The day of Adrian's transfer had arrived. His hands were bound tight as a group of officers marched him outside. The sharp sunlight stung his eyes after weeks of confinement. Parked ahead were four police cars with an armored vehicle in the middle.
The officers shoved him into the back of the armored truck, four guards sitting inside with him.
Adrian let out a hollow laugh. "This many vehicles and officers for a single man like me?"
One of the guards sneered. "You murdered three people. Remember that."
Another spat on the floor. "Why are they even transferring you? Should've executed this bastard on day one."
Adrian lowered his head. "I respect your opinion, sir."
"Shut your filthy mouth," the officer snapped.
Adrian whispered, "Yes, sir. As you say."
Inside, his thoughts were heavy. I can't even hate them. In their eyes, I am nothing but a murderer.
Fifteen minutes later, the convoy rolled into an empty industrial area where no one lived. The first two cars at the front turned right, the armored truck following close behind. One of the officers peered through the rear window.
"The two cars that were behind us aren't here," he muttered.
Another officer grabbed the radio. "Hey, report back. What's happening? … Answer me. Hey!" Static was the only reply.
Adrian frowned. "What's going on?"
Before anyone could answer, another turn came up. The lead cars managed to pass, but as the armored vehicle tried to turn, a massive truck swerved in from the left, blocking their path.
The driver cursed. "What the hell is this idiot doing!"
Two guards stepped out, leaving two inside with Adrian. They aimed their guns at the truck. "Out of the vehicle! Now!"
The truck door creaked open. A man in a mask and cape stumbled out, hands raised, voice trembling. "S-sir, i-it was a mistake! I just got my license! Please don't shoot, I don't wanna die!"
The officers exchanged looks, lowering their guns with a laugh. "Calm down before you piss yourself."
As they turned back toward the truck, one officer began to bark, "Get your big-ass truck out of the—" His words cut off as both of them dropped to the ground, convulsing from a stun gun shot.
The masked man exhaled with exaggerated relief. "God, I was so scared."
Inside the armored vehicle, one of the guards shifted uneasily. "Why the hell are they taking so long? I'll go check. Stay here." He stepped out, only to be swallowed by smoke and silenced in seconds.
The last officer hesitated, then opened the door. His eyes widened at the sight of his stunned comrades—before a bolt from the right sent him collapsing too.
Finn stood there with a taser in hand.
"It's done here," Finn reported into his phone.
Rian's voice came from the other end, calm and cold. "Done here as well."
Up front, Leo's reply was sharp. "Good. Take Adrian and move. Freya said reinforcements are on their way."
Finn yanked open the armored truck. "Hey, happy-to-die, let's go."
Adrian's eyes widened. "W-what are you doing here?"
"Not the time for questions," Finn snapped as he untied him. From behind the truck, a black car rolled out of hiding.
"Get in, quick. Cops are on their way."
They climbed into the back. Finn turned to the driver. "Shykin, step on it."
Shykin glanced back, his voice nervous. "First I play the truck driver, now I've gotta handle a police chase?"
"Stop whining and drive," Finn barked.
Adrian stared at them in disbelief. "You… you actually came to rescue me? I can't believe it."
Finn laughed as he tossed him a mask. "Told you we would. Now put this on—you're a fugitive now."
Shykin's voice broke. "Shit, they're behind us already."
Finn's grin widened as he pulled a pistol from under his jacket. "Perfect. Time for a shootout."
Adrian's face drained of color. "H-hey… what are you planning to do with that?"
Finn's eyes gleamed. "Just watch, newbie."
The car swerved left and right, tires screeching as Shykin gripped the wheel, drenched in sweat.
Adrian frowned. "Hey, do you even know how to drive? You're all over the road!"
Shykin's voice cracked. "I-I never drove before in my entire life!" He yanked the wheel hard, taking a sharp left turn at full speed.
Adrian's eyes widened. "What?! Then why the hell are you driving?"
Finn leaned out the window, pistol in hand. The whistle of a bullet sliced past his ear, forcing him to duck back inside.
"They're right behind us! Keep your heads down! Shykin—floor it!"
"I-I'm already going as fast as I can!" Shykin panicked, swerving again.
The car scraped against a pole, sparks flying. "Finn, do something! I can't keep this up!"
Gunfire rattled from behind, bullets clanging against the metal frame.
Finn gritted his teeth, leaning out again and returning fire. "Fine! It's time to fight back!"
Through the rear windshield, Adrian saw the flashing lights. "They're too many… We'll never shake them like this."
Shykin's voice broke. "The road's blocked up ahead! Police cars are lined across! Should I turn back?"
Finn snapped, still shooting. "We can't! There are too many on our tail!"
"We're finished!" Shykin cried. "There's no way out—we'll have to surrender!"
Adrian's eyes narrowed. "Finn. Do you still have that smoke grenade?"
Finn glanced at him. "Yeah, but—"
"Good," Adrian interrupted, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I've got a plan."
Finn hesitated, then gave a sharp nod. "Alright. What is it?"
Adrian leaned forward. "Shykin. When we get close to the blockade, hit the brakes—hard. Slow us down right before we reach them."
Shykin nearly screamed. "What?! If I slow down, they'll shoot me first!"
Finn shook his head. "And the cars behind us will close in—we're dead either way!"
Adrian's voice was calm, cutting through their panic. "Just trust me. We'll make it out."
Shykin's hands trembled, but he obeyed. The car screeched to a sudden halt just meters from the police barricade.
"Now, Finn!" Adrian barked.
Finn hurled the smoke grenade forward.
A thick cloud billowed instantly, swallowing the blockade in gray. The pursuing police cars, blinded by smoke, didn't see the barricade until it was too late—metal crashed against metal in a chain reaction of screeching tires and shattering glass.
Through the chaos, a gap opened.
Adrian pointed. "Shykin—now! Full speed!"
Shykin slammed the pedal, and the car tore past the wreckage, smoke trailing behind them.
Finn stared at Adrian, wide-eyed. "What the hell was that? You told him to brake right before the blockade, then had me drop smoke so the cars behind wouldn't see the road was sealed. They tried to overtake us and crashed head-on—opening a way out for us…"
Shykin let out a shaky laugh. "That was brilliant! You're a damn genius!"
Adrian smirked, leaning back in his seat. "I'm not a genius. Sometimes… things just come to me when I'm cornered."
Finn frowned. "It was still dangerous. If those cars had slammed into us during the sudden brake, we'd all be dead."
Shykin met Finn's gaze through the rearview mirror. "But we're alive, aren't we? That's what matters."
Finn held his stare, silent for a moment… then cracked a grin. "Heh. You're right. Doesn't matter anymore."
He laughed, tension breaking.
Shykin exhaled in relief, thinking, I thought I said something stupid…
Adrian shook his head. "You guys are insane. Laughing after that…"
Hours later, after switching vehicles and disguising themselves, the car finally rolled to a stop.
Adrian peered out. "A salon ...?"
Finn smirked, stepping out. "Not exactly. This isn't your average salon."
Adrian raised a brow. "Then what is it?"
Finn opened the door, ushering him in with a grin. "Our base. Welcome… to Shadows."