Chapter 201: Big News
On his way out of the laboratory, he dialed Hans's number.
"I have solid evidence now," Lynn said, his voice laced with unshakeable determination. "Kronos Lab is at the center of this conspiracy. Let's make our move."
Shortly after.
Rain lashed against the abandoned metal walls of Kronos Lab, the pitter-patter echoing through the empty building with a particularly jarring sound. Lynn stood in the center of the derelict laboratory, hands shoved into his jacket pockets, scanning the scene with cold eyes. Broken instruments and shredded documents were scattered across the experimental benches, drag marks remained on the floor, and the refrigeration units along the wall stood open, completely empty.
"It's so clean it's frustrating." Hans stood nearby, frowning as he kicked a test tube rack on the floor, the glass shards shattering with a crisp sound. "These bastards moved faster than ghosts. Someone must have tipped them off in advance."
"They couldn't have gone far." Lynn walked over to an empty refrigeration unit, his finger lightly tracing the edge of the door. His gaze swept over the water stains—residue from recently melted condensation—proving these machines were still running just a few hours ago.
"But we don't have time to search room by room." Hanspulled a piece of gum from his pocket and popped it into his mouth. "The Holy Blood Alliance is always like this—hiding away while breaking clues into pieces like a puzzle. By the time we piece it together, they've already moved on to a new venue."
Lynn didn't respond. Instead, he crouched down, his eyes landing on a faint bloodstain on the floor. He put on a glove and lightly touched the blood with his fingertip, his brow furrowing even tighter. "This is fresh."
"Blood?" Hans crouched down too, leaning in for a look. "This place was cleaned so thoroughly, yet they actually left blood behind?"
Lynn stood up, his gaze becoming sharp. "It means their evacuation wasn't perfect. Someone was injured, or..."
"Or they were carrying some kind of'subject'," Hansfinished his sentence for him, his tone carrying a hint of coldness.
Lynn nodded, scanning the laboratory's surroundings. They could feel that although the place seemed abandoned, an unsettling atmosphere still lingered in the air, as if a secret operation had just concluded.
Just then, a clear voice came through Lynn's walkie-talkie. "Agent Lynn, this is the exterior team. We've found some strange marks outside the building, possibly tire tracks."
Lynn picked up the walkie-talkie and said calmly, "Continue investigating. Document every detail. Do not overlook any possible direction."
"Understood."
He hung up the walkie-talkie and glanced at Hans. "We can't waste any more time here. Clear the scene and take any usable traces and data."
Hans shrugged. "Fine, but I bet this is another dead end."
However, just as they were preparing to evacuate, Lynn's phone vibrated. He picked it up and glanced at the screen; it was a message from Rosa.
Return to the lab immediately. I have an important discovery.
Lynn stared at the message, his eyes shifting slightly. He didn't say much, only telling Hans, "Let's go. We need to head back."
"What new tricks does Rosa have now?" Hans asked, but he didn't complain much, immediately following Lynn out of the laboratory.
In the early hours of the morning, the laboratory at FBI Headquarters remained brightly lit. Rosa stood before the main console with a grave expression, the screens behind her filled with complex genetic data charts and chemical analysis results. Seeing Lynn and Hans enter, she looked up and beckoned them over.
"What happened that made you call us back so urgently?" Lynn asked, his voice calm yet carrying a trace of pressure.
Rosa didn't answer. Instead, she handed him a small, transparent test tube. The tube contained a pale blue liquid that reflected a slight fluorescence under the lights.
"This is the final component extracted from Kevin's blood sample," she said. "It's a very specific synthetic substance that possesses the characteristics of both a drug and a gene delivery medium. Simply put, it not only temporarily enhances the recipient's strength but also forcibly alters their cellular structure—much like a virus."
"A virus?" Hans raised an eyebrow and stepped closer. "Are you saying they're using this thing to modify ordinary people?"
"Yes." Rosa nodded. "And what's even more terrifying is that the substance itself is unstable; it requires specific genes to function. The reason Kevin's genes could react with it is because his blood was injected with Mutantgene fragments."
Lynn's gaze was icy as he asked in a low voice, "What is the source of those gene fragments?"
Rosa pressed a button, and a complex analysis report immediately popped up on the screen. "I've tracked the characteristics of these gene fragments. They share similarities with the ability genes in several currently known Mutant files—especially a certain gene related to strength enhancement and rapid self-healing. These traits... have an 85% match rate with a Mutantcodenamed 'Scarlet Butcher'."
"Scarlet Butcher?" Hans froze for a moment upon hearing this. "That guy who caused such a ruckus in Los Angeles? Isn't he dead?"
"Yes," Rosa nodded. "At least according to official records, he's dead. But his genes were clearly preserved and are now being used in these experiments."
Lynn took a deep breath and asked calmly, "How stable is this thing?"
"Very low," Rosa replied. "In other words, even if someone successfully injects it, they only gain abilities for a short time, followed by severe side effects and even genetic collapse—Kevin's loss of control is a classic example."
"But what if they've improved it?" Lynn pressed further.
Rosa was silent for a moment before saying, "If they find a better carrier or further optimize the gene adaptation mechanism, this thing could completely change the landscape of warfare. An ordinary person could possess the power of a Mutant in a short time, and... possibly without side effects."
"That is their goal," Lynn said in a low voice, cold as steel.
Hans leaned against the console and rubbed his temples. "So they're not just manufacturing weapons; they're trying to redefine the limits of 'humanity'. A bunch of lunatics."
"The question is, where are they now?" Lynn turned to Rosa. "Can we track their laboratory?"
Rosa shook her head. "I've exhausted every data trail I could find, but the Holy Blood Alliance's movements are too clean; they've left almost no direct traces. However—" she paused, "there's a specific chemical marker in this gene sample related to some of Kronos Lab's past patented products. I need more time to dig deeper; perhaps we can find their next operational site."
"Time." Lynn gritted his teeth. "Every step they take is accelerating. We're running out of time."
He turned to Hans. "Contact the field department and have them increase the intensity of the search for Kronos Lab and Holy Blood Alliance-related strongholds. Also, keep a close eye on any activity in the West Side of Manhattan."
Hans nodded. "Understood. But I still feel like these bastards won't let us find them easily."
"They won't," Lynn's voice was low but grim. "But they will make a mistake. And what we have to do is catch that mistake."
Under the lights, Rosa's fingers tapped rapidly on the keyboard while the data on the screen continued to scroll. Lynn stood to the side, his eyes sharp as a hawk's, already preparing for the worst.
The streets of Brooklyn in the early morning were filled with a slight, cool dampness, the air still carrying the scent of last night's rain. Lynn sat on the terrace of a quiet café, a cup of black coffee in his hand, his gaze fixed on the front page of the newspaper. Although his expression was calm, his mind was still pondering the various clues regarding the Holy Blood Alliance and Kronos Lab.
The café wasn't large, with only a few small round tables on the terrace, and occasional pedestrians passing by on the street. Lynn liked this place; it was quiet and without many distractions, allowing him to enjoy a moment of respite before starting a busy day of work.
"Hello, sir." A soft female voice suddenly came from the side, interrupting his thoughts.
