance the Twitch in his fingers the tell that he was about to Lunge it would be sloppy desperate uncalculated the move of a man who had already lost control Boon tensed then boon a guard's voice cut through the tension like a blade heavy boots thudded

against the concrete as one of the officers stroe toward them face set in irritation Boon didn't Flinch didn't break eye contact with Rivas as the guard reached them you've got a visitor the officer muttered letun go Boon watched as rias's jaw clenched his fingers twitching against the weapon his moment was gone the guards weren't paying close enough attention to see the shank but they were watching now watching Boon Rivas couldn't make his move without everyone seeing for a second Boon thought he might try anyway but then Rivas stepped back chest rising and falling like he

was holding himself together by sheer force of will his eyes burned with hatred but Boon recognized what was underneath fear the man wasn't just angry he was terrified he was slipping and he knew it Boon smirked next time bring a bigger knife rias's lips curled back in a snarl but before he could say another word Boon turned and walked away following the guard toward the visitation room he didn't look back he didn't need to Rivas was already dead he just hadn't hit the ground yet the walk to the visitation room felt different Boon could tell

from the way the guard moved too stiff too focused the usual indifference was gone replaced with something else something sharp the air inside Greystone had shifted Boon had spent his life reading danger before it struck and right now every nerve in his body told him something was coming but no one said a word the heavy door groaned open and Boon stepped inside Zan Porter sat on the other side of the thick bulletproof glass a stack of papers in front of him his fingers pressed against his temples like he was trying to hold his skull together

he looked up the second Boon sat down his eyes scanning him the way a man sizes up a crumbling Bridge before stepping onto it Boon picked up the phone his voice even you look like hell Porter let out a slow breath you have no idea Boon leaned forward slightly feeling the weight of something in the air what's going on Porter rubbed a hand down his face glancing at the papers like he was still trying to make sense of them himself you're getting out Boon Boon went still not a muscle moved not a breath changed his

mind didn't process the words right away away because they didn't belong inside this place not in his world he waited Porter exhaled sharply like he knew exactly what Boon was thinking your convictions been overturned effective immediately the words should have landed like a hammer instead they felt like the start of a setup Boon had learned not to trust anything inside these walls he had spent a month dodging shivs and ambushes listening for the footstep that didn't belong reading the shifts in power like the ripples of an oncoming storm the cartel had fought too hard to

keep him buried sent too many men to kill him they didn't just let him walk away his voice was steady how Porter's lips pressed into a tight line his jaw working like he was holding something back someone pulled strings the judge took another look at the case the ballistics the witness statements all of it the prosecution didn't have a leg to stand on the order was signed this morning Boon's pulse stayed slow and measured but his mind moved fast this wasn't Porter's doing the lawyer had been fighting like hell but overturning a conviction this airtight

in a matter of days that wasn't the legal system working the way it should that was power being flexed a hand moving behind the curtain cutting the strings that had held Boon inside Greystone Boon exhaled through his nose who made the call Porter didn't answer right away he leaned in slightly lowering his voice even though there was no one to hear them but the guard stationed in the corner I don't know that's what scares me boon let that sit between them Porter wasn't a man who got rattled he fought like a rabid dog when he

smelled blood ripped apart cases with surgical Precision but now now he looked like a man who had just realized he wasn't playing the game anymore he was being moved around the board like the rest of them Boon's grip tightened on the phone this isn't a favor someone wants me back out there Porter nodded and I don't think it's out of the kindness of their heart Boon thought of Rivas the way the man had looked at him in the yard the barely restrained Fury masking something deeper fear the cartel had lost control of Greystone Boon had

made sure of that but out there the playing field was bigger the pieces harder to see if they were letting him out it wasn't because they'd given up it was because they had something waiting for him on the outside the guard knocked on the glass time's up Porter leaned in one last time his voice low and firm listen to me boon you step out of those Gates you're walking into a different kind of fight be ready Boon didn't nod didn't respond he just set the phone down and stood because he was always ready the walk

back to his cell was silent but the air around him wasn't he could feel the eyes the shift in weight the unspoken calculations happening in real time word was spreading already The Men Who had tried to kill him the ones who had been waiting for the next attempt they all knew what this meant Boon was leaving Greystone and that meant he wasn't their problem anymore it meant he was everyone else's the steel doors of Greystone groaned as they slid open the outside world spilling in with a rush of cold air and a sky stretched wide

and endless Boon stepped forward his boots hitting the pavement just outside the gate but his mind was still inside he had spent weeks fighting to stay alive in that place measuring time in broken ribs and Blood Stained Knuckles but now standing outside something felt off Freedom didn't come this easy Zane Porter was waiting by the curb leaning against a sleek black SUV no smile no handshake just a sharp assessing gaze as if he wasn't sure Boon was really standing there he straightened as Boon approached nodding toward the car get in Boon didn't ask questions he

