Wife Hired Hitmen To Kill Her 'Simple Teacher' Husband. Didn't Know He Was An Elite Operative...

welcome to story tales please like this video And subscribe to story tales I hope you enjoy the story let's begin the red pen scratched methodically across the paper marking another historical date incorrect Callum Mercer suppressed a sigh as he worked through the stack of freshman history tests the question had been straightforward when did the Cuban Missile Crisis begin the student had written November 1962 a month too late such details mattered in history as in his other life timing was everything teaching wasn't just his cover he genuinely wanted his students to understand the significance of past

events those who didn't learn from history were doomed to repeat it Cal knew this better than most he'd seen the patterns repeat themselves across four continents in operations too classified to exist in any official record the grandfather clock in the corner of his home office ticked steadily marking time as the evening deepened its rhythmic sound reminded him of a heartbeat monitor in a hospital regular reliable until it wasn't outside his window the Denver Skyline glittered against the darkening Sky the mountains a looming Shadow beyond the city lights reflected off the fresh snow on his window

ledge creating dancing patterns that could almost hypnotize someone who didn't maintain constant situational awareness too anyone looking in they'd see nothing more than a dedicated teacher grading papers on a quiet Thursday night night his office appeared ordinary family photos on the walls academic certificates framed with care bookshelves lined with historical texts and teaching materials the scene was a perfect meticulously crafted over years they wouldn't see the reinforced window glass imperceptible unless you knew what to look for they wouldn't notice how the family photos were arranged to reflect movement in the hallway or that the antique

letter opener on his desk was actually a custommade throwing knife they wouldn't spot the concealed weapon in his desk drawer nor the surveillance equipment carefully hidden throughout the house and they certainly wouldn't guess that Callum Cal Mercer age 38 mild mannered history teacher was actually one of the cia's most effective Deep Cover operatives that he picked up another test paper noting the trembling handwriting that betrayed test anxiety K had learned to read people's handwriting the way others read faces shaky letters meant nervousness Sharp writing often indicated aggression Delilah's handwriting was elegant flowing perfect for the

love notes she used to leave in his lunch he hadn't seen one of those in months now at the time he' attributed it to the Natural Evolution of a 5-year marriage now he wondered if there had been other signs he missed the vibration of a phone against the kitchen counter broke his concentration not his phone Delila his wife had left it there when she'd gone upstairs to shower usually Cal wouldn't have given it a second thought private messages were private trust was the foundation of any marriage but something about the timing the way the device

buzzed insistently drew his attention the screen lit up from his position at the desk he could just make out the preview of a message don't worry baby once the Hitman take care of him the money and house are ours time seemed to crystallize the grandfather clocks ticking faded to silence the city lights Beyond his window blurred into a meaningless glow every Instinct honed through years of operations and survival sharpened to a knife's edge his pulse remained steady his breathing controlled but his mind accelerated to combat speed processing implications and possibilities with mechanical Precision Cal set

his red pin down with deliberate care his movements controlled despite the surge of adrenaline the message remained on the screen its words burning into mind his wife The Woman he' married 5 years ago after a whirlwind Romance the person he'd allowed closest to his carefully guarded life was plotting his murder the shower continued to run upstairs water drumming against tile in a rhythm he knew well Delilah always took long showers usually spending at least 20 minutes under the hot water she claimed it helped her think helped wash away the stress of her day he wondered

now what kinds of thoughts she'd been washing away moving silently till crossed to the kitchen counter years of training made his movements fluid predatory even now muscle memory kept him in the shadows avoiding the sight lines of Windows he picked up Delilah's phone quickly bypassing her security he'd memorized her passcode months ago a basic security measure that now proved crucial she changed it recently from their anniversary date to her mother's birthday another sign he should have noted the full message thread appeared weeks of conversation scrolling before his eyes everything set up with Marco's crew they're

professionals it'll look like a robbery gone wrong what about the insurance company will they investigate don't worry baby once the Hitman take care of him the money and house are ours each message hit like a physical blow but Cal's face remained impassive the last time he'd felt this level of betrayal he'd been in Damascus watching a trusted contact cell information to terrorists that man had disappeared Without a Trace now reading these messages Kel felt the same cold Fury building in his chest he scrolled methodically through weeks of exchanges his photographic memory capturing every detail the

messages painted a clear picture Delilah had been systematically emptying their joint accounts moving money in a hidden accounts she thought he couldn't Trace small amounts at first then larger transfers as she grew bolder she'd been meeting with someone named red vongh a name that triggered immediate recognition from Cal's intelligence background vongh was a low-level criminal with cartel connections the kind of man who thought himself far more clever than he actually was Cal had seen his type before ambitious enough to be dangerous not smart enough to survive long term the fact that Delilah was involved with

someone like him was almost insulting The Hitman they contracted were led by Marco Salazar a former cartel enforcer turned contract killer Cal knew the name Salazar had a reputation for brutality but also for sloppiness he left too many Loose Ends too many witnesses it was why he'd never risen higher in the cartel hierarchy in C's World Salazar was considered a blunt instrument useful for creating chaos but ultimately disposable the sound of the shower stopped pipes groaning in the walls Cal quickly memorized the relevant details from the messages then replaced the phone exactly as he'd found

it down to the millimeter by the time Delilah's footsteps sounded on the stairs he was back at his desk red pin in hand apparently absorbed in grating papers she appeared in the doorway wearing her favorite silk robe the dark blue one he bought her in Hong Kong last year her hair was wrapped in a towel skin still flushed from the hot water 5 years of marriage and he thought he knew every Nuance of her expression now he saw something else there a calculated warmth that did didn't quite reach her eyes a tension in her shoulders

that spoke of anticipation rather than affection still grating papers honey you work too hard her voice carried the same concern it always had but now he heard the false note in it like an instrument slightly Out Of Tune Kell looked up meeting her eyes he'd spent years perfecting his covers learning to project exactly what people expected to see now he let her see what she wanted a tired devoted husband slightly overwhelmed by his teaching duties these tests won't grade themselves he replied with a small smile how was your shower perfect she crossed the room her

bare feet silent on the hardwood floor leaning down she kissed his cheek and the scent of her expensive perfume the kind he bought her for their last anniversary wafted it over him don't stay up too late I won't he reached up catching her hand before she could pull away her skin was still warm from the shower as he pressed his lips to her knuckles I love you he felt it then the slight stiffening of her muscles the fraction of a second too long before she responded I love you too her pulse had quickened under his

fingers a physiological response she couldn't control that slight hesitation that acceleration of heartbeat confirmed everything Delilah pulled away heading for their bedroom Cal watched her go his expression unchanging even as his mind raced the woman he married the life they'd built together it had all been a lie or perhaps it had been real once before money and greed had corrupted it it didn't matter now in his world betrayal had only one answer that he turned back to the test papers red pin moving mechanically as he waited for her to fall asleep each wrong answer he

marked felt like another nail in the coffin of his old Life The Quiet Suburban existence the pleasant f of being just another high school teacher all of it would have to end but first he had work to do careful methodical work the hunt was about to begin once he was certain Delila was asleep ke pulled out his secure laptop from a hidden compartment in his desk the device wasn't issued by the CIA it was his personal insurance policy purchased through channels that couldn't be traced he learned early in his career That official resources could be