Lynn looked up to see a blonde beauty standing by his table, a polite and confident smile on her lips. She wore a slim-fit trench coat with a thin belt cinched at the waist, making her look both elegant and capable. Her long blonde hair fell over her shoulders, and her blue eyes held a hint of a mischievous glint.
"Sorry to bother you, but I wanted to ask..." She pointed toward the street nearby, her smile a bit helpless. "My car broke down, and I have some urgent business today. If it's convenient, could you give me a lift?"
Lynn narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing this sudden stranger. She seemed harmless, even friendly, but his years of experience told him not to trust appearances easily. Especially in the current tense situation, any sudden accident could hide deeper intentions.
"Your car broke down?" he asked in a low voice, his tone devoid of much emotion.
"Yes, a flat tire." The beauty nodded, a trace of embarrassment appearing on her face. "I've already called a mechanic, but I expect it'll take a while. I just saw you sitting here and thought you might be going the same way, so I'd ask for a small favor."
Lynn set down his coffee cup and scanned the end of the street. There was indeed a car parked there, its door open as if someone were checking the tires. He glanced at his watch; he still had plenty of time. Although he felt the situation was a bit fishy, he didn't refuse immediately.
"Where are you going?" he asked, his tone still indifferent.
"Just to central Brooklyn, not far from here." The blonde beauty smiled and reached out her hand toward him. "I'm Kate, Kate Miller. Nice to meet you."
Lynn didn't shake her hand, only nodding. "Lynn."
Kate's hand paused in mid-air before she withdrew it calmly. She didn't seem to mind Lynn's coldness and maintained her smile. "Thank you, Lynn. This is really a big help."
Lynn didn't respond. Instead, he stood up, grabbed his coat and coffee cup, and walked toward the parking lot. Kate followed behind him with a light step, a faint smile always on her face.
Lynn's car was an understated black SUV. It looked ordinary on the outside, but the interior had been modified and equipped with extra safety features. He opened the door, sat in the driver's seat, and waited for Kate to get in.
Kate clearly noticed the car's interior configuration. Her eyes lingered on the dashboard for a second longer, but she didn't ask questions. Instead, she gently closed the door and buckled her seatbelt.
"Thank you, Lynn." She glanced at him, her tone carrying sincere gratitude. "Not everyone would help a stranger on such a busy morning."
Lynn started the car, his eyes focused on the road ahead. "You're lucky."
Kate chuckled softly. "Indeed."
As the car pulled onto the street, Lynn didn't initiate conversation, and Kate didn't seem to like silence. She sat with her hands folded over her knees, looking at him. "You don't look like someone who's lived in Brooklyn for very long."
"Is that so?" Lynn's tone was flat, but his eyes remained fixed on the road.
"Yes," Kate nodded. "Your car is too clean, like it's ready to head out on some important mission at any moment. And..." Her gaze swept over his chest as if looking for something. "Your attitude is very... focused. You seem like someone who's always planning their next move."
Lynn turned his head slightly to glance at her, the corner of his mouth twitching in a nearly imperceptible smirk. "You're quite observant."
"Occupational habit." Kate shrugged, flashing a relaxed smile. "I'm a journalist—or more accurately, an Investigative Journalist."
"A journalist?" Lynn asked impassively, though he grew more wary of the woman.
"Mm-hmm. It's a bit old-fashioned, but I like digging for hidden truths. Everyone likes listening to stories, and I like finding the ones that no one dares to tell." Kate lifted her chin, a hint of confidence in her eyes.
"So what stories have you investigated?" Lynn asked casually. His tone was still calm, but his eyes constantly scanned the rearview mirror and his surroundings.
"Many interesting things." Kate deliberately kept him in suspense before smiling and saying, "Lately, however, the focus has been on some underground organizations. I've heard there's a group near Brooklyn called the Holy Blood Alliance. Have you heard of them?"
Lynn's fingers stiffened slightly, but he concealed it well, his voice showing no ripples. "No."
"Really?" Kate raised an eyebrow. "They aren't some ordinary criminal organization. I've heard their operations are very secretive, yet they control a portion of the black market's resources and even... some strange experiments. Are you sure you haven't heard of them?"
Lynn didn't answer. Instead, he sped up slightly. He didn't like being watched, and he liked the way this woman suddenly mentioned the Holy Blood Alliance even less.
"Maybe they're just rumors." Kate chuckled softly. Sensing Lynn's defensiveness, she immediately changed the subject. "Actually, I don't hate this atmosphere in Brooklyn. It's quiet yet full of stories. There are plenty of good people like you, too."
Lynn gave her a cold look. "I'm not a good person."
"Oh? Then what are you?" Kate arched an eyebrow, her tone teasing.
Lynn didn't answer. Instead, he slowly pulled the car over to the side of a street in central Brooklyn. He looked at Kate, his tone flat and carrying a hint of finality. "You're here."
Kate was taken aback for a moment, then smiled. "Alright, thank you, Lynn." She unbuckled her seatbelt, opened the door, and looked back at him. "Maybe we'll meet again."
Lynn didn't reply. He only watched her get out, then restarted the car and slowly drove away.
Kate pushed open the glass doors of the newspaper office, and the familiar bustle immediately washed over her. Printers continuously spat out paper, the clatter of keyboards rose and fell, and the ringing of telephones almost never stopped. The air in the newsroom always felt tense, as if it were constantly prepared for a major event to break.
She carried her trench coat toward her workstation, squeezing past two assistant journalists carrying stacks of documents and dodging an intern with hands full of coffee. It all seemed chaotic, but Kate was used to it. Her pace was light yet carried a hint of urgency.
"Kate!" a familiar voice called out behind her.
She turned and saw the Editor-in-chief, Frank, standing at the door of his glass office at the end of the work area, waving her over. He was thin with graying hair, but his eyes were sharp, like a seasoned hawk. His tone wasn't exactly harsh, but it was impossible to ignore.
"Come in and let's talk," Frank said simply, then turned and walked into his office without even closing the door.
Kate took a deep breath and followed him in without stopping. She entered the Editor-in-chief's office, hung her trench coat on the back of a chair, and sat across from Frank.
"You look like you're in a hurry." Frank looked up, his gaze moving from the documents in his hand to Kate's face. "That's not like you, Kate. The last time I saw you this restless was because of that Casino Case."
Kate smiled slightly and spread her notebook open on the desk. "Frank, I think we might have a big story."
Frank raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair with interest. "Oh? A big story? Sounds interesting. Tell me about it."
Kate's fingers tapped lightly on her notebook, a flash of excitement in her eyes. "I 'ran into' someone this morning. He's not simple."
"Be specific, Kate. I don't have time for riddles." Frank's tone remained relaxed, but there was a hint of anticipation in his eyes.
"Lynn," Kate said, her smile deepening. "A senior FBI Agent. His name appears in almost every investigation of major events. He's not an ordinary Agent; he's one of those figures who can always touch core secrets."
Frank narrowed his eyes slightly, clearly intrigued by the name. "A senior FBI Agent? How do you know who he is?"