slid into the passenger seat feeling the smooth leather against his back a stark contrast to the cold steel of a prison bench the door shut and Porter pulled away from the curb the massive walls of Greystone shrinking in the rear view mirror Boon didn't look back for a few minutes neither of them spoke the city stretched out before them a reminder that the world had kept moving without him but Boon wasn't interested in skylines and traffic he wanted answers you going to tell me who I owe a thank you card to Boon finally asked Porter's

hands tightened on the wheel you're not going to like it Boon didn't blink try me Porter exhaled glancing at him before returning his eyes to the road your case didn't just collapse someone helped it along someone with power connections and a hell of a lot of motivation to see you walk free Boon leaned back slightly absorbing that cartel Porter shook his head the opposite Boon's jaw tightened who Porter slowed at a red light drumming his fingers against the wheel before finally saying it Castillo's enemies Rodrigo Castillo the man who had orchestrated Boon's downfall the cartel

leader who had put a bounty on his head before he ever stepped foot in Greystone the man who had spent years climbing to the top of the underworld leaving a trail of bodies in his wake Boon had crippled his operation once years ago and Castillo had never forgotten Boon exhaled through his nose rolling his shoulders feeling the weight of it settle in they want me to take him out Porter nodded you made a hell of a rep reputation for yourself in there the way you handled yourself the way you took down rias's men they noticed

they think you're the best shot they've got at putting Castillo in the ground Boon didn't answer right away he let the car's quiet hum fill the space between them let the pieces shift into place this wasn't a rescue this was a recruitment a leash disguised as Freedom Porter glanced at him so what's the move Boon flexed his fingers staring ing out at the city the endless Maze of streets and highrises that stretched beyond the windshield he had spent a month fighting to stay alive and now he had a choice walk away disappear start over or

step into another War but deep down he already knew the answer if Castillo thought throwing him in a cage would make him disappear he had underestimated the wrong man Boon's smirk was slow sharp deadly let's get to work Boon didn't waste time the second the car stopped in front of the hotel he stepped out without waiting for Porter scanning the area reading the streets the way a soldier read a battlefield the air was different here too clean too structured no bars no weight of a concrete cage pressing in from all sides it should have felt

good it didn't Porter led him through the hotel's side entrance past the kind of security that didn't wear uniforms but still screamed government Boon had worked with men like them before silent alert ready to put a bullet in him if he so much as twitched wrong this wasn't some back room deal with cartel Rivals this was bigger inside the suite A man waited by the window suit pressed hands clasped the kind of presence that didn't need to be loud to demand attention he turned when Boon entered and the look in his eyes was familiar calculating

measuring the way men looked at weapons before deciding whether to use them Mr Boon the man said smooth professional with just enough Edge to let Boon know he was someone who gave orders not followed them Boon didn't sit he didn't ask questions he just studied the man in return you the one who got me out the man nodded director Philip Graves National Intelligence directorate he motioned to the chair across from him have a seat Boon didn't move you going to tell me why the US government suddenly cares whether I rot in Greystone or not Graves

smiled slightly the kind of smile that didn't reach his eyes Rodrigo Castillo has become a problem Boon exhaled slowly so that's what this is you let me out because you think I'll put him down for you Graves folded his hands you're an asset Mr Boon one with a very specific skill set and a very personal motivation we didn't manufacture that we just cleared the way Boon knew what this was it was the same game he'd played his whole career orders that weren't officially given operations that didn't exist objectives that weren't written down the government didn't

want Castillo taken down in a courtroom they wanted him erased Boon let the silence stretch before he finally spoke I'll do it but I have a condition Graves raised an eyebrow waiting Dante Alvarez Boon said he's still inside Gra Stone he helped me stay alive in there I want him moved somewhere safe Somewhere Out Of Reach Graves tilted his head slightly considering Alvarez former gang leader he's no saint Boon didn't blink neither am I another pause Graves studied him the weight of a decision hanging in the air then nodded once done Boon exhaled slowly rolling

his shoulders the chains were off but the leash was still there just invisible now he didn't care he had a job to do then let's get started Boon sat in a cold windowless room deep inside a government facility a place Built For Men Who operated in Shadows and made decisions that never made it onto paper the air was thick with the Quiet hum of security systems the slow deliberate ticking of a clock that measured time in seconds not lives across the steel table director Philip Graves sat with the kind of calm that came from being