compromised better to have your own tools your own methods his fingers moved across the keyboard with practiced efficiency as he accessed databases most people didn't know existed the CIA credentials he used weren't His official ones those would leave too obvious a trail instead he used one of his ghost accounts created years ago for situations that required absolute discretion the first name he searched was red Von the database returned a comprehensive file that made Cal's jaw tighten with disgust multiple arrests but few convictions thanks to well-paid lawyers who always seemed to appear at exactly the right

moment the pattern was clear V had protection from somewhere high up but not high enough to keep him out of trouble entirely amateur Kel muttered scrolling through arrest records assault charges extortion attempts failed schemes that Rak of desperation vau had connections to several cels but was considered too unreliable for major operations recent activities showed mounting debts and growing pressure from his cartel contacts that a surveillance photo showed Von outside and known cartel front in downtown Denver he wore an expensive suit that couldn't quite hide his crude nature like putting cheap wine in an expensive bottle

the time stamp was from 3 weeks ago right around when the messages with Delilah had started Cal dug deeper pulling Financial records vaugh had been making regular deposits into an offshore account amounts that match withdrawals from one of Delilah's hidden accounts the correlation was obvious to anyone who knew where to look but something about the pattern bothered him you're not smart enough for this Kel whispered to Von's image someone's pulling your strings he switched his Focus to Marco Salazar the file that appeared made Von looked like a schoolyard bully by comparison former enforcer for the

scoa cartel Salazar had earned a reputation for excessive violence even by Cartel standards 3 years ago he' gone independent taking a crew crew of equally brutal men with him Kel studied the crime- scene photos from Salazar's previous jobs each one was staged to look like a robbery or home invasion gone wrong but the violence was always disproportionate excessive Salazar enjoyed his work too much to maintain true professional distance sloppy Cal noted examining the details of each case Salazar's crew relied on brutality rather than finesse they'd leave Witnesses alive but traumatized creating chaos that obscured their

true purpose it was effective in its own crude way but it left too many loose ends that a new window popped up on his screen an alert from one of his monitoring programs someone was accessing his life insurance policy records Cal traced the connection back to its source finding himself in a cheap motel security camera feed the image quality was poor but he could make out Delila sitting on a bed laptop open talking to someone off camera Cal enhanced the audio the motel's poor security no match for his equipment the policy's Ironclad Delilah was saying

25 million plus the house once it looks like a robbery gone wrong the insurance company won't ask questions they better not red vaugh stepped into frame his expensive suit wrinkled from the day Marco's crew doesn't come cheap and I've got people expecting their cut don't worry about the money Delilah's voice carried a confidence that made Cal's blood run cold everything's been arranged the accounts are ready once it's done we'll have more than enough to disappear Cal Switched Off the feed his expression hardened the pieces were falling into place the life insurance policy they'd upgraded 6

months ago the one Delilah had insisted on claiming she worried about his safety as a teacher in these troubled times the house in Denver's most exclusive neighborhood now fully paid off thanks to his CIA Consulting bonuses they thought they had planned everything perfectly a teacher with a large life insurance policy a home invasion gone wrong a grieving Widow too traumatized to answer many questions by the time anyone thought to look deeper Delilah and vau would be gone living off his death benefit in some country without extradition ke open another program one he'd written himself for

tracking Financial movements Delilah had been clever or someone had advised her well in how she'd move the money small amounts transferred over time converted through multiple accounts to most observers it would look like normal Financial activity but Cal had tracked money launderers who made her efforts look amateur within minutes he had mapped the entire Network accounts in the Cayman Islands shell companies in Panama a complex web of transfers designed to hide the true flow of funds it was sophisticated work for a high school teacher's wife and a low-level criminal there you are he murmured murmured

finding the pattern the structure was familiar he'd seen similar setups in cartel operations someone with real experience had helped design this someone well above V's pay grade the question was why what made a simple teacher's life insurance policy worth this level of attention a soft sound from upstairs caught his attention Cal quickly minimized his programs years of training making the movement automatic but it was just Aila turning over in her sleep her unconscious mind unaware that her carefully constructed plan was already unraveling Cal leaned back in his chair letting his mind process everything he'd learned

the Betrayal wasn't simple greed it was too elaborate too well planned someone had seen an opportunity using Delilah's dissatisfaction and V's desperation to set something bigger in motion but they made a crucial mistake they thought they were orchestrating a simple insurance scam eliminating an ordinary teacher for a decent payout instead they put themselves in the crosshairs of a ghost a man whose real skills and identity were classified at the highest levels ke pulled up one last file his own CIA service record or at least a version that existed in official databases pages of blackedout text

and redacted missions painted a picture of a highly effective operative who specialized in making problems disappear permanently the Grandfather Clock Struck midnight it's ch s echoing through the quiet house Cal began systematically erasing his digital Trail leaving no trace of his investigation let them think they still had the advantage let them believe their plan was proceeding perfectly the hunt wasn't just beginning the hunt had already begun and his targets didn't even know they were being stoed Cal reached for a secure phone a device different from both his everyday phone and a c issued one this

particular phone connected to a network few people knew existed accessible only to operatives who sometimes needed to work outside official channels he sent a single text to a number even few were possessed need to go dark personal matter no agency involvement the response came seconds later confirmed Ghost Protocol authorized happy Hunting a thin smile crossed his face as he deleted the messages the agency wouldn't interfere they trusted his judgment and as long as he kept civilian casualties to zero they would look the other way it was one of the benefits of being their most effective

operative they knew sometimes the cleanest Solutions happened off the books he pulled up the building plans for their house on his laptop studying them with new eyes the security system heat installed supposedly because of recent break-ins in the neighborhood would prove useful but not in the way Delila expected every camera every sensor had a backup that reported only to him when Marco's crew made their move he'd see them coming but first he needed to lay the groundwork Cal opened a new document and began mapping out his strategy with military Precision the plan formed in his

mind like a chess game each move calculated 20 steps ahead Marco Salazar's crew would be the first Target K had already identified their weaknesses through their previous jobs they followed patterns all predators did they like to study their targets for exactly 13 days before striking they preferred to attack between 2: and 4: in the morning they always entered through the back of the house assuming security would be weaker there Kell wrote a note install new motion sensors in the back Garden timer lights with irregular patterns let them think they were being clever staying in the

shadows those Shadows would belong to him next he detailed his approach to Red Von the man's cartel connections made him dangerous but also vulnerable K had dealt with similar situations in Mexico and Colombia a few well-placed pieces of information a few carefully orchestrated incidents and the cartels would take care of that problem for him he'd make it look like vau had been skimming money feeding information to Rivals the cartels had zero tolerance for disloyalty K paused his cursor blinking on the screen Delila his wife the woman who thought she could betray him and profit from

his death her punishment would need to be special watching everything fall apart Peace by peace before she understood the full magnitude of her mistake personal connections are weaknesses his CIA trainer had told him years ago there's strings that others can pull K had nodded agreed and then gone ahead and married Delilah anyway he thought he could have both lives the Deep Cover operative and the loving husband now he knew better love was indeed a weakness but hatred hatred could be a strength he began writing again detailing how he would dismantle Delilah's world first her hidden