"I checked," Kate smiled. "After running into him on the street, I used some 'old methods.' Although his background is very clean, he has close ties to the investigation of the Holy Blood Alliance. Moreover, his way of operating is very interesting—low-profile, efficient, and never revealing information easily. He's clearly a difficult person to deal with, but because of that, he must know the most important secrets."}],
Chapter 202: Already Involved
Frank was silent for a moment, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, seemingly digesting Kate's information.
"So, you mean you've gotten close to him?"
"Yes." Kate nodded, her eyes full of confidence, "This morning's 'ride' was a very good start.
I can feel that he is a bit wary of me, but he hasn't completely rejected me.
He's not the kind of person who completely refuses contact, which means he still has value to be exploited."
Frank nodded slightly, his gaze shifting from the documents on the table to Kate's face, "So, what do you plan to do next?"
Kate leaned back in her chair, her arms crossed over her chest, a hint of slyness in her smile, "Follow up.
I will create more 'accidents' and gradually gain his trust.
He doesn't know I'm a reporter; I can pretend to be an ordinary citizen or someone who needs help.
As long as I can make him lower his guard, I'll find an entry point."
Frank's gaze sharpened.
He stared at Kate, pondered for a moment, and finally said slowly, "Kate, are you sure you want to do this?
If Lynn is as dangerous as you say, your game might be very painful."
"I'm not afraid of pain." A hint of determination appeared in Kate's eyes, "Frank, this is the most real inside story we can access.
If I can get core intelligence related to the Holy Blood Alliance, this will be our newspaper's biggest headline this year."
Frank smiled slightly, reached for the coffee cup on the table, and took a small sip.
"You're right.
If you can get these things, it is indeed a headline." He put down the coffee cup and his gaze returned to Kate, "But, you have to be careful.
The FBI is not an ordinary law enforcement agency, and Lynn is not an ordinary Agent.
His vigilance is much higher than you imagine, and once he discovers your identity, he will cut off all contact without hesitation."
Kate nodded lightly, "I know.
I'll be careful."
Frank stared at her, a complex meaning in his eyes.
He finally sighed, "Alright, since you've decided, then continue.
But I warn you, Kate, don't underestimate Lynn.
He seems calm, but there's an unshakeable dangerous aura about him.
If you play too far, he will make you pay."
"I understand." Kate's tone remained calm, but her eyes flickered with determination.
Frank nodded, "Then go.
Report to me anytime if there's progress."
Kate stood up, picked up her trench coat, a confident smile on her face, "Don't worry, Frank.
This time, I will definitely bring back the truth that will shock everyone."
She turned and left the office, her steps steady, a persistent light in her eyes.
As night fell, the streets of Brooklyn gradually took on the colors of neon.
The hustle and bustle of rush hour had long since faded, and the warm lights of the cafe terrace cast a cozy glow, making the cool evening feel especially inviting.
Kate sat by the window, holding a hot latte, her gaze occasionally sweeping towards the cafe entrance.
She knew Lynn had a habit—before heading home from work, he would always stop here for a moment to buy a cup of coffee.
She had learned this through observation, and tonight, she planned to use this detail to bridge the distance between them.
A few minutes later, Lynn appeared as expected.
His figure appeared tall and steady in the light of the doorway, his black overcoat swaying slightly with his steps.
He pushed open the door, his gaze sweeping around, and quickly met Kate's eyes.
Kate offered a faint smile and raised her coffee cup in a gesture, "Lynn."
Lynn frowned, clearly surprised to see her again, but he didn't say much, instead walking over and standing by her table.
"Kate?" His voice was calm with a hint of inquiry, "What are you doing here?"
"Don't misunderstand," Kate took a sip of coffee, her smile gentle, "I often come to this cafe.
I didn't expect to run into you again.
Perhaps, this is luck?"
Lynn didn't respond immediately, but quietly watched her for a few seconds, then nodded, "Perhaps."
Kate put down her coffee cup and stood up, "If you don't mind, can I buy you a drink?"
Lynn raised an eyebrow slightly, his gaze lingering on her face for a moment, then he nodded, "As you wish."
Kate smiled, walked to the counter, and ordered a black coffee.
As she paid, she subtly turned her head, observing Lynn's expression out of the corner of her eye.
This man always carried a calm and wary aura, like a warrior ready to deal with any sudden situation at any time.
This kind of temperament made Kate feel both tricky and interesting.
She carried the coffee back to Lynn and handed him the paper cup, "Your black coffee."
"Thank you." Lynn took the coffee, his voice still flat, but his eyes seemed to hold a hint of inquiry.
"Are you off work?" Kate asked, her tone relaxed, as if chatting casually.
"Yes." Lynn took a sip of coffee and said nothing more.
Kate lowered her head and chuckled, tapping her fingers lightly on the table, "Alright, I admit, I wanted to talk to you a bit.
You know, my car really broke down this morning, but it's fixed now.
I just wanted to express my gratitude and say thank you."
Lynn's gaze flickered slightly, but he remained largely unmoved, "No need.
It was just on my way."
"Are you always so cold?" Kate feigned a complaint, with a hint of teasing, "Someone helped you, can't you respond a little more friendly?"
"I already accepted the coffee," Lynn said calmly.
Kate couldn't help but laugh, "Well, then I should feel honored."
Lynn looked at her, picked up his coffee, "If there's nothing else, I should go home."
Kate widened her eyes in feigned surprise, "Go home?
Brooklyn nights are so beautiful, aren't you going to enjoy them?"
Lynn stopped his movement, raised his eyes and looked at her, "Everyone relaxes differently."
Kate's lips curved slightly upward, her mind quickly churning for the next topic.
She knew this man was hard to approach, but she wasn't one to give up easily.
"Since you're going home, would you mind lending me a little of your time?" Kate offered a perfectly timed smile, "I just happen to have something I want to talk to you about."
Lynn raised an eyebrow, didn't answer, but looked at her for a few seconds, then nodded, "Five minutes."
Kate's smile deepened, "Five minutes is enough."
The two walked out of the cafe together, the evening breeze rustling Kate's blonde hair.
She glanced down at the trench coat in her hand, then jogged a couple of steps to catch up with Lynn.
"Your home isn't far from here, is it?" Kate asked, her tone light.
"Yes," Lynn replied briefly.
"That's great.
I'll just consider this a walk and a chat." Kate smiled softly, deliberately making her tone seem harmless.
Along the way, Kate tried to lighten the mood with some casual topics, such as the cafe's decor and Brooklyn's nightlife, but Lynn's responses remained brief, even perfunctory.
However, she wasn't discouraged, because she knew that this coldness was just his instinctive defense, and all she needed was a breakthrough.
A few minutes later, the two arrived at Lynn's doorstep.
Lynn took out his keys, stopped at the door, turned to Kate, "Five minutes are up."
"Wait." Kate blinked, revealing a slightly mischievous smile, "Alright, I know this might sound a bit abrupt, but do you mind if I come in and sit for a bit?"
Lynn frowned slightly, a hint of wariness in his eyes, "Why are you so interested?"
Kate responded without hesitation, "You saved me; I want to understand you a little more, is that not allowed?
You always seem so cold, like you're hiding countless stories behind you.