in control from knowing the man sitting across from him wasn't here because he had a choice he was here because someone had already decided he was the right tool for the job on the wall behind Graves a projector cast a grainy satellite image of a sprawling compound deep in the Yucatan jungle the estate was massive built like a fortress surrounded by dense vegetation and high reinforced walls armed patrols moved along the perimeter watchtowers dotted the landscape and a private airst strip stretched along the Eastern side Rodrigo Castillo's last stronghold Boon didn't speak he had been

in enough of these rooms listened to enough men like Graves lay out missions designed to sound like strategy but always came down to one thing kill the target he waited Graves clicked a remote Shifting the image to another slide a surveillance photo of Castillo himself the cartel King pill Stood Beside a blacked out SUV midc conversation with another high-ranking member his posture exuding Authority the kind of power that came from knowing he was above the law you know why you're here Graves said voice smooth practiced Castillo has spent years making himself Untouchable he owns politicians

law enforcement even elements of the military we've tried the legal approach it doesn't work boon exhaled slowly rolling his shoulders and now you want me to clean it up Graves nodded your time in Greystone did more than just keep you busy it sent a ripple effect through the cartel Rivas losing control inside those walls sent a message Castillo's Empire isn't unbreakable now his own men are nervous his Rivals are circling and he's moving fast to secure his power Boon's eyes traced the compound layout on the screen absorbing entry points security placements vulnerabilities what's the window

48 Hours Graves said Castillo is hosting a private meeting with his top lieutenants his inner circle we're not just taking him out we're eliminating the entire leadership structure in one move the cartel doesn't get a chance to rebuild Boon let that sit for a moment this wasn't just about killing one man this was burning the entire Empire to the ground Porter cleared his throat shifting slightly in his seat and Boon gets his freedom Graves didn't hesitate not just Freedom Full Slate wipe a new name a new life Off the Grid no Loose Ends Boon knew

better than to take that at face value there were always Loose Ends the difference was whether they were worth living with Graves leaned back slightly Dante Alvarez has already been transferred he's in a medium security facility far from Cartel influence he won't get out but he'll stay breathing Boon nodded once letting that be enough he had never expected Dante to walk free but keeping him off the execution list was the best he could do Graves clicked to the final slide a tactical map with marked infiltration points and enemy positions will get you across the border

after that you're on your own no official backup no reinforcements you succeed you disappear on our terms you fail no one comes looking Boon smirked slightly business as usual Graves clasped his hands together then let's get to work Boon sat in the back of the unmarked jet the low hum of the engines filling the cabin as they cut through the night sky the interior was stripped down all function and no luxury no attendance no wasted space just Boon Graves and two silent operators whose only job was to make sure he made it across the border

in one piece the air smelled like steel and stale coffee and the only sound aside from the engines was the soft rustling of mission briefs and the occasional click of graves's pen against the table Boon wasn't reading the files anymore he had already memorized every inch of Castillo's compound every blind spot in the security cameras every rotation pattern of the guards he had St studied the guest list the schedules even the layout of the Panic Room Castillo thought would keep him safe none of that was what concerned him Boon had fought ghosts in the dark

before the hard part wasn't getting in it was getting out Graves sat across from him his suit as crisp as ever completely at ease like they were heading to a business meeting instead of a war you ready for this he asked tapping a finger against the edge of the folder in front of him Boon smirked stretching his shoulders slightly don't ask a man like me that unless you want the real answer Graves exhaled through his nose something close to Amusement flickering in his otherwise unreadable expression fair enough he leaned back Crossing his arms once you

hit the ground you've got 6 hours before Castillo's security tightens his lieutenants start arriving at sundown that's your window Boon nodded and xville Graves glanced at the two operators sitting near the cockpit one of them a tall man with close cropped hair and the kind of Blank Stare that belonged to Career Spooks spoke for the first time there's a clearing three clicks east of the compound we'll have a bird waiting get there by 0200 if you miss that window you're on your own Boon rolled his shoulders checking the harness straps on his tactical vest wouldn't

be the first time Graves slid a small black case across the table Boon popped it open scanning the contents custom Glock 19 suppressor extra mags and a Sleek combat knife blackened steel lightweight the kind of Blade meant for killing not intimidation a few other tools were tucked in the foam lining small explosives lock picks a burner phone already loaded with local frequencies Boon picked up the knife first testing the weight in his hand he had never been a fan of carrying more than necessary a gun could Jam a radio could fail but a knife a

knife was personal a knife didn't need reloading Graves watched him his expression unreadable you'll have a vehicle waiting on the outskirts of town preloaded with gear weapons disguises local Intel once you reach the compound you're on your own no comms with us you do the job you xfill and you disappear Boon didn't respond he just closed the case locking everything into memory Graves leaned forward slightly his voice dropping an inch this is the last thing standing between you and freedom Boon no more prisons no more running you finish this you walk away clean Boon met