accounts would mysteriously empty the money Vanishing into digital black holes then her carefully forged documents the on she planned to use for her Escape would be flagged in every database that mattered finally her allies would turn against her each believing she had betrayed them the Grandfather Clock Struck One then two Cal worked steadily each detail meticulously planned this wasn't just about revenge it was about sending a message anyone who thought they could cross him would learn the cost that he was making final adjustments to his timeline when he heard soft footsteps on the stairs Cal

quickly closed his programs pulling up a student's essay on his screen instead Delila appeared in the doorway wrapped in their bed sheet baby please come to bed she said her voice carrying just the right note of sleepy concern those papers can wait until tomorrow Kel turned to look at her standing there in the dim light she was beautiful he couldn't deny that her dark hair fell in waves around her shoulders her skin pale in the Moonlight streaming through the window 5 years ago that sight would have taken his breath away now he saw her differently

a predator wearing the skin of prey you're right he said standing in stretching as if tired I lose track of time when I'm grading Delilah smiled holding out her hand hand that's why you need me to remind you there's more to life than work Cal took her hand noting how perfectly she played her role he wondered if she'd always been this good at Deception or if she'd learned it during their marriage either way she was about to learn she was still an amateur compared to him they walked upstairs together her body warm against his side

in their bedroom she curled up under the covers while he changed for bed the routine was so normal so familiar but underneath the surface off everything had shifted I've been thinking Delila murmured as he slid under the covers we should take a trip soon maybe that cabin in the Rockies you've been talking about Cal's mind instantly recognized the suggestion for what it was they were already planning the location for his murder the cabin would be isolated perfect for staging a robbery gone wrong he pulled her close pressing a kiss to her Temple that sounds perfect

he replied I could use a break from teaching she relaxed again against him probably pleased that he'd taken the bait so easily within minutes her breathing deepened into sleep Cal lay awake holding his wouldbe murderer and felt nothing but cold determination the time for love was over now it was time for Revenge the Eastern sky was beginning to lighten when Kel finally closed his eyes through the window he could see the first hints of dawn touching the Rocky Mountains it looked like the beginning of any other day in Denver but for Cal Mercer it was

the dawn of a hunt and like any good Hunter he would be patient methodical precise after all Revenge was a lesson best taught slowly and he had always been an excellent teacher that I es daon approached ke returned to his office sleep wasn't an option not with his mind running combat protocols he needed to finalize his preparations to ensure every aspect of his response was perfect opening his laptop again he began constru ing detailed profiles of each player in this deadly game Marco Salazar's file came first Cal pulled up surveillance photos from various cartel operations

studying the man's methods Salazar had a pattern when he killed he liked to make examples of his targets the brutality wasn't just violence it was messaging Cal could use that he began writing a psychological profile Salazar operates on fear he doesn't just want to kill he wants to terrify this makes him predictable he'll want to make my death spectacular which means he'll take risks those risks will be his weakness Cal opened another document mapping out Salazar's crew each member had a history vulnerabilities he could exploit Jace Riggins Salazar second in command had a gambling problem

Miguel Torres had a sister he was putting through college Victor Kane had been flipping information to rival cartels every piece of information was a weapon in Cal's Arsenal that he began crafting a series of events that would set them against each other a whispered word here a suspicious transaction there by the time they came for him their crew would be riddled with paranoia and distrust moving on to Rhett Von's file Cal's lip curled and disgust the man was a study in mediocrity turned malicious his criminal record showed escalating violence but always with an edge of

desperation C recognized the type someone who blamed the world for his fail faur who thought he deserved more than he'd earned your cartel connections make you feel powerful Cal murmured studying V's recent activities let's see how powerful you feel when they turn on you he began composing emails each one designed to look like intercepted Communications one would suggest V was working with Federal authorities another would show evidence of skim profits the timestamps would be perfect the digital fingerprints untraceable when he was was done every cartel contact would believe V had betrayed them but it was

Delilah's betrayal that required the most detailed planning Kel pulled up their wedding photo studying her face she was laughing in the image champagne glass raised in celebration he remembered that day perfectly the way she'd looked at him during their vows the softness in her eyes when she'd said I do all lies or perhaps not at first Cal considered their relationship timeline looking for the moment everything changed the insurance policy increased 6 months ago stood out but there had to be earlier signs he began reviewing their joint accounts tracking changes in spending patterns there it was

eight months ago regular withdrawals began from their savings account small amounts at first barely noticeable but they aligned perfectly with V's deposits into his offshore accounts that was when it started when his wife began plotting his death Kell opened a new document and began mapping out Delilah's World her friends her social connections her routine everything that made her feel secure each element would be systematically dismantled her hidden accounts wouldn't just be emptied they would be exposed anonymous tips would link her to various criminal Enterprises her carefully maintained social status would crumble but first he needed

to establish his cover as the oblivious husband Kell pulled up his teaching schedule adding notes about up coming lectures and assignments he continued grading papers attending faculty meetings coaching the debate team every aspect of his public life would remain perfectly normal he created a new email draft to the principal requesting time off for a romantic getaway to the cabin the wording was carefully chosen enthusiastic but not overly so mentioning how he and Delila needed time to reconnect it would establish his Alibi while reinforcing the image of a devoted husband next Cal began preparing the cabin

itself he pulled up satellite imagery studying the surrounding terrain the location was remote accessible by only one main road Delila and vau would see this isolation as an advantage they wouldn't realize he'd already begun modifying the property that he accessed the cabin security system through a hidden server every camera every sensor had been upgraded over the past year each Improvement disguised as routine maintenance he' added thermal imaging motion detectors and sound monitors that reported directly to his secure devices the entire property was a surveillance web waiting to be activated Kel opened his weapon cache inventory

each hiding spot in the cabin contained specialized equipment devices that would allow him to monitor every conversation track every movement he'd hidden them months ago telling Delilah he was just doing routine repairs even then some part of him had been preparing for Trail always have a contingency plan his CIA trainer had taught him then have a contingency for your contingency he began writing protocols for different scenarios each one meticulously planned if they sent Scouts ahead he'd feed them false information about his routine that if they tried to hack the security system they'd access a dummy