For a reporter, you're practically a living enigma."
"Reporter?" Lynn's frown deepened, a hint of iciness in his tone.
Kate immediately realized she had said the wrong thing, but she reacted quickly, raising her hands in a gesture of surrender, "Don't be nervous!
I'm a very ordinary reporter, I only write human interest stories and local news, not the kind of person who digs into people's privacy."
Lynn stared at her, his gaze like a blade, seemingly scrutinizing the truth of her words.
A few seconds later, he finally spoke, "Come in.
Fifteen minutes."
Kate's smile instantly blossomed, "You truly are a gentleman."
Lynn opened the door, and Kate followed him inside. The house's interior was simple, with a clean and neat decor, and the furniture was arranged meticulously, clearly indicating it was the home of someone organized.
Kate looked around, her gaze lingering slightly on a few photos on the wall. One photo showed Lynn and an older-looking man standing beside an antique car, while another showed Lynn and a blonde girl sitting together at a piano. The people in the photos were all smiling, a stark contrast to Lynn's current cold expression.
"Your sister?" Kate pointed to the girl in the photo.
"Yes," Lynn said, coming out of the kitchen with a glass of Water, which he handed to her.
"You seem like someone who cares deeply about his family," Kate said, taking the Water and smiling. "That's quite unlike your usual coldness."
Lynn didn't respond. Instead, he sat on the sofa, his gaze calmly fixed on her. "What do you want to talk about?"
Kate took a small sip of Water, sat opposite him, and adopted a serious listening posture. "I don't have anything particularly special to say; I just want to understand you better. What do you do for a living?"
"A government civil servant," Lynn said flatly.
Kate raised an eyebrow. "That simple?"
"The nature of my work dictates that I can't say much," Lynn said, leaning back on the sofa, his gaze still wary.
Kate knew this conversation wouldn't go too smoothly, but she wasn't in a hurry. She changed to a more relaxed topic. "Do you go to that coffee shop every day?"
Lynn nodded slightly. "It's a habit."
"Some habits are quite interesting," Kate smiled, then asked casually, "For example, do you feel like Brooklynhas been a bit strange lately? Like... some unusual things have been happening?"
Lynn's eyes flickered slightly, but quickly returned to normal. "What do you mean?"
Kate shrugged nonchalantly. "Oh, just heard some rumors, like certain organizations operating here, mysterious things like blood sacrifices. I think it's absurd, but I'm also very curious."
"You've been trying to get close to me," Lynn's voice broke the silence, his tone deep, like a cello resonating in the night. "What exactly do you want, Kate?"
Kate's smile froze for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure, tilting her head to look at him. "That sounds like an interrogation, Lynn. Are you suspecting me of something?"
"Not suspicion," Lynn put down his coffee cup, hands on the table, leaning slightly forward, his gaze like a sharp blade locking onto Kate's eyes. "It's confirmation. I know who you are, and I know what you want."
Kate's breath hitched for a second, but she quickly regained her composure, showing a slightly helpless smile. "Alright, since you put it that way, I won't hide it anymore. I'm a reporter, and I am indeed investigating something."
"Holy Blood Alliance," Lynn added coldly, as if he already knew everything.
Kate raised an eyebrow, her expression showing a hint of surprise, but it was quickly masked. "Since you already know, then I won't beat around the bush." She straightened her posture, her tone Frank. "Yes, I'm investigating the Holy Blood Alliance. Their recent activities have attracted too much attention, and your — your connection to them is clearly not simple."
"So you want to get close to me to get a scoop?" There was no anger in Lynn's voice, but rather a chilling calmness.
"Don't put it that way," Kate spread her hands, trying to appear more sincere. "You're a very principled person, I can see that. You're fighting these guys, and I just want to expose the truth. We can actually work together — you have information, I have a platform, we can take down the Holy Blood Alliance together."
Lynn didn't respond immediately. Instead, he stared at her, as if judging the truthfulness of her words. He tapped his fingertips lightly on the table twice, then slowly shook his head. "You don't understand these people, and you don't understand me. The Holy Blood Alliance is not something you can casually interfere with."
"Why not?" Kate's voice suddenly rose, her eyes showing stubbornness. "They are a terrorist organization, destroying ordinary people's lives. If you really want to stop them, then why not let more people know the truth? Public anger can crush any organization."
"Anger?" Lynn scoffed, a hint of sarcasm in his tone. "Do you think this is just an ordinary crime? The Holy Blood Alliance's tentacles have already reached deep into society. The technology, resources, and manpower they control are far beyond your imagination. What can you change by writing a headline? This will only draw more innocent people into it, including yourself."
Kate was stunned for a moment. She opened her mouth, seemingly wanting to retort, but Lynn's gaze made her involuntarily silent. There was no hint of contempt in his eyes, only a grim determination and a ruthless awareness of reality.
Just as the air grew increasingly tense, a low hum suddenly entered Lynn's ears. His expression changed abruptly, and his gaze quickly swept towards the window. On the street outside, a black van was parked silently by the roadside, its windows reflecting the faint streetlights.
"Kate, get down!" Lynn practically roared.
The next second, the window shattered, glass fragments scattering everywhere. A searing Fire shot into the room from outside, followed by a deafening explosion. The table was overturned by the Impact, debris flying everywhere. Lynn lunged at Kate, pinning her to the ground, shielding her from the flying shards with his body.
Kate was so startled by the sudden attack that she was speechless for a moment, only hearing the roaring in her ears, her mind blank. Lynn quickly scrambled to his feet, grabbing a gun with one hand and pulling her up from the ground with the other.
"Quick, to the Underground Room!" Lynn's voice was calm with a hint of urgency.
Kate gritted her teeth, forcing herself to stand up, and followed Lynn towards the Underground Room entrance inside the house. Just as they had run down a few steps, the front door was violently kicked open, and several Shadows surged into the house, their weapons reflecting a cold light.
Lynn didn't hesitate. He turned, raised his gun, and quickly pulled the trigger. The bullets accurately hit the enemy charging at the front. The opponent grunted and fell, his weapon sliding to the side.
"Who are they?" Kate gasped, her voice clearly tinged with fear.
"The Holy Blood Alliance," Lynn replied while firing, his voice as cold as ice. "It seems your investigation is more dangerous than you imagined."
Kate bit her lower lip, suppressing the fear in her heart. She knew it wasn't the time to ask questions, so she just lowered her head and quickly retreated with Lynn. They rushed into the Underground Room, and Lynnimmediately pressed a hidden switch. The iron door slowly closed, temporarily isolating them from the attack outside.
The Underground Room was not large, but it was set up like a makeshift safe house, with weapons, ammunition, and emergency supplies arranged around. Kate looked around, her eyes filled with shock and unease.
"You were already prepared for a scenario like this?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.
"Preparation is a habit," Lynn quickly reloaded his magazine, checking his weapon. "Especially when dealing with people like the Holy Blood Alliance."
"Why are they attacking you?" Kate's voice trembled, but a hint of persistence began to show in her eyes. "Is it because of me?"
"Possibly," Lynn looked up at her, his gaze as sharp as a knife. "Or it could be because I've been watching their activities. This has nothing to do with you, Kate, but now you're involved."