his gaze his smirk Barely There cold and knowing no one walks away clean the jet started its descent Boon tightened the straps on his vest Showtime The Jet touched down on a private airst strip just outside side of Cancun The Landing smooth controlled precise Boon barely felt the wheels hit the ground the government didn't use commercial airports for jobs like this too many eyes too many questions instead they operated in the spaces between using small runways owned by nameless shell companies places where cargo moved without Customs where men disappeared without paperwork by the time the

jet taxied to a stop Boon was already moving he grabbed the black case from under his seat securing the weapons inside his jacket and adjusting the Tactical harness beneath his civilian clothes he didn't look at graves as he walked toward the exit he didn't need to they both knew what this was the door opened the thick heat of the Yucatan night rushing in Boon stepped out the sky above a deep endless black the air smelling of rain and gasoline a single SUV waited at the edge of the tarmac headlights cutting through the dark a man

leaned against the hood smoking a cigarette his face partially hidden in the shadows Boon approached his eyes sweeping the perimeter no unnecessary movement no lurking threats just the quiet hum of insects in the jungle beyond the man flicked his cigarette away as Boon stopped a few feet in front of him he was older late 50s maybe with deep lines carved into his Sun weathered skin his shirt was open at the collar sleeves rolled up to reveal wiry veined forearms this was a man who had lived a hard life and survived it you Boon the man

asked in Spanish his voice rough from years of smoke and violence Boon nodded once the man studied him for a beat then smirked you look like someone who doesn't belong here Boon smirked right back I hear that a lot the man chuckled motioning toward the SUV get in we don't talk out here Boon slid into the passenger seat without hesitation the man climbed in behind the wheel starting the engine with a smooth turn of the key the moment they pulled onto the narrow Jungle Road Boon glanced at him who are you the man exhaled through

his nose shifting gears call me roas I'm your local Handler Graves sent me ahead to set everything up Safe House weapons Escape Routes whatever you need I'll make it happen Boon didn't buy with small talk tell me about the compound roas nodded keeping his eyes on the road Castillo's security has tightened since the Greystone Fallout he knows his enemies are watching but he still thinks he's Untouchable inside those walls that's his weakness Boon leaned back listening there's a service road leading to the eastern wall used mostly by suppliers and contractors it's the quietest entry point

but they check vehicles hard no easy way through the gate Boon nodded what about the perimeter patrolled but predictable two man teams every 15 minutes dogs on the South Side motion sensors near the cliffs but the jungle to the north that's where the old drainage tunnels lead they were used during construction sealed up after but not well enough Boon smirk was barely there that's my way in Ras chuckled I figured I've Got Gear waiting at the safe house rope charges weapons you'll have everything you need Boon exhaled rolling his shoulders he had done jobs like

this before but this was different this was personal roas glanced at him you're not just here for Castillo are you Boon's smirk was slow sharp no roas nodded like he understood something deeper then let's get you ready the SUV sped into the night the jungle closing in around them the hunt had begun the SUV rumbled down a dirt road tires kicking up dust as it weaved through dense jungle the headlights bouncing off thick Palm leaves and gnarled Roots stretching across the path roas drove without hesitation barely slowing for the rough terrain he knew the route

well this wasn't the first time he had delivered a man to a fight Boon sat in silence scanning the darkness committing every turn every Landmark to memory he didn't trust GPS didn't rely on Tech technology if things went sideways he'd need to get out of here on foot and he wasn't about to let some Jungle Maze trap him after 20 minutes the road opened up into a clearing and there it was the safe house a two-story concrete structure unassuming but sturdy built to blend in with the surrounding vegetation the kind of place where no one

asked questions where men came to disappear or prepare for something violent roas killed the the engine the night was thick with the sounds of insects and the distant hum of the ocean but nothing else no cars no voices no threats Boon stepped out stretching his shoulders rolling his neck as he took in the perimeter two exits reinforced Windows a generator humming in the back good setup rohus unlocked the door and stepped inside the air was cool the scent of old wood and Gun oil lingering a single table sat in the center of the room covered

in gear rifles handguns knives explosives enough Firepower to start a war and finish one Boon stepped forward his eyes sweeping the selection he ran a hand over a suppressed M4 carbine light and compact perfect for tight spaces beside it a sleek black out Sig sour P226 the weight familiar in his palm he checked the slide the magazine nodded to himself you'll want these roas said tossing a small duffel toward him Boon caught it one-handed unzipping it to find a tactical vest extra magazines and a few pounds of C4 neatly packed with remote triggers Boon smirked