Network while his real surveillance continued that if they brought in additional crew members he had protocols to isolate and eliminate them without alerting the others each plan was de detailed precise but flexible enough to adapt to changing circumstances this wasn't just about survival it was about control total absolute control over every aspect of what was to come K checked his watch almost time for his morning routine to begin soon he'd need to shower dress and drive to school maintaining the perfect image of a dedicated teacher his students would see the same Mis immerser they always

did patient engaged passionate about history but beneath that facade something else was emerging the ghost the operative who had eliminated threats across four continents was Awakening this wasn't a CIA Mission with Rules of Engagement and oversight this was personal and the Only Rule was simple they would all pay for their betrayal Kell began shutting down his systems erasing all traces of his night's work as he closed the final file his phone buzzed with a message from Delilah have a great day at school school honey love you he smiled coldly at the message let her play

her role let them all think their plan was proceeding perfectly they didn't realize that every move they made every step they took toward their goal was actually leading them into his trap the sun had fully risen now painting the Rocky Mountains in shades of gold and pink Cal stood at his office window watching Denver come alive below to the rest of the world this was just another beautiful morning but for him it was the beginning of something else a carefully orchestrated Symphony of Revenge that would end with a lesson none of them would live to

remember time to teach he whispered straightening his tie but the real lessons the ones Written in Blood and betrayal were still to come the Mountain Road curved sharply as Cal guided their SUV higher into the Rockies beside him Delilah gazed out the window at the snow covered Peaks her face a perfect mask of contentment she'd been particularly affectionate this morning making his favorite breakfast touching his arm laughing at his jokes if he hadn't known better he might have believed her act the trees are so beautiful with the snow she said reaching over to squeeze his

hand this weekend is exactly what we need Cal squeezed back noting how her pulse quickens slightly at the contact you're right no phones no grading no distractions just Us in the fireplace Delilah added with a smile remember last time how we sat there talking until midnight I remember Co kept his voice warm Pleasant that night had been 6 months ago right around the time she'd first contacted red vongh he wondered if she'd been planning his death even then the cabin came into view as they rounded the final Bend two stories of rough hee logs and

wide Windows it looked like the perfect romantic getaway what Delilah didn't know was that every inch of the property had been prepared for tonight's inevitable confrontation home sweet home Kel said pulling into the gravel driveway he grabbed their bags from the trunk while Delilah unlocked the front door the sent of Pine and would polish greeted them he'd had the place cleaned recently ostensibly as a surprise for Herman side Delila immediately went to the thermostat it's freezing in here I'll get the Heat going if you want to start the fire good plan Cal carried their bags

upstairs using the moment alone to activate his surveillance system through his watch the hidden cameras came online one by one giving him eyes on every approach to the cabin the thermal sensors were already picking up movement in the tree line Marco's men doing their preliminary sweep when he came back downstairs delilo was in the kitchen unpacking groceries wi with dinner she called out I brought that red you love sounds perfect Cal began arranging logs in the massive stone fireplace positioning them precisely how he wanted them the wood pile beside the Hearth contained three specially treated

logs that would produce Thick Smoke when burned useful for obscuring infrared vision the afternoon passed in a careful dance of normaly they cooked together Delila chopping vegetables while Cal marinated the steaks they talked about his students her work plans for the summer anyone watching would have seen a happy couple enjoying their weekend away but Cal noticed everything the way Delilah checked her phone when she thought he wasn't looking the slight Tremor in her hands as evening approached the way she positioned herself away from the windows as the sun began to set casting Long Shadows through

the trees Delila opened the wine should we sit by the fire let me get glasses Cal replied heading to the kitchen through the window he caught movement a shadow that wasn't cast by trees Marco's men were getting into position that he returned with the glass settling onto the couch beside Delilah she curled against him her head on his shoulder the fire crackled sending Shadows dancing across the walls it was almost peaceful Cal Delilah's voice was soft are you happy he turned to look at her studying her face in the fire light of course I am

why do you ask sometimes I worry she traced a finger along his arm you work so hard giving everything to your students I just want you to have everything you deserve the double meaning in her words might have gone unnoticed if he hadn't known better Cal pressed a kiss to her forehead feeling her slight Flinch you don't need to worry about me a twig snapped outside loud enough to be deliberate Delilah tensed against him did you hear that she asked her voice carefully concerned probably just a dear Co kept his tone casual they come down

from the higher elevations this time of year Lila stood smoothing her sweater I'll get more wine as soon as she left the room Cal activated the cabin's exterior lights through his phone the sudden illumination would disrupt any night vision equipment Marco's men were using he heard muffled curses from outside at least three distinct voices that Delilah's footsteps hurried down the hallway not toward the kitchen but toward the back door Cal smiled coldly right on schedule the first shots came through the front windows glass sh Bing inward C was already moving flipping the heavy Oak coffee

table for cover more shots followed systematic and precise they were trying to drive him toward the back of the cabin where more of their team would be waiting Cal Delila screamed from somewhere near the back door her voice carried just the right note of Terror she'd missed her calling she could have been an actress that a shadow moved past one of the broken windows Cal reached under the couch retrieving the weapon he had hidden there months ago The Familiar weight felt comfortable in his hands these men were used to terrorizing civilians not engaging with trained

operatives that mistake would cost them dearly check the back a Gruff voice commanded from outside don't let him slip away Cal moved silently through the Shadows using the smoke from his treated logs to obscure his movements the first attacker came through the shattered window weapon raised Cal strike was quick precise the man dropped without a sound that a second man entered through the side door sweeping the room with his rifle house is clear on this side he called out moving to the rest of his sentence was lost as Cal's knife found his throat two down

the smoke was thicker now filling the cabin with gray tendrils that would play Havoc with their thermal imaging something's wrong a voice said from outside C's not responding spread out find him Cal moved to the kitchen keeping low through the window he could see figures moving in the yard their formations growing more erratic as uncertainty set in these weren't the disciplined killers they pretended to be they were Thugs who relied on intimidation and Superior numbers that a burst of gunfire tore through the kitchen cabinets Cal rolled coming up behind the island heavy boots approached the

back door he's just a teacher someone shouted how is he the man's words cut off as Cal's shot found him the body fell halfway through the door doorway causing the others to hesitate that hesitation was all Cal needed that he moved through the house like a ghost using years of training and experience each movement was calculated each shot precise these men were used to being the hunters they didn't know how to handle becoming prey that a figure burst through the front door Jace Riggins Salazar's second in command he got off two wild shots before Cal's

bullet caught him in the shoulder Riggins went down crawling backward his eyes wide with Terror holy Riggins gasped blood seeping between his fingers where he clutched his wound we were sent to kill a ghost Cal emerged from the Shadows weapon trained on rigan's head who hired you vaugh red vaugh Riggins coughed spitting blood said it was an easy job insurance scam just some teacher what about the woman she she set it up gave us the layout security codes said she'd make it look like a robbery rigan's eyes darted around searching for escape what the are

you C's expression remained impassive get up what get up and crawl away tell Salazar what happened here rigan stared at him in disbelief you're letting me live I'm sending a message Cal's voice was cold tell them who they're dealing with tell them what's coming rigan scrambled to his feet clutching his wounded shoulder he stumbled toward the tree leaving a trail of blood in the snow Cal watched him go counting in his head five men down one messenger sent the hunt was proceeding exactly as planned that he turned back to the cabin somewhere inside delilo was

waiting probably wondering why her perfect plan had gone so wrong it was time for their next conversation one that would begin stripping away her carefully constructed lies the Knight was still young and he had so many lessons left to teach the cabin Creek in the mountain wind glass crunching under Cal's boots as he moved through the wreckage smoke from the treated logs still hung in the air mixing with a sharp scent of gunpowder he found Delila in the kitchen crouched behind the granite Island her eyes were wide but he noticed her breathing was too controlled