Kate was silent for a moment, then asked in a low voice: "What should we do?"
Lynn handed her a spare pistol. "If you want to live, do as I say. Now listen carefully—they won't leave easily; we have to break through."
Kate took the gun, and although her hand trembled, she didn't flinch. She took a deep breath, looked at Lynn, and said, "I'll do as you say."
Lynn nodded, turned and walked to the other side of the Underground Room, opening a secret door leading to the street. He looked back at Kate, his voice low and calm: "Stay close to me, don't make a sound. If I say run, you run, and don't look back."
Kate gritted her teeth and nodded.
Chapter 203 Sudden Appearance
Lynn opened the secret door, and the cool night air immediately poured in. His eyes were like torches, his gun held tightly in his hand, and he was the first to stick his head out to observe the situation outside.
The sound of the enemy's footsteps echoed above the house, like a hunter searching for hidden prey.
And just then, Lynn suddenly burst out, opened the secret door, and dragged an enemy inside.
Lynn pressed the assailant against the wall, and the handcuffs clicked shut with such force that the man let out a cry of pain. His face was pressed against the cold wall, a trace of blood oozing from the corner of his mouth, yet he still showed a stubborn and sinister smile.
"Looks like you're still as tough as ever, Lynn," the man's voice was hoarse, full of sarcasm, "But you haven't gotten any smarter, have you?"
Lynn ignored his provocation, only increasing the pressure in his hand, and said coldly, "Cut the nonsense. You brought people to my house and started shooting, not for small talk, right? Tell me, who is behind you?"
The man chuckled, his voice hoarse and grating, "Behind? What 'behind' do you think I need? Lynn, you really overestimate yourself. All of this today has nothing to do with some Holy Blood Alliance or underground organization. I'm just here for revenge, that's all."
"Revenge?" Lynn narrowed his eyes, his gaze as sharp as a knife, "Do I know you?"
"Of course you do." The man turned his head, revealing a mouthful of bloody teeth, "Three years ago, when I was doing well on the streets of Bronx, you sent me to prison and ruined everything I had. I thought about you every day in prison, thinking about how to make you pay for it."
Lynn finally remembered this man. Eric Delgado, the leader of a medium-sized criminal gang, who started with drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and extortion. During Lynn's raid, Delgado was not only arrested, but his entire organization was uprooted, and even his most secret funds were seized.
"Delgado." Lynn murmured the name, his tone calm, but his gaze as cold as winter frost, "After you got out of prison, the first thing you did was come looking for trouble with me?"
"Of course." Delgado said through gritted teeth, "You destroyed my business, and I'm going to make you pay. This is just the beginning, Lynn. You made me lose everything, now it's your turn."
"So, you brought a few people and a few guns, and you thought you could take me down?" Lynn sneered, released his hand from him, and pushed him to the corner, "You really overestimate your abilities."
"This is just an appetizer." Delgado gasped, his eyes filled with malice, "I'll let you know what it costs to offend me. Your family, your friends... everyone around you will suffer with you."
Lynn's gaze instantly turned cold. His fists clenched, but he ultimately restrained himself. "Threatening me is a very foolish thing, Delgado." His voice was low, carrying a chilling coldness, "You want me to deal with you? I will satisfy you."
He turned around, walked to a nearby table, picked up his phone, and dialed a number. "Hans, bring him back. Yes, I caught an old dog, Eric Delgado. Put him in the FBI's special detention room; he still has a lot to confess."
When Delgado heard this, the smile on his face instantly froze. He tried to struggle but was coldly kicked back into the corner by Lynn.
"You think I'll give you another chance to fight back?" Lynn's voice was like it came from the abyss, "I'll make you disappear completely this time, Delgado. You'll be responsible for everything tonight."
Kate stood not far away, witnessing the entire interrogation. Her gaze was complex, a mix of shock at Lynn's tough methods and a strange admiration. She had seen many law enforcement officers and interviewed countless cases, but an Agent like Lynn—calm, decisive, ruthless, and yet harboring a deep protective instinct—she had never seen before.
"So," Kate finally spoke, her voice trembling slightly, "These people... they're not from the Holy Blood Alliance?"
"No." Lynn turned to look at her, his tone calm but with a certain cold undertone, "Just a loser who wanted revenge on me."
"Then your house?" Kate's gaze swept over the surrounding mess, the broken windows, and bullet holes in the walls.
"It's fine." Lynn said coldly, "Houses can be repaired, but people can't die. Tonight was still lucky."
Kate opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but finally just sighed, "Your life is much more complicated than I imagined."
"If that makes you give up on approaching me, I'd be quite happy." Lynn responded indifferently.
Kate bit her lip, hesitated for a moment, then said, "You know I won't give up, Lynn. The more danger you show me, the more I feel this is an important story. This isn't just about you; it's also about the Holy Blood Alliance, about the dangerous truths hidden in the shadows."
Lynn stared at her, silent for a few seconds, then said in a low voice, "Kate, if you keep digging into these things, one day you'll regret it."
"I won't." Kate looked directly into his eyes, her voice firm, "And you won't let these things continue, will you? You are someone willing to fight to change it."
Lynn did not respond. He turned and walked to the door, handing the handcuffed Delgado over to Hans, who had just arrived. Kate stood still, watching his back, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes.
The morning sun streamed through the blinds onto Kate's desk. She gently ran her hands over the keyboard, and after typing the last paragraph, she let out a long sigh. The headline on the screen was striking and eye-catching—"Brooklyn's Dark Night: FBI Agent's Home Attacked, Truth Behind the Scenes Elusive." Her writing was bold yet meticulous, narrating the attack while cleverly leaving enough suspense to make readers want to follow up on subsequent developments.
"Well done, Kate." She whispered to herself, then uploaded the file to the newspaper system and clicked the "Submit" button.
About half an hour later, her office phone rang. It was her editor, Frank.
"Kate." Frank's voice was deep, but his barely concealed excitement was audible, "The article you just submitted... it's perfect! I've already had the layout department put it on tomorrow morning's front page; it will definitely be the most significant news of the week."
Kate smiled slightly, "I just reported the truth, Frank. You know, these are the stories readers want to see."
"Truth is one part, but your writing style is key." Frankpaused, seemingly suppressing his excitement, "By the way, this is headline news, and it's exclusive. We have to give you a reward. Your bonus has been approved and will be in your account soon."
"Thank you, Frank." Kate's tone was humble, but the corners of her mouth couldn't help but turn up. At this moment, she felt a sense of professional satisfaction.
"However," Frank's voice suddenly turned serious, "Kate, do you know this report might cause trouble? You mentioned the Holy Blood Alliance, the attack, and AgentLynn... these are all topics that couldn't be more sensitive."
"I know." Kate turned to look out the window, the sunlight falling on her golden hair, "But if we're afraid of trouble, who will pursue the truth?"
Frank chuckled, "I knew you'd say that. Alright, Kate, keep up the momentum, but also be careful. The people behind these stories won't want them exposed."
"I'll be careful." Kate hung up the phone, leaned back in her chair, closed her eyes, and slowly exhaled.