planning a fireworks show roas chuckled you want to kill a king make sure his throne burns with him Boon strapped on the vest securing the weapons the explosives making sure everything sat right against his body he didn't need to carry much just enough to do the job roas leaned against the wall watching him you do this right Castillo's Empire collapses overnight you leave a power vacuum that'll tear itself apart before anyone can step up to replace him Boon fastened the last Buckle rolling his shoulders that's the idea roas exhaled stepping closer his voice lowering but

once he's gone you need to vanish you stay too long the cleanup crew won't be from your side Boon already knew that I'll be out before the sun comes up roas nodded satisfied then let's talk insertion he led Boon to a map pinned to the wall aerial images of Castillo's compound handdrawn notes marking weak points entry routes and blind spots North perimeter is your best bet the old drainage tunnels run beneath the estate sealed build after construction but not well enough I had a guy check still accessible if you're willing to get dirty Boon traced

the path with his finger mapping the approach in his mind how far from the main house 80 M you'll pop up near the Garden Terrace close to the service entrance less security there Castillo doesn't think anyone's getting in that way Boon smirked that's his first mistake roas continued once you're inside you've got 30 minutes before the meeting starts Castillo's lieutenants will be drinking celebrating they won't expect an attack you take them out fast you leave no survivors then you get to the xfill point there's an Old Logging Road two clicks east No cameras no checkpoints

I'll have a vehicle waiting Boon nodded and if I miss the window Rass gave a dry chuckle then you better pray you run faster than bullets Boon grabbed the rifle slinging it over his shoulder then pocketed extra ammunition he was ready everything was set roas clapped him on the back time to go the king doesn't know it yet but his Reign Ends Tonight Boon adjusted his vest feeling the weight settle against his chest he had spent his life walking into fights that weren't supposed to be won and he had walked out of every single one

tonight would be no different with one last breath he stepped into the night the jungle swallowing him whole the hunt was on Boon Moved Through the Jungle like a shadow his breath steady each step measured the compound ahead glowing against the thick wall of trees Castillo's men patrolled in predictable rotations their movements slow unhurried they had spent too long believing the walls around them made them safe that belief was the opening Boon needed keeping low he approached the north perimeter where roas had told him about the old drainage tunnels through the vines and overgrowth the

entrance was barely visible a rusted grate left forgotten at the base of the Hill No cameras no motion sensors just Castillo's overconfidence keeping it unguarded Boon crouched gripping the metal testing its strength it was weak corroded from years of disuse he slipped a crowbar from his vest wedging it between the hinges and pressing forward the metal groaned softly before giving way he caught the Great before it could fall lowering it into the dirt then stilled above him the quiet murmur of voices two guards speaking in low Spanish the flick of a lighter breaking the silence

Boon waited listening to their conversation shift toward something casual something relaxed he climbed up through the tunnel entrance moving quickly through the Shadows the moment passed without disturbance He adjusted the straps on his vest glancing toward the Garden Terrace ahead it led directly to the side entrance of the main house from here he could see the courtyard the men stationed near the entrance the grand staircase that led to the second floor where Castillo and his lieutenants were gathered music played softly from the open balcony doors glasses clinked together voices carried through the night sticking close

to the wall Boon slipped through a break in the security his movements quick but unhurried the side entrance was unguarded security focused on the front where most of the activity was he pressed against the door listening then turned the handle and stepped inside the hallway stretched before him lined with paintings expensive vases the kind of wealth meant to impress a distant hum of conversation drifted from the main hall but the corridor itself was empty Boon moved quickly boots soundless against the marble passing doorways listening for any sign of moving movement two men walked past an

intersecting hallway talking their attention elsewhere Boon stepped into a darkened Al Cove waiting the moment passed unnoticed he continued toward the staircase his Focus sharp his breathing even at the top a set of double doors led to the main meeting room inside Castillo and his inner circle were drinking speaking in tones of certainty unaware of the shift in their fate Boon exhaled slowly he had had spent years fighting other people's battles tonight he was ending his own Boon took the stairs slowly each step deliberate the weight of the rifle steady in his grip the thick

wooden doors loomed ahead muffling the voices inside Castillo's lieutenants were drinking laughing oblivious the air was charged the tension building like the seconds before a storm Boon moved to the side of the frame pressing against the cool Stone wall exhaling slowly his mind worked through the next few moments the first few seconds were critical Control the Chaos eliminate threats make sure Castillo didn't have time to disappear behind bulletproof steel the man would run he wasn't the type to fight not up close not without an army between him and danger Boon had no intention of giving