for genuine Terror cows she launched herself at him arms wrapping around his neck oh God I was so scared what happened who were those men he let her hold him feeling her heart racing against his chest even now she was playing her role perfectly it's okay he said softly you're safe now Delila pulled back her hands running over his chest as if checking for injuries we need to call the police those men they try to kill me Cal's voice remained gentle but his eyes had gone cold that was the plan wasn't it she froze her

hands still on his chest what I don't understand really Cal walked to the broken window glass crunching under his feet should we talk about the life insurance policy or your meetings with rvon or maybe the money you've been moving offshore Delilah's expression shifted fear giving way to calculation she stepped back putting the kitchen island between them how long have you known long enough Cal turned to face her the text message was sloppy you should have been more careful with your phone a bitter laugh escaped her lips careful I spent months being careful planning every detail

making sure everything was perfect her mask was falling away completely now do you know what it's like being married to a ghost the perfect husband who's never really there I gave you everything Kel said his voice deadly quiet a life most people only dream about you gave me a lie Delilah's composure cracked the devoted teacher the simple lie it never felt real I saw it in your eyes sometimes this other person hiding beneath the surface I knew there was more Cal moved toward her his steps measured so you decided to have me killed take the

insurance money and run away with a two bit criminal Rhett sees me for who I am she lifted her chin defiantly he doesn't hide behind masks no he hides behind the cartels tell me did he mention what they'll do when they find out this job went wrong how they handle failure something flickered in Delilah's eyes the first real fear he'd seen you don't understand we had it all planned the robbery gone wrong The Grieving Widow the perfect insurance scam Cal's smile was cold except you chose the wrong target those men weren't hunting a teacher they

were hunting a ghost what are you Delila whispered someone who trusted you Cal's voice carried no emotion now that was my mistake but you made a bigger one you thought you could betray me and profit from it she backed away her hip bumping the counter what are you going to do nothing yet Cal picked up a Shard of broken glass turning it to catch the Fire Light first you're going to watch everything fall apart your hidden accounts your escape plans your precious R all of it will crumble and you'll understand exactly what you've done you're

insane Delilah breathed but he heard the Tremor in her voice no I'm methodical Kel set the glass down carefully you wanted to know who I really am you're about to find out a sound from outside made Delila jump red and blue lights began flashing through the broken windows local police right on schedule someone must have heard the gunshots Kel said conversationally time to play your role one last time the terrified wife the failed home invasion make it convincing and if I tell them the truth Cal's laugh was soft and dangerous about hiring him in about

the insurance fraud or maybe about the offshore accounts go ahead I'm sure the police would be very interested Delilah's shoulders slumped as she realized her position she was trapped and they both knew it the sound of car doors slamming echoed from outside Mr Mercer Mrs Mercer a voice called out this is the sheriff's department is everyone all right in there in here Cal called back his voice car ing just the right note of relieve tension we're okay there were Intruders but they're gone now he turned back to Delila his voice dropping to a whisper Showtime

darling don't disappoint me the police interview lasted 2 hours Cal played his part perfectly the shocked teacher who'd managed to drive off The Intruders through sheer luck Delila performed admirably too clinging to him her voice shaking as she described their terrifying ordeal you were lucky the sheriff said closing his notebook these mountains can be dangerous lots of desperate people looking for empty vacation homes to Rob we understand Kel replied holding Delila close I think we'll head back to Denver tonight my wife needs to rest after the police left Delila pulled away from him her eyes

were hard now all pretense gone you think you've won this isn't about winning Cal began Gathering their belong belongings this is about consequences you chose this path now you'll see where it leads Rhett won't let this go she warned he has connections to the cartels Cal's smile was predatory the same cartels who don't tolerate failure to eliminate loose ends I wonder how they'll react when they learn about tonight understanding dawned in Delilah's eyes you let one of them live the one who was shot Jace Riggins Marco Salazar's right-hand man by now he's telling them all

about the ghost they were sent to kill about how their perfect plan fell apart Cal zipped up their bag how do you think they'll respond you're going to get us all killed no Kell corrected her I'm going to watch as everything you built comes crashing down the money the connections the escape plans all of it and when you have nothing left when you're truly desperate then we'll discuss consequences they drove back to Denver in Silence the mountain Road was dark Moonlight catching on patches of snow Delila stared out the window her face reflected in the

glass the perfect mask she'd worn for so long was gone replaced by something harder more desperate Co kept his eyes on the road but his mind was already moving to the next phase Marco Salazar would react soon demanding answers rvon would Panic probably try to run the cartels would start asking questions and Delila his wife his betrayer would watch helplessly as her carefully constructed World imploded The Haunt wasn't over it was evolving 3 days after the cabin incident Marco Salazar sat in his private office above a downtown Denver nightclub listening to Jace riggin's report the

wounded man's face was pale his injured shoulder heavily bandaged a ghost Salazar repeated his voice dangerously quiet you're telling me we were sent to kill a ghost you weren't there Marco sweat be on rigan's forehead the way he moved this wasn't some teacher he took out the whole team like they were nothing five of my best men Salazar's fingers drummed on his desk for a simple insurance job Von set us up Riggins insisted he had to know what we were walking into before Salazar could respond his phone bust the message contained a video file surveillance

footage from the cabin the timestamp showed the entire operation from multiple angles they watched in silence as their team was systematically destroyed who sent this Salazar demanded that a second message appeared red vongh doesn't tell you everything does he across town C watched their reaction through the nightclub security cameras he'd hacked the seeds of Doubt were planted now to water them with blood that he checked his watch in exactly 4 minutes Miguel Torres one of Salazar's surviving men would leave the gym where he trained K had been studying their routine teens learning their patterns Torres

was predictable always taking the same route home right on schedule Torres emerged from the gym jimm bag slung over his shoulder Cal watched from his parked car as the man walked to his vehicle just before Torres reached for his car door Cal's burner phone rang hello Torres answered confusion clear in his voice check your email Kel said the one about your sister's College tuition Torres froze who is this someone who knows the cartel doesn't pay you enough to cover her education someone who knows you've been skimming from Salazar's accounts to make up the difference how

did you in about 30 seconds Salazar will receive proof of your theft unless unless what torres's voice cracked tell me everything about V's operation every detail you know about his deal with my wife Torres looked around frantically but he couldn't spot Cal's position I can't Salazar will kill me he's going to kill you anyway once he sees those records but I can offer you a way out money for your sister's education a new identity a fresh start a long pause followed Cal could see torres's internal struggle playing across his face the woman your wife Torres

finally said she contacted v 6 months ago said she had a perfect setup for an insurance scam but vau he saw an opportunity for something bigger keep talking he's been using this job to prove himself to the cartel promised him he could deliver something valuable not just the insurance money something about classified information Cal's fingers tightened on the phone so that was it they hadn't just been after the insurance payout they'd hoped to find evidence of his real identity his CIA connections that explained the cel's involvement in what should have been a simple scam thank

you Miguel Cal's voice was nearly calm your sister's tuition is paid for the next 3 years there's a packet in your gym bag with everything you need for a new life I suggest you use it quickly what about Salazar don't worry about Salazar he'll be too busy to look for you Cal ended the call then sent the financial records to Salazar he watched through his surveillance feed as the cartel leader received them his face contorting with rage Torres was already running disappearing into the city with his chance at New Life Point one more piece eliminated