In the evening, Kate's car stopped in front of an unassuming street bar. This was an intelligence exchange point she had learned about through informants, a place where all sorts of characters gathered—from ordinary thugs to valuable informants, there was always something to be dug up here.
Kate pushed the door open and walked in. The bar was dimly lit, and the air was filled with the smell of cheap alcohol and tobacco. Her gaze swept across the room, quickly spotting a man sitting in the corner. He was wearing a gray hoodie, his face hidden in shadow, holding a beer in his hand.
Kate walked straight over and sat down opposite him.
"Kate Miller." The man raised his head, revealing a chiseled face, a slight sneer playing on his lips. "Long time no see."
"Roy." Kate smiled faintly, placing her bag on the table. "I need some information."
"You're always like this, straight to the point." Roy took a sip of his beer, his eyes wary. "But, you've been a bit too noticeable lately. I heard you wrote an article about the Holy Blood Alliance?"
Kate wasn't intimidated by his tone. She leaned back in her chair, her voice calm and assured. "You know, what I do is never a secret."
"This time it's different." Roy put down his glass, leaning forward slightly and lowering his voice. "Kate, do you know what kind of organization the Holy Blood Allianceis? Do you really understand what you're challenging?"
"I know they're part of an underground criminal network, involved in drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and those so-called 'rituals'." Kate looked directly at Roy, her gaze firm. "And, they're doing something even more dangerous, like experiments, experiments involving Mutant genes."
Roy's expression instantly turned serious. He glanced down at the table, then looked back at her. "Where did you hear all this?"
"I have my own sources." Kate didn't reveal more, only probing, "Do you know about these experiments?"
Roy hesitated, then nodded. "I've heard some rumors. The Holy Blood Alliance has indeed been experimenting with something recently, seemingly to enhance the abilities of ordinary people, but those experiments have almost all failed, with terrifying side effects."
"Failed?" Kate frowned. "They're experimenting with human lives?"
"Yes." Roy's voice dropped. "They grab people from the streets and slums, using them as test subjects. These people disappear and never come back."
Kate's heart sank. She clenched her fists. "Where are they conducting these experiments?"
"That, I don't know." Roy shook his head. "But I heard that some people involved in the experiments escaped alive. If you can find them, maybe you can dig up something deeper."
"Where are those people?" Kate pressed, her voice urgent.
"Rumor has it that a few survivors are hiding in an abandoned warehouse in the west district of Brooklyn." Roy's voice remained low. "But I have to warn you, Kate, these people are mentally unstable, and the Holy Blood Alliance won't let them live long. If you go looking for them, be careful not to expose yourself."
Kate nodded, then took out some banknotes from her bag and placed them on the table. "Thank you, Roy."
Roy grabbed the banknotes and gave a bitter smile. "You're a smart person, Kate, but I hope you don't take too many risks this time. The Holy Blood Alliance won't go easy on you."
Kate stood up, a determined light in her eyes. "The truth always comes at a price, doesn't it?"
She turned and walked out of the bar. The cold night wind blew on her face, but her steps didn't falter in the slightest.
Night enveloped the west district of Brooklyn. The abandoned warehouses here stood like silent gravestones, burying countless untold secrets. Kate stood outside one of the warehouses, her breathing slightly ragged. The cold wind seeped through the broken wall cracks, bringing an icy chill. Her flashlight beam swayed in the darkness, illuminating the iron door in front of her, which was covered in rust and smudges from fingers.
She knew in her heart that this was the place Roy mentioned, where those who had undergone the Holy Blood Alliance's experiments might be hiding. But she also knew that this investigation was fraught with danger; once her identity was exposed, she might not even have a chance to leave.
Kate took a deep breath, gripping her small recorder with both hands and placing it inside her trench coat pocket. She gently pushed open the iron door, which let out a piercing "creak," instantly tensing her nerves. She scanned her surroundings, and only after confirming no one noticed her intrusion did she cautiously step inside.
The interior of the warehouse was even more desolate than she imagined. Broken wooden planks and rusty iron frames were scattered everywhere, and the air was filled with a musty smell, along with a faint, unmistakable scent of blood. Her gaze swept over several wooden crates piled against the wall, with blurry letters printed on them, seemingly transport labels for some kind of medicine or equipment.
Just then, she heard a low cough, coming from deep within the warehouse.
Kate's heart leaped, but she didn't retreat. Instead, she gripped her flashlight and slowly walked towards the sound. She tried to keep her footsteps light, but every step on the gravel felt like drumming.
As she approached a corner, the beam of light illuminated a face—a gaunt man, hiding behind a pile of tattered mats. His cheeks were sunken, his eyes bloodshot, and his whole body exuded an aura of decay. When he heard Kate's footsteps, he suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with terror and hostility.
"Don't move!" The man suddenly growled, raising a rusty metal rod and pointing it at Kate. "Who are you? Don't come near me!"
"Don't be afraid." Kate quickly raised her hands, signaling she meant no harm. "I'm a reporter. I'm not here to hurt you. I just want to understand what happened to you; I want to help you."
The man's gaze lingered on her face for a moment, but he still didn't lower his weapon. "Reporter? Bullshit reporter! You don't know what's happening here! You can't save us!"
"I know what you've been through." Kate's voice softened, trying to calm him. "The Holy Blood Allianceexperimented on you, right? I know they used some kind of drug… something related to Mutant genes."
The man's eyes widened slightly, clearly affected by Kate's words. His hand trembled slightly, and the grip on the metal rod loosened a bit. "You… how do you know all this?"
"I'm investigating them." Kate took the opportunity to take a step closer, her voice becoming more sincere. "I know they treat ordinary people as test subjects, using those drugs to transform you, but these experiments have serious side effects, right? Your body… your mind are both having problems, aren't they?"
The man's face grew paler. He opened his mouth, as if to say something, but just then, the warehouse door was suddenly kicked open with a loud bang.
"Found them! This is the place!" A rough voice came from outside, followed by several heavily armed men in black rushing in. They held automatic rifles, their eyes cold, clearly professional mercenaries.
Kate's heart tightened abruptly. She immediately dove to hide by the wall, trying to suppress her breathing. The gaunt man, on the other hand, trembled with fear, clutching the metal rod tightly.
"Damn it!" Kate cursed inwardly. Clearly, these people were here to silence witnesses, and she had just walked right into it.
"Target over there!" one mercenary shouted, raising his gun at the man in the corner.
The man let out a desperate roar and swung the metal rod in his hand, rushing forward, but he was shot in the shoulder before he could get close, falling heavily to the ground.
"Stop!" Kate couldn't help but shout, but her words only made the mercenaries' gazes turn to her.
"There's a woman too!" one of the mercenaries sneered. "Get her!"
Kate took off running. The warehouse was cramped, and the shelves and broken boxes were her only cover. Bullets whizzed past her ear, hitting the metal frames with a screeching clang. Her heart pounded as if it would burst from her chest, but she knew that stopping meant certain death.
Just as she felt there was nowhere left to run, a low gunshot came from the other side of the warehouse, followed by a familiar voice: "Put down your weapons, or die."