him that chance reaching into his vest he pulled out a compact concussive charge no bigger than a deck of cards not meant to kill meant to disorient he placed it just above the door handle then stepped back rolling his shoulders he had done this before in different places under different circumstances but the outcome was always the same the countdown in his head hit zero he pressed the Detonator the charge ignited with a sharp crack the wooden doors blowing inward dust and splinters kicking up as the room erupted in noise Boon was through them before the

smoke settled rifle up eyes scanning the first man closest to the door had just started to turn when Boon fired one shot clean the second man fumbled for his weapon knocked off balance by the explosion Boon put two rounds in his chest before he could pull the trigger the room plunged into chaos Castillo's lieutenants scrambled chairs scraping against the floor glasses toppling shouts of confusion turning into to curses a few went for weapons Boon moved fast another shot another body slamming into the dining table knocking over a half empty bottle of whiskey across the room

Castillo was still seated his hand gripping the edge of the table his eyes were sharp calculating he hadn't moved yet he was watching measuring Boon could see the gears turning in his head the slow realization that this wasn't some botched security breach this was per personal Boon stepped forward slow controlled the muzzle of his rifle sweeping across the room keeping the remaining men Frozen in place he could feel the shift the weight of inevitability settling over them Castillo exhaled through his nose adjusting his cuff forcing a smirk onto his face I have to admit I

didn't see this coming Boon didn't respond he took another step forward his boots crunching against broken glass Castillo leaned back in his chair St studying him they told me you died in grey Stone Boon kept the rifle steady they should have tried harder the smirk on Castillo's face didn't waver but Boon saw the way his fingers twitched against the wood of the table the way his gaze flickered toward the reinforced steel door on the far end of the room the Panic Room his only Escape Boon moved first a sudden burst of movement from his left

one of Castillo's men reaching for a pistol under his jacket Boon fired before the man could even clear the holster a sharp muffled crack and the body crumpled another chair scraped against the floor someone else shifting preparing for a desperate move don't Boon warned his voice flat the man hesitated then sat back slowly hands raised Castillo exhaled glancing at the body slumped near his feet then back at Boon you think killing me changes anything Boon tilted his head slightly I think it ends a lot of things Castillo chuckled shaking his head there's always another man

always someone waiting for the throne Boon took another step forward not this time Castillo studied him for a long moment you really believe that Boon didn't answer Castillo exhaled his smirk fading his fingers flexing slightly against the armrest then without warning he moved shoving the chair back pushing himself up lunging toward the Panic Room controls Boon reacted instantly he surged forward slamming into Castillo before the man could reach the biometric lock yanking him back and driving him into the wall castio grunted twisting trying to break free but Boon was Stronger he pinned him forearm pressed

hard against his chest keeping him trapped Castillo's breath was ragged but the glint in his eyes was still there defiant you won't make it out of here he muttered Boon leaned in slightly neither will you Castillo's smirk returned a fraction of what it had been you think I'm afraid to die Boon didn't blink no but I think you're afraid of what comes after the first flicker of Doubt crossed Castillo's face so subtle most wouldn't notice but Boon did for the first time Rodrigo Castillo knew he had lost Boon let the silence stretch then pulled him

away from the wall keeping his grip firm the fight had left Castillo's body but his mind was still racing still searching for some way out Boon wasn't going to give him one he turned him toward the wreckage of his Empire toward the bodies of the men who had protected him the remnants of a Kingdom built on the illusion of power This Is How It Ends Boon said quietly Castillo's jaw tightened his shoulders tensing Boon didn't hesitate one swift movement one final shot Castillo's body slumped forward hitting the ground with a dull thud the weight of

the moment settled over the room the empire was finished Boon exhaled slowly stepping over the wreckage already moving the compound would respond soon someone would come looking his window was closing time to disappear Boon moved fast stepping over the wreckage of Castillo's Empire his pulse steady even as the weight of what he' just done settled around him the smell of gunpowder and Spilled whiskey hung thick in the air mixing with the distant Echoes of alarms now blaring through the compound the guards outside would be scrambling confused some likely hesitating to act without orders that hesitation

wouldn't last long Boon had minutes maybe less before the full force of Castillo's security came down on the estate like a hammer he crossed the room his boots crunching over broken glass slipping a Fresh Magazine into his rifle as he approached the balcony doors the compound stretched below its manicured Gardens now a maze of moving shadows as men rushed toward the main house their radios crackling with frantic orders they knew something had gone wrong they just didn't know how bad Boon kept moving stepping out onto the Terrace scanning for the quickest Escape Route the grand

staircase leading down to the Courtyard was a no-go too exposed Too Many Eyes the perimeter walls were high but the jungle Beyond them was thick offering cover if he could get past the guards before they locked the place down then movement two figures rushing toward the staircase inside the house their boots heavy against the marble floor Boon pressed himself against the side of the doorway adjusting his grip on his rifle he didn't want a prolonged fight he needed out now the first man burst through the doorway weapon raised sweeping the room Boon moved first striking