from the board that Cal's next Target was Victor Kane Salazar's demolitions expert the man had been absent from the cabin attack but Cal's intelligence suggested he was the link between vaugh and the cartel time to sever that connection that he found Cain at his usual bar drowning his nerves in Cheap whiskey the man had been on edge since the cabin jumping at Shadows he knew something was coming he just didn't know from where Kel slid onto the bar stool next to him Victor Cain the man who sells cartel Secrets kan's hand froze halfway to his

glass who the are you someone who knows about your side deals the information you've been feeding to rival cartels the real reason you stayed away from the cabin that night I don't know what you're talking about Cain's voice was steady but his eyes darted toward the exit no Cal pulled out his phone playing a recording of Kane's recent conversation with a rival cartel member should we ask Salazar what he thinks cun's face went pale what do you want tell me about V's real plan the one involving CIA intelligence it was supposed to be simple Cain

whispered taking a long drink the woman said her husband was hiding something said he disappeared sometimes had secure calls we couldn't Trace Von thought he thought if we could find proof of CIA connections the cartel would finally take him seriously and my wife was she part of this bigger plan Cain laughed bitterly she just wanted you dead and her money didn't care about the rest but vau he saw an opportunity used her desire for Revenge to set up something bigger Cal nodded slowly one last question where is vau meeting Salazar tonight I can't kan's protest

cut off as C's hand closed around his wrist applying precise pressure to nerve points the old Warehouse came gasped down by the river midnight Cal released him good choice now about those rival cartel connections please Cain begged if Salazar finds out he already knows Cal stood straightening his jacket I sent him the proof an hour ago I run if I were you but we both know you won't make it far he left Kan at the bar Terror etched on his face by morning the man would be dead another loose end eliminated by Salazar's increasingly paranoid

organization Keel checked his watch 3 hours until the midnight meeting time to prepare for the next phase of his hunt vaugh and Salazar together it was an opportunity too perfect to waste his phone buzzed with a message from Delila we need to talk please Cal smiled coldly let her worry let her watch as every piece of her plan crumbled her time would come but first he had an appointment by the river the hunt was reaching its Climax and blood would flow tonight the old Warehouse loomed against the Denver Skyline its weathered brick walls dark against

the midnight sky Cal watched from the shadows as two black SUVs pulled into the loading Bay right on schedule through his thermal scope he counted six heat signatures Salazar's remaining men plus vau and Salazar himself that he'd already surveyed the building thoroughly every exit every hiding spot every possible angle of attack had been mapped and memorized the warehouse's security camera is now fed directly to his phone giving him eyes on every corner of the building Von emerged from the first SUV his expensive suit wrinkled from nervous sweat even from this distance Keel could see the

man's agitation in his jerky movements the failed cabin hit had shaken his confidence and now his cartel connections were questioning his judgment Salazar stepped out of the second vehicle flanked by his remaining guards his usual Swagger was gone replaced by coiled tension the loss of his men had hit him hard but worse was the growing suspicion that he'd been played Cal activated the directional microphone he planted earlier their voices coming through his earpiece with Crystal Clarity this is falling apart vau was saying pacing nervously we need to move now before before what Salazar's voice was

deadly quiet before I discover more of your lies tell me about the teacher Rett tell me what you knew I didn't know anything the woman said he was just a teacher Rich insurance policy isolated cabinet should have been simple simple Salazar grabbed Von's collar slamming him against the wall five of my best men are dead C disappeared Torres is gone and now I hear Whispers that you've been planning something bigger something involving CIA intelligence V's eyes widened who told you I did Cal's voice echoed through the warehouse speaker system he'd hacked it earlier along with

the building's electrical grid time for True thre tell Marco what you really had planned the Lights Went Out plunging the warehouse Into Darkness emergency lights cast sickly red Shadows across the concrete floor it's him one of Salazar's men whispered the ghost find him Salazar shoved vau aside drawing his weapon Now cal moved silently through the upper catwalks watching through his night vision as the men below scattered amateur moves splitting up would only make them easier to eliminate the teacher CIA vau shouted into the darkness Deep Cover operative the wife confirmed it said he had secure

Communications unexplained absences think about it Marco with proof of his identity we could have sold that information for millions and you didn't think to tell me this before sending my men to die Salazar's voice was Ice would you have believe me a teacher with a perfect cover living right here in Denver it was too perfect an opportunity Cal dropped behind one of Salazar's men his knife finding the gap between Kevlar plates the body crumpled silently for left you used me Salazar growled use my crew for your game the insurance money was just the beginning vau

pleaded once we had proof of his identity another guard went down a gat wire ending his protest before they began three the woman Salazar said you're lover where is she now safe hidden once this is done the lights suddenly Blaze back on Cal stood on the catwalk above them his weapon trained on the group below Salazar's remaining men raised their guns but their hands shook she's not as hidden as you think Kel said conversationally and she's not as loyal as you believe should we show them the other messages Rhett the ones where she promise Salazar

a bigger cut if he eliminated you after the job V's face went pale she wouldn't she would just like she planned to eliminate me Delilah doesn't love anyone except money Cal's smile was cold now about those CIA connections you were hoping to expose please V raised his hands we can make a deal whatever you want I want you to deliver a message Cal's voice hardened to everyone who thought they could profit from my death is first shot took down one of Salazar's remaining men the second followed instantly one left Salazar fired upward but cow was

already moving he dropped to ground level emerging behind them like a shadow made flesh you're right about one thing Kel said I'm not just a teacher want to see what I really am What followed was a demonstration of violence so precise so clinical that it barely looked real Salazar's last man tried to run making it three steps before falling Salazar himself managed to get off two more shots before Cal disarmed him with mechanical efficiency please Salazar gasped clutching his broken arm the cartels they'll want revenge no they won't Cal's voice was calm because officially this

was a deal gone wrong rival cartel territory dispute by morning the evidence will be perfectly clear he turned to Von who had backed himself into a Corner as for you wait V's composure shattered completely the woman your wife she has files evidence about you if anything happens to me you mean these files ke held up a phone displaying documents he'd already recovered the one she kept is insurance I found those days ago would you like to know what else I found V's eyes darted between Cal and Salazar looking for escape and finding none the cartel

money you've been skimming the side deals with their Rivals the evidence is already in their hands Cal's smile was terrible to behold you didn't just fail them red you betrayed them no understanding dawned in V's eyes yes Cal stepped back Mr Salazar I believe this is cartel business now I'll leave you to it he walked away as Salazar Advanced on vaugh Vengeance replacing pain in his eyes the sounds that followed would ensure the message was clear to anyone else who thought of Crossing him outside ke made an anonymous call to police about gunfire at the

warehouse by morning they'd find a scene that told the story he wanted told a cartel deal gone wrong multiple casualties nothing to suggest anything more than criminal violence that he checked his phone one message from Delila whatever you're doing please stop we can talk about this Cal smiled coldly as he drove away from the warehouse she learned soon enough that talking was over over her conspirators were eliminated her plans destroyed her options gone now was time for the final lesson one week after the warehouse incident Delila sat in her Mercedes outside Denver National Bank staring