Kate suddenly stopped, turning to see Lynn's figure emerge from the shadows. The gun in his hand was steadily aimed at the nearest mercenary, his expression cold and calm.
"You?" Kate was stunned, not expecting Lynn to appear so suddenly.
Chapter 204 The Real Breakthrough
Lynn didn't respond to her, but quickly opened fire, and two mercenaries fell to the ground.
The remaining few immediately scattered, trying to find cover and return fire, but Lynn moved like lightning; he almost instantly changed positions, fired again, and knocked down another mercenary.
Suddenly, only footsteps and the mercenaries' heavy breathing remained in the warehouse.
Kate, hiding behind a shelf, was deeply shocked.
She knew Lynn was an excellent Agent, but witnessing his skill and precision firsthand still left her in disbelief.
A few minutes later, the last mercenary was knocked down by Lynn.
He slowly put away his gun and walked towards Kate, his gaze cold.
"Why are you here?" Lynn's voice was low, tinged with displeasure, "Are you crazy, Kate?"
"I…" Kate choked, then gritted her teeth, "I'm tracking a lead! This is a key point regarding the Holy Blood Alliance's experiments, I had to come."
"You almost died," Lynn's tone remained cold, his eyes showing a faint anger, "Do you know who these people are? They came to silence you.
If I hadn't come, you'd be one of their corpses by now."
Kate lowered her head, feeling both ashamed and unwilling.
She knew Lynn was right, but she didn't want to admit that her reckless decision had almost cost her her life.
Lynn sighed and turned to look at the thin man lying on the ground.
He knelt down to check the man's injuries, then stood up, "He's still alive, but needs to be sent to the hospital immediately."
"He's a survivor of the experiment," Kate quickly said, "He knows a lot, Lynn, we can't let anything happen to him."
"I know," Lynn nodded, then looked at her, "But you need to leave here.
Now."
"But—"
"No buts!" Lynn's tone was like a blade, "Kate, this is my battlefield, not yours.
You want the truth, I'll give it to you, but the premise is that you have to be alive."
Kate was stunned; she had never seen Lynn so direct and stern.
Despite her reluctance, she eventually nodded.
Lynn parked the car in a parking lot on the edge of Brooklyn, surrounded by dim streetlights and quiet streets.
He gripped the steering wheel with both hands, his gaze fixed forward, his expression calm and serious.
Kate, in the passenger seat, had been silent the whole way, seemingly brewing something, and Lynn could feel the suppressed emotion spreading through the car.
"We need to talk, Kate," Lynn finally spoke, his voice calm but with an undeniable authority, "You can't do this anymore."
Kate turned to look at him, a bitter smile playing on her lips, "What is 'this'? Investigating? Exposing? Or trying to help you?"
"It's throwing yourself into danger," Lynn's gaze finally turned to her, his cold eyes making Kate feel as if she was being X-rayed, "You have no idea what you're up against."
"I know more than you think," Kate retorted stubbornly, her voice low but firm, "The Holy Blood Alliance is a dangerous organization; they are conducting inhumane experiments, and you know all of this, yet you're hiding it.
Lynn, the public has a right to know!"
"The public's right to know is one thing, but your life is another," Lynn's tone deepened, his words laced with suppressed anger, "You almost died in that warehouse today!
If I hadn't shown up, do you think you'd still be standing here arguing with me?"
Kate was stung by the remark, but she didn't back down; instead, she looked back at him coldly, "That's because I'm doing what you're afraid to do."
Lynn's brow furrowed slightly, "What I'm afraid to do?"
"Yes," Kate straightened her body, her tone sharper, "You know about the Holy Blood Alliance's experiments, you know about their crimes, but you choose to act in the dark.
You always say these things are too dangerous to be made public.
But have you ever thought that if more people knew the truth, if the Holy Blood Alliance's actions were exposed, their resources, supporters, and hidden strongholds would all be forced out?
What are you waiting for? Their next plan? More innocent people being taken as experimental subjects?"
"You simply don't understand," Lynn's voice dropped, but gained a gritting, cold hardness, "This isn't something that can be solved just by news and public opinion.
The Holy Blood Alliance's reach extends too far; the resources and technology they control are more complex than you imagine.
Exposing the truth will only put more people at risk, and you…" He paused, a hint of unconcealed worry in his eyes, "You'll become their target."
Kate let out a laugh, but the smile was full of defiance, "Perhaps, I can proactively become a target."
Lynn froze for a moment, his brows furrowing even deeper, "What are you talking about?"
"I'm not talking nonsense," Kate's voice became calm and firm, "I have a proposal.
You want to catch the key figures of the Holy Blood Alliance, right?
But they are too deeply hidden; it's almost impossible to find their specific action plans or strongholds.
So, why not… use me as bait?"
"What?" Lynn's tone instantly rose, his eyes showing a hint of astonishment and disbelief.
"You heard me right," Kate looked directly at him, unflinching, "I'm a reporter; I can publicly release some limited clues to draw the Holy Blood Alliance's attention to me.
They will surely think I know more, and will even try to deal with me.
And you all—" She paused, pointing at Lynn, "You can use this opportunity to track down their people and catch them all in one fell swoop."
Lynn stared at her, his eyes filled with complex emotions—anger, shock, and a hint of helplessness.
His fingers pressed slightly on the steering wheel, his knuckles making a barely audible cracking sound.
"Impossible," he finally said coldly, "This plan is too crazy; you'll die."
"No, I won't," Kate responded quickly, "You'll protect me, won't you?"
"Kate," Lynn took a deep breath, trying to suppress the anger in his heart, "This isn't a game.
If the Holy Blood Alliance really targets you, they won't let you live.
Moreover, they are not ordinary criminals; their actions are ruthless, efficient, and without any hesitation.
You have no idea what you're provoking."
"Precisely why we need to break their disguise," Kate's voice gained a hint of urgency, "Lynn, don't you think we've always been passive?
They control everything from the shadows, and we can only follow behind, cleaning up the mess.
But if we make them lose their composure, make them expose weaknesses, we'll have a chance to fight back."
Lynn shook his head, "This is gambling your life for a chance; I won't allow it to happen."
"You can't control my decisions," Kate's voice also turned cold, "I am a reporter; I have the right to expose the truth.
If that means I have to take risks, that's my choice."
Lynn tapped his finger on the steering wheel, his gaze becoming even colder, "Do you think this is some heroic drama?
This is reality, Kate.
The reality is, the Holy Blood Alliance won't leave survivors; they won't just threaten or intimidate you, they'll kill you directly."
"Then will you let them succeed?" Kate retorted, her gaze piercing Lynn, "I know this is dangerous, but it's also the only effective way.
We need a breakthrough, and I can be that breakthrough."
Lynn fell silent, his jawline taut, his gaze fixed straight ahead, as if thinking, or perhaps struggling.
"Lynn," Kate's voice softened slightly, but remained firm, "You know I'm right.
You're fighting these people, and so am I.
We both want the same thing, which is to end their crimes.
If my plan can help you, then give me a chance."
Lynn finally turned to look at her; his eyes were still cold, but deep down, a complex emotion was hidden.