hard and fast his rifle butt connecting with the man's jaw sending him staggering sideways the second barely had time to react before Boon drove a sharp elbow into his ribs knocking the air from his lungs he grabbed the man's vest yanked him forward then spun him around using his body as a shield as the first guard recovered gun raised a hesitation that's all Boon needed he shut the second man into the first their bodies tangling just long enough for Boon to break away sprinting toward the edge of the Terrace he vaulted over the railing landing

hard in the soft dirt below rolling with the impact before springing to his feet gunfire erupted behind him bullets snapped past tearing into the garden walls as he zigzagged through the foliage keeping his movements unpredictable shouts filled the air orders barked in Spanish the sound of more men rushing toward the chaos the compound was waking up Boon pushed harder weaving through the hedges his breathing controlled his Exit Plan was clear Head East slip past the patrols reached the Logging Road where roas had stashed the vehicle if he could make it there before the guards mobilized

a full perimeter lockdown he'd be gone before they even knew which direction to search the walls loomed ahead attend foot stretch of reinforced Stone topped with razor wire a guard Tower sat to the left but the spotlight wasn't fixed on this section another oversight another weakness Castillo had never thought to address Boon didn't slow he ran Full Tilt boots pounding against the dirt as he leapt catching the edge of the wall with both hands he hauled himself up fast muscles burning from the exertion his fingers barely avoiding the cruel bite of the wire he swung

a leg over dropped to the other side Landing in The Tall Grass just beyond the compound's border the jungle wrapped around him instantly thick dark safe he exhaled rolling his shoulders then started moving again cutting through the undergrowth pushing toward the extraction Point behind him the compound was a mess of shouts and alarms the confusion still spreading by the time they realized Castile was gone Boon would already be miles away he pressed forward each step taking him closer to the road to the waiting vehicle to the next phase of whatever life was waiting for him

Beyond this night he had done what he came to do the empire was finished now he just had to make sure he didn't get buried with it Boon Moved Through the Jungle with the Precision of a man who had spent a lifetime slipping into and out of places he wasn't supposed to be the dense foliage swallowed him whole the sounds of the compound fading behind him replaced by the hum of insects and the distant call of nocturnal creatures his boots pressed into damp Earth his breathing steady the rifle still warm in his hands he wasn't

out yet not until he was behind the wheel of that vehicle and on a road that led Anywhere But Here the Logging Road wasn't far now just another half mile through thick underbrush he kept his Pace controlled not running not rushing running made noise running made mistakes the jungle was a living thing and it would betray The Reckless a distant crack of a branch not an animal Boon didn't stop moving but his grip tightened on the rifle someone was following he shifted course slightly adjusting his angle toward a small incline that overlooked the road if

if they were tracking him they'd be expecting him to keep moving in a straight line he wasn't about to give them that he pressed low Against The Damp Earth listening counting his breaths another sound closer Boon turned his head just enough to catch movement through the trees a single figure moving cautiously weapon raised the man wasn't rushing he was hunting Boon exhaled centering himself the problem with being hunted was that most men never real realized when the roles had reversed he let the tracker move closer let him commit to the approach the man was good

quiet controlled taking his time Boon respected that but not enough to let him walk away he moved fast a sharp pivot in the dirt Rising just as the man passed his position a clean strike his arm locking around the guy's throat before he had time to react a struggle a desperate gasp then silence Boon eased the man to the ground checking for identifiers no cartel Insignia no standard issue gear this wasn't one of Castillo's men government Boon checked the body for radios weapons standard issue handgun a combat knife a tactical vest loaded with spare ammo

he exhaled slowly realization settling in this wasn't cleanup from the compound this was something else in entirely they weren't just letting him go they were watching Boon pressed a hand to his ribs feeling the steady rise and fall of his breath keeping his Focus whatever game they were playing it didn't change the objective get to the vehicle get clear he moved again cutting through the jungle keeping his steps deliberate his mind working through the implications if the government had men in the area that meant Graves had been expecting him to need to push maybe even

expecting him to fail that wasn't going to happen the trees thinned and there it was the road ras' SUV sat where it was supposed to engine off no sign of movement inside Boon slowed scanning the tree line the slope behind the vehicle no movement he moved forward one careful step at a time weapon still raised he reached the driver's side gripping the handle ready to swing in and punch the gas then he saw the reflection in the side mirror roas standing a few feet behind him hands in his pockets Boon didn't turn immediately keeping his