at her phone's banking app in disbelief every account even the hidden one she thought untraceable showed the same balance zero her fingers trembled as she dialed her private Banker in the Cayman Islands I'm sorry Mrs Mercer the Banker's voice was is carefully neutral the accounts have been flagged for potential criminal activity all assets are frozen pending investigation this is impossible Delilah's voice cracked those accounts were secure the routing was perfect perhaps you should discuss this with your husband the line went dead Delilah looked up to see her reflection in the rearview mirror designer clothes perfect

makeup carefully maintained image but her eyes showed Rising panic everything was falling apart her phone buzzed with a text from an unknown number the man you betrayed was never a teacher she immediately tried calling Rhett but his number was disconnected she'd been trying to reach him for days ever since the news about the warehouse Massacre hit the papers the official story called it cartel violence but she knew better she'd seen what Cal was capable of at the cabin the sound of tapping on her window made her jump a police detective stood there badge held up

against the glass with trembling fingers she lowered the window Mrs Mercer the detective smile didn't reach his eyes I'm detective Morrison we need to ask you a few questions about red vaugh and some suspicious Financial transactions I don't know any red vongh she said automatically that Morrison's smile widened as he held up a manila envelope really then perhaps you can explain these photos of your meetings with him or the wire transfers or the interesting emails about life insurance policies don't Lila's carefully maintained composure cracked oh want my lawyer of course Morrison handed her a card

we'll be in touch oh and Mrs Mercer I'd advise against trying to leave the country your passport has been flagged she watched him walk away her mind racing Kell had promised she'd watch everything crumble but this was worse than she'd imagined her money her connections her escape plans all of it was being systematically destroyed driving home she noticed a black SUV following her when she took a series of random turns to lose it two more appeared they weren't trying to be subtle anymore they wanted her to know she was being watched the house was dark

when she pulled into the garage Cal's car was gone probably at the school maintaining his perfect cover as the dedicated teacher she'd once found that Devotion to his students endearing now she understood it was just another layer of his deception inside she poured herself a generous glass of wine trying to steady her nerves the house felt different now every shadow potentially hiding Secrets how many cameras were watching her how many of her conversations had he recorded her phone buzzed again another unknown number hello her voice wavered slightly Mrs Mercer The Voice was unfamiliar with a

hint of a Mexican accent we need to discuss your husband who is this someone who lost valuable man because of your little insurance scam someone who doesn't appreciate being used her hand tightened on the wine glass I don't know what you're talking about no Let me refresh your memory a cabin in the mountains a team of professionals a supposedly easy target who turned out to be something else entirely please Delila whispered I can explain to who red vongh he can't help you anymore your Banker friends they've abandoned you your husband a cold laugh the ghost

who's systematically destroying everything you built what do you want want I want to understand how a simple teacher's wife thought she could play games with the cartel I want to know what else you're hiding about your husband's real identity but mostly I want you to understand exactly what kind of War you started the line went dead Delilah's legs gave out and she sank onto the couch the wine glass slipped from her fingers red liquid spreading across the white carpet like blood her phone buzzed one final time a message from Cal coming home early today we

should talk Panic clawed at her throat she ran upstairs pulling out her emergency bag the one she prepared months ago for exactly this type of situation but when she opened it instead of cash and fake passports she found only a single note in Cal's precise handwriting did you really think I wouldn't find this the sound of the garage door opening echoed through the house Cal was home Delila stood Frozen at the top of the stairs watching as her husband entered he looked exactly the same as always dress shirt TI slightly loosened briefcase in hand the

perfect image of a high school teacher after a long day of classes but now she saw what she'd been missing all these years the predatory Grace in his movements the calculated awareness of every angle and Shadow rough day Cal asked pleasantly setting his brief case down you look stressed stop this she said her voice shaking whatever game you're playing game he looked up at her and his eyes were cold you're the one who decided to play games Delilah games with Killers games with cartels games with my life I had my reasons yes two and a

half million of them Cal smile was terrible to behold plus the house of course tell me was it worth it watching everything fall apart piece by piece she descended the stairs slowly keeping her distance what do you want from me want I want you to understand exactly what you've done who you betrayed he loosened his tie further the detective who visited you today just the beginning the cartel calling they're very interested in what you know about me I don't know anything they don't believe that neither does the FBI by the way they're looking into your

offshore accounts as we speak apparently there are some interesting connections to known criminal Enterprises Delilah's composure shattered completely you're going to get me killed no Cal's voice was soft dangerous I'm going to watch you destroy yourself every attempt to escape will only tighten the Noose every person you turn to for help will already be compromised he walked to the kitchen perfectly at ease and began making coffee as if they were having a normal conversation the police are watching the house he continued conversationally the cartels are watching the house my own surveillance is watching the house

you're the center of attention darling exactly what you always wanted isn't it Delila gripped the stair railing for support I never meant to get caught to discover your husband wasn't the simple teacher you thought you could eliminate Cal's laugh was cold the lesson is just beginning Delilah and you're going to learn it very very thoroughly 2 days after their confrontation in the house Delilah's phone rang she was sitting in a cheap motel room having fled the house in desperation the caller ID showed Cal's number her hand shook as she answered Cal I made a mistake

his voice sounded different vulnerable almost afraid this has gone too far we need to talk Delila sat up straighter hope and suspicion Waring in her mind talk about what about us about everything he paused I love you Delilah despite everything I still love you cow I she closed her eyes tears threatening I'm so sorry I never meant for any of this meet me he interrupted there's an old Warehouse on Industrial Drive come alone we can fix this together the line went dead Delila stared at the phone her mind racing it could be a trap after

everything that had happened it probably was a trap but what choice did she have her money was gone her allies dead or disappeared her options exhausted the warehouse loomed against the evening Sky its broken windows like dead eyes Delila par her Mercedes in the empty lot checking her makeup in the rearview mirror one last time if there was any chance to salvage the situation she had to play it perfectly the side door was unlocked inside emergency lights cast sickly yellow Shadows across abandoned Machinery her heels clicked on the concrete floor the sound echoing in the

vast space Cal her voice bounced off the walls I'm here no response she moved deeper into the warehouse her designer dress out of place among the rust and Decay a sound from ahead made her pause something between a grunt and a muffled cry rounding a corner she stopped Dead red vongh sat tied to a metal chair his expensive suit torn and bloody his face was bruised one eye swollen shut when he saw her he tried to speak through the gag in his mouth heun's been eager to talk to you Cal's voice came from behind her

she spun to find him emerging from the Shadows still wearing his teacher's outfit dress shirt tie slacks but his eyes were different now cold predatory what is this Delilah's voice shook a reunion Cal moved to Red removing his gag tell her tell her about your grand plans Von coughed spitting blood Delila baby I'm sorry they made me talk the cartel they broke me what did you tell them everything the insurance scam the offshore accounts the plan to expose your husband's CIA connections his voice cracked they know it all now Cal smiled coldly not just the

cartel the FBI CIA and DEA everyone knows your little insurance scam opened quite a few interesting doors you said we could fix this Delila turned to Cal desperation in her voice you said you still loved me I lied Cal's voice was emotionless just like you've been lying for months the difference is I'm better at it he drew a knife from his pocket the blade gleaming in the emergency lights Delila took a step back but he wasn't looking at her instead he walked to Rhett cutting his bonds what are you doing Delilah asked giving you a