"You know, if this plan fails—"
"That's my responsibility," Kate interrupted him without hesitation, "But if it succeeds, we can save more people."
Lynn closed his eyes, as if using all his willpower to suppress some emotion within him.
He knew Kate's plan was crazy, and he knew he shouldn't accept it, but at the same time, he had to admit that it might be their only chance.
A few seconds later, he opened his eyes, his gaze calm and resolute.
"Alright," his voice was low and hoarse, "But from now on, you have to listen to me; not a single step can be wrong.
Otherwise, not only you, but I won't be able to save you either."
Kate smiled faintly, with a hint of relief and stubbornness in her eyes. "I'll listen to you."
The next day.
The morning sun streamed through the glass windows of the tall newspaper building. Kate stood by her desk, holding a freshly printed morning paper. The headline on the front page was striking and glaring.
Her name was prominently printed below the headline, which made her heart beat a little faster. Although she appeared calm on the surface, deep down, she knew she had just stirred up a storm.
The article was meticulously designed, neither revealing too much sensitive information nor crossing the FBI's bottom line, yet it subtly exposed some of the Holy Blood Alliance's crimes. She described the disappeared civilians, suspected genetic experiments, and the dangerous organization behind them, leaving readers deeply shocked and uneasy. At the end of the article, she even stated frankly that she would continue to pursue more truths about the Holy Blood Alliance.
"Kate."
A low voice came from behind her.
Kate turned and saw Editor-in-Chief Frank standing at the doorway, his expression complex. He slowly walked in, also holding a newspaper.
"This article will cause a sensation," Frank said, with an undisguised hint of worry in his tone. "But it will also bring you a lot of trouble."
"I know," Kate nodded, her eyes firm. "But someone has to do this, Frank. If we keep choosing to remain silent, the truth will never be revealed."
Frank sighed, placing the newspaper on her desk. "Alright. You want to fight, but don't forget, war comes with a price. You'd best be prepared."
Kate nodded, saying nothing more. She watched Frank's retreating back, her heart not wavering in the slightest. She knew this article would touch a nerve with the Holy Blood Alliance, and that was precisely part of her and Lynn's plan.
Meanwhile, tens of kilometers away from the newspaper office, in a conference room hidden within a luxurious office building in Manhattan, the atmosphere was as cold as an ice cellar.
Around the long conference table sat several men and women in suits, each with a gloomy expression like the sky before a storm. A newspaper lay before them, its front-page headline stinging everyone's nerves.
"Kate Miller," the man at the head of the table slowly spoke, his voice low and hoarse, as if coming from underground. "Has anyone heard this name before?"
No one answered. The conference room was dead silent, with only faint breathing echoing.
"A reporter, able to dig up so much?" Another middle-aged man finally spoke, his voice filled with anger. "That's impossible! Our operations have always been covert, never leaving any traces!"
"If there were no 'traces', where did this report come from?" The woman on the right retorted coldly, a hint of sarcasm in her tone. "Perhaps there's a problem within our organization. Some people aren't doing what they're supposed to do."
"Enough," the man at the head of the table raised his hand, stopping the argument. His gaze coldly swept over everyone present. "This woman has brought the Holy Blood Alliance's name into the spotlight. This is an intolerable mistake. And now the question is—how do we deal with her."
"Kill her," a bald man at the table said coldly. "Just do it directly, make her disappear. It's the simplest solution."
"Simple?" The woman sneered. "She's a public figure now. She just published an article like that, and many people are watching her. If she dies, all eyes will be on us. Do you want to give the FBI more excuses to meddle in our affairs?"
The bald man snorted and said nothing more.
"I disagree with directly eliminating her," an older man slowly spoke, his voice steady but with a hint of cunning. "But we can silence her. Find her, make her understand that she knows too much, and that this knowledge will only destroy her."
"You mean threaten?" The bald man scoffed disdainfully. "Threatening someone like her is useless. She's a reporter, she likes risks; threats will only make her bolder."
"Then let her see with her own eyes what true fear is," the older man narrowed his eyes. "If she's not afraid to die, then let her be afraid to live."
A silence fell over the conference room. Everyone weighed the pros and cons, but the man at the head of the table remained uncommitted. His fingers gently tapped the table, as if playing a silent melody.
"We cannot act rashly," he finally spoke, his voice so low it was unsettling. "She has supporters behind her. There are too many meticulously designed parts in this article; it's clearly not something a single reporter could accomplish alone. This indicates—" His gaze sharpened even further. "Her intelligence source likely comes from the FBI."
This statement silenced everyone. Everyone realized that if the FBI was truly behind all of this, then things were far more complicated than they had imagined.
"Find her," the man at the head of the table slowly said. "Do not make direct contact, but investigate everything about her—friends, family, daily habits, even what kind of coffee she drinks every day. We need intelligence, to know where her weaknesses lie. Then—"
His gaze coldly swept over the group. "Let her know that those who target us do not end well."
No one spoke in the conference room, only nodding silently. Their shadowy operations had continued for years, and no one would allow a reporter's name to end their plans.
A few hours later, Kate sat in her apartment, her nerves slightly taut. Her laptop was open, displaying comments from readers on the article. Many applauded her courage, but she knew that behind this support might lurk a deadly threat.
The doorbell suddenly rang.
Kate's heart jolted. She slowly stood up and walked towards the door, hesitating for a moment with her hand on the lock before cautiously opening the door.
Lynn stood outside. He was wearing a dark overcoat, his gaze calm but with a hint of tension.
"We need to talk," Lynn's voice was low.
"Come in," Kate opened the door to let him in.
Lynn walked into the living room, looking around to ensure there was nothing unusual, then closed the door.
"You did something very bold," he turned, his deep gaze fixed on Kate.
"You mean the article?" Kate raised an eyebrow, with a touch of defiance in her tone. "Isn't this our plan? To attract the Holy Blood Alliance's attention?"
"It is the plan, but the attention you've drawn might be more than we anticipated," Lynn said in a deep voice. "The Holy Blood Alliance's higher-ups are meeting to discuss plans to deal with you; they've already made you their number one target."
Kate's heart pounded, but she didn't flinch. "Then that means the plan succeeded, doesn't it?"
"You succeeded in attracting attention, but the cost might be your life," Lynn took a step closer, his voice growing deeper. "From now on, your every move is under their surveillance. They will test you, intimidate you, and even use those around you against you. You must understand how dangerous your situation is."
Kate was silent for a moment, then looked up, her gaze firmly on Lynn. "I understand. But I also understand that if we don't take this risk, there will never be a true breakthrough. Lynn, we both know this isn't just my battle; it's yours too."
Lynn didn't respond, only letting out a long sigh. He knew Kate was right, but he also knew there would be no turning back on this path.
"From now on, I will protect you from the shadows," Lynnfinally said, his voice carrying an undeniable resolve. "But remember, this is a cat-and-mouse game. And we must ensure we are not the mouse."
Brooklyn was shrouded in silence that night, the city lights casting a faint glow through the mist. Outside Kate's apartment, a few cars occasionally drove by, but otherwise, the street was empty. An indescribable sense of oppression hung in the air, as if the entire night was waiting for some danger to descend.