posture loose controlled I was expecting something a little smoother roas let out a low chuckle you made it didn't you Boon turned scanning the man's expression searching for anything that felt off roas looked calm casual like he had been waiting for Boon to show up with no doubt in his mind about the outcome you knew they'd be watching Boon said roas Shrugged they don't just let men like you walk away Boon they like Insurance Boon exhaled through his nose that what you are roas smirked I the guy making sure you get out of here in

one piece he nodded toward the road you're clear no more Tails no checkpoints Drive South cross the border and disappear Boon didn't move yet and then what ras' smirk faded slightly then you stop looking over your shoulder they're done with you Castillo is dead the cartel's eating itself alive and no one left breathing is asking for Revenge he met Boon's gaze this is as close to peace as you're ever going to get Boon let that settle for years his life had been dictated by missions by orders by Wars he hadn't started but had always found

himself finishing even in Greystone the fight had never really stopped but now there was nothing left to fight no enemies waiting in the dark no debts to be repaid just an open road and the promise of a life that belonged only to him Boon gave a slow nod then turned pulling the driver's side door open he slid in gripping the wheel feeling the cool leather beneath his fingers the engine rumbled to life low and steady roas stepped back giving him him space don't get yourself killed Boon Boon smirked Shifting the SUV into drive no promises

then he hit the gas the jungle fading behind him the road stretching into the unknown the road carried Boon South far beyond the reach of men who had once dictated his fate the highway gave way to smaller roads winding through quiet stretches of jungle then pasted Dusty Villages where street lights flickered dimly where people moved in SL slow easy rhythms unconcerned with the weight of the world beyond their borders he kept driving letting the night pull him deeper into the unknown until at last the city lights faded behind him and the coastline stretched wide and

endless ahead the house was small tucked away near the cliffs where the ocean met the rocks in a steady unbroken Rhythm it wasn't the kind of place someone like him was supposed to end up but then again life had never taken him where he was supposed to go Rojas had set it up clean paperwork a name that wasn't his but belonged to him now a property that would never be traced back to anything that mattered a place to disappear Boon parked the SUV stepping out into the thick salty air the world felt different here slower

quieter the tension that had gripped his muscles for years finally beginning to loosen he grabbed the duffel from the passenger seat slinging it over his shoulder as he walked toward the door it was unlocked no need for security out here no one was looking for him anymore inside the space was simple wood panel walls an old ceiling fan turning lazily overhead the scent of salt and aged Furniture lingering in the air a small kitchen a worn leather couch a bedroom with a window facing the see Boon dropped his bag near the door walking through the

space like a man feeling the edges of something unfamiliar something fragile he poured a drink dark and strong and stepped onto the small balcony overlooking the water the ocean stretched forever the waves rolling in a slow steady Rhythm unbothered by the chaos of men he took a sip the warmth of the alcohol settling in his chest and let his mind drift back through the years 15 years in the Navy a life spent on the edge of War moving through places most men only read about in headlines he had been good at it maybe too good

the missions the clear objectives the moments where survival had been the only currency that mattered but the war didn't end when the job did it followed men home lived in their bones waiting in the silence between assignments that was why he had taken the private jobs the security work the assignments that let him keep moving keep fighting because stopping meant thinking and thinking meant remembering then came the cartel job routine simple until it wasn't Boon had spent his life eliminating threats but he had never expected to become one Castillo had made sure of that the

setup had been perfect fake evidence paid Witnesses a trial that had been decided before it even started Ed Greystone had been the final move a death sentence slow and inevitable but Boon had never been the kind of man to die in a Cell the fights the alliances the slow war waged in the shadows of that prison he had learned to count time differently in Greystone not in days but in battles every night he survived was another move on the board another piece shifting in a game designed to break men but he hadn't broken and when

the time came when the opportunity presented itself he had taken it the men who had pulled him out hadn't done it out of kindness they had wanted something and Boon had given it to them Castillo was dead the empire was gone and Boon had walked away free he let out a slow breath rolling his shoulders letting the weight of it all settle he had spent so many years surviving that he had never stopped to consider what came came after the government had given him this place this new name this clean slate no debts no chases

no unfinished business for the first time in his life Boon had no war left to fight he took another sip of his drink the burn settling in his chest and let his gaze drift over the endless stretch of water the waves didn't care about the things he had done they didn't care about the men he had been before the choices he had made the blood on his hands the ocean just existed steady and unchanging maybe it was time for Boon to learn how to do the same he leaned back against the railing the wind carrying

the scent of salt and freedom and closed his eyes for the first time in years there was nothing left to do and maybe just maybe that was enough I hope you enjoyed that story please share it with your friends and subscribe so that you do not miss out on the next one in the meantime I have handpicked two stories for you that I think you will enjoy have a great day