choice Cal tossed the knife onto the floor between them you both wanted me dead now you can fight for your own Survival this is insane Delilah whispered Rhett Rose unsteadily from the chair his eyes fixed on the knife he's going to kill us anyway maybe Kell backed away watching them both or maybe one of you walks out of here your choice Delilah looked at Red the man she'd thought would give her a new life who now stood bloodied and broken then at Cal her husband the ghost she' never never truly known watching them with cold

satisfaction please she tried one last time I love you no Cal's voice was Ice you love what you thought I was Rhett lunged suddenly diving for the knife his fingers closed around the handle as Delilah backed away but months of planning together of plotting Cal's death had forged a bond between them red held the knife out handle first together he said like we planned for a moment Delilah hesitated then her hand closed around the knife handle in one fluid motion she drove the blade into a rett's chest Devon's eyes widened in shock why because you

failed Delila whispered twisting the blade everything we planned everything we built you ruined it all ret collapsed blood spreading across his expensive suit Delila pulled the knife free turning to face Cal her designer dress was splattered with red her perfect makeup streaked with tears is this what you wanted she demanded to watch me become a killer I wanted you to show your true nature Cal's voice was calm the ruthless Survivor who' do anything to save herself the woman who could plot her husband's murder for money the real Delila Mercer she gripped the bloody knife Tighter

and now what now Cal raised his gun the sound of the safety clicking off echoing in the vast space now you you understand exactly who you tried to betray I understand Delilah's voice cracked you're not just a teacher you're not even just a CIA operative you're something else entirely I'm the ghost you tried to murder Cal's aim was steady the man whose life you thought you could take for insurance money please she let the knife clatter to the floor I love you no Cal's voice was Final you love what you thought I was The Gunshot

echoed through the were house Delilah's body crumpled beside rats their blood mingling on the concrete floor Cal looked down at them both the wife who betrayed him the man who' helped her plot his death he pulled out his phone dialing a secure number it's done clean up required at the location we discussed make it look like they killed each other within an hour professional cleaners had arrived they knew their job by morning the scene would tell the story Cal wanted told a lover's quarrel turned deadly a woman and her criminal boyfriend their plot exposed turning

on each other in desperation Cal Mercer disappeared that night the dedicated history teacher submitted his resignation via email citing personal reasons the house was sold the belongings donated or disposed of done a month later a new teacher arrived at a private school on the east coast different name different background different life but one thing remained the same he never forgave betrayed that I and his new classroom he stood before his students explaining the importance of learning from history's lessons on his desk a newspaper clipping lay buried under student papers the story of a tragic murder

suicide in Denver now forgotten by all except the ghost who had orchestrated it the lesson was complete and like all his lessons it would never be forgotten the morning after the warehouse incident detective Morrison stood in the Denver Police Department staring at the crime scene photos the story seemed clear enough two lovers turned on each other when their criminal Enterprise collapsed but something about it nagged at him the husbands disappeared his partner said dropping a file on the desk Cal Mercer resigned from his teaching position by email house is already on the market Morrison picked

up the file studying the photo of the mild-mannered history teacher what do we know about him nothing suspicious teacher for 5 years at Denver West High popular with students regular guy who got caught up in his wife schemes too regular Morrison muttered he pulled up the husband's background on his computer everything looked perfect education records employment history tax returns it was all there all verifiable all too perfect his phone rang the caller ID showed his FBI contact drop it the federal agent said without Preamble Morrison frowned drop what the Mercer case it's being classified as

a murder suicide case closed but the husband doesn't exist anymore the agent voice was firm this comes from way above my pay grade whatever you think you found whatever questions you have forget them the line went dead Morrison looked again at the crime scene photos then at Cal Mercer's teaching ID something about the eyes but he was already forgetting what he' noticed some stories were better left Untold 3 weeks later a moving truck pulled up to a Victorian house in a quiet massachusett suburb neighbors watched with mild interest As A well-dressed man in his late

30s supervised the unloading of furniture welcome to the neighborhood a woman approached with a basket of muffins I'm Ellen from next door we're so excited to have a new teacher at Brunswick Academy James Phillips Cal replied accepting the basket with a warm smile the name felt natural on his tongue he'd been building this identity for years keeping it in reserve like a well-maintained weapon thank you for the welcome single Ellen asked with the practice casualness of a neighborhood Matchmaker widowed he replied letting just the right amount of sadness touch his eyes it's why I needed

a fresh start oh you poor dear Ellen's sympathy was genuine well you'll find this is a wonderful Community very supportive Cal thanked her again and went inside setting the muffin basket on his new kitchen counter the house was perfect historic enough to explain any quirks in the architecture modern enough to accommodate his security needs by Nightfall the security systems would be installed the surveillance equipment hidden the safe room prepared his phone buzzed with a message from a CIA Handler Ghost Protocol completed all traces eliminated Cal deleted the message his old life in Denver had been

systematically erased Cal Mercer The High School his teacher had never really existed neither had his marriage to Delilah their life together or the bloody end to their story the next morning he stood before his new class at Brunswick Academy 30 students looked back at him eager to learn about history from their new teacher good morning he said writing his name on the board I'm Mr Phillips and I'll be teaching American history today we're going to discuss how the past shapes our present and why some lessons can never be forgotten a student raised her hand Mr

Phillips did you teach somewhere else before coming here yes he smiled the expression reaching his eyes with practiced ease but that's a story for another time that evening he sat in his study grading papers just as he had in Denver but now there were no hidden tensions no betrayals lurking beneath the surface his new life was exactly what it appeared to be a dedicated teacher starting fresh after after personal tragedy his secure phone buzzed once a message from an untraceable number cartel leadership satisfied with Denver resolution no loose ends another Buzz CIA assets confirm complete

elimination of previous identity Ghost Protocol successful Cal deleted both messages the final pieces were in place his old life was gone the lessons of betrayal Written in Blood and buried in a Denver Warehouse even Delilah's offshore accounts have been emptied the money distributed to various Charities a final irony she would have hated to knock at his door interrupted his thoughts Ellen from next door stood there with a pot of soup thought you might like some dinner she said first week in a new place is always overwhelming that's very kind Cal replied accepting the pot with

genuine appreciation this was what normal people did they brought soup to new neighbors shared concern for others built communities based on trust but as he closed the door his smile faded trust was a weapon that could be turned against you Delilah had taught him that lesson well and he would never forget it let the world see James Phillips The Grieving widower building a new life the ghost beneath that identity would remain Vigilant ready for any threat that Ian his study he opened his laptop to check the encrypted messages from his various monitoring systems the Denver

investigation was officially closed detective Morrison had been reassigned to routine cases the cartel had accepted the official story even the CIA had classified everything related to Cal Mercer's identity perfect that he picked up his red pen and returned to grading papers tomorrow he would teach his students about the past about actions and consequences about the importance of learning from history's harsh lessons but his own lesson the one written in betrayal and sealed in blood would remain his alone reminder that some ghosts never truly die they just find new Shadows to haunt