Chapter 1169 - Ch: 279-284

Chapter 279 The goal is clearer

"Prepare!" Lynn whispered, directing his team members, "We'll strike first and suppress them."

Before the security personnel could fully approach, Lynnsuddenly leaped out from behind the wall, quickly fired his gun, aiming directly for the lead security guard's shoulder. The gunshot pierced the silence, echoing throughout the Underground Room, and the security guard fell to the ground.

Lynn seized the opportunity, quickly lunged to his side, and directly struck another guard's abdomen with the gun stock.

"Quick! Don't hesitate!" Lynn commanded loudly, and the other team members followed suit, swiftly knocking down the remaining enemies with lightning-fast movements.

However, this was not their only challenge for a smooth retreat.

The gunshots and the intensity of the battle had already alerted other areas of the Base.

Just a few seconds later, Lynn heard more footsteps approaching from further away.

Clearly, the enemy had begun to mobilize more forces.

"Quick! Retreat!" Lynn gave the order, leading his team members towards the entrance.

Just as they were running, suddenly, several violent explosions erupted from the other end of the Underground Room, followed by the surrounding walls shaking violently, and smoke spreading everywhere.

Lynn instinctively lunged to the side, pulling his team members to quickly take cover.

It turned out that the enemy had activated some kind of trap, attempting to block their retreat route with explosions.

"We have to go through this passage!" Lynn quickly directed, leading his team members to move rapidly through another exit passage.

As the alarm grew louder, the tension in the factory became heavier, and every step they took was like a race against time.

But, just as they were about to turn a corner, suddenly, an armed security guard rushed out from the corner, blocking their path.

Lynn hesitated for barely a second, immediately fired, and hit the opponent's shoulder.

The security guard was knocked down, but this battle had already attracted the enemy's full attention.

"Retreat! Immediately!" Lynn saw more and more enemy reinforcements, not only security guards on the ground, but also several helicopters had begun to take off from the factory's open ground, preparing to provide air support.

Mark and the team members quickly retreated, with Lynnleading the subsequent team members providing covering fire.

As the enemy's reinforcements grew, they were forced into an old warehouse area of the factory, a place they hadn't anticipated.

The surrounding darkness and piles of discarded machinery temporarily gave them some cover.

"Mark, take the team to the front gate, we'll take this route." Lynn signaled the team members to split up.

To avoid being surrounded by the enemy, they decided to divide into two small groups, attempting to evacuate from different exits.

However, the retreat process was not that smooth.

When Lynn and his squad arrived at what seemed like a safe exit, they found the door was firmly locked.

Lynn quickly used tools to pry open the lock, but the noise generated during this process attracted the enemy's attention.

"Quick, open the door!" Lynn shouted while forcefully prying the lock.

Just as he was about to open the door, suddenly, several armed security guards flashed out from the shadows on one side, and they fired at Lynn and his group without hesitation.

Lynn quickly dodged, instructing his team members to take cover behind a nearby iron frame.

"Good thing we prepared bulletproof vests," Markwhispered, dodging and taking out his gun to return fire.

Lynn realized that the situation was getting worse.

The enemy's numbers significantly exceeded their expectations, and multiple exits of the factory had been sealed off.

Their retreat was almost completely blocked.

"There's no time, the retreat passage must be breached." Lynn's expression became even more grim, "We continue to advance, we can't let them trap us."

Under Lynn's command, the squad quickly began to retreat towards another more secluded passage, braving a hail of bullets.

As the enemy's pursuit intensified, they were forced to quicken their pace, gradually entering the other end of the factory.

Just as they passed through a narrow corridor, Lynnsuddenly discovered that the exit ahead was not clear as they had expected; instead, it was filled with enemy ambushes at the doorway.

"They've blocked this place!" Mark's voice was filled with anger.

Seeing the enemy getting closer and closer, Lynn knew that if they didn't take decisive action soon, they would be completely surrounded.

He made a quick decision: "We can only break through the encirclement and escape!"

"Understood!" The team members quickly cooperated and began to counterattack the enemy.

In the chaotic gunfire, Lynn and his team members displayed incredible coordination.

Through precise suppressive fire, they finally broke through the enemy's defense line, forcing the enemy to temporarily retreat.

They successfully rushed out of the factory, and although they left wounded behind along the way, the squad finally escaped the deadly encirclement.

Lynn gasped, looking at the night sky in the distance, knowing that their mission was not complete.

The enemy's pursuit had not stopped, and the secrets of the Base had not yet been fully revealed.

"We escaped," Mark wiped the sweat from his forehead, "What do we do next?"

"We can't stop." Lynn's gaze was firm, gripping his weapon, "We have broken through part of the Experiment Organization's defenses, but their counterattack will become stronger and stronger.

Next, we have to find out all their secrets and completely destroy their Base."

After Lynn and his team successfully retreated from the Experiment Organization's factory, it was late at night when they returned to Manhattan.

Although they brought back a large amount of evidence and crucial data, Lynn's mood did not lighten because of it.

After this series of actions, he deeply felt the enemy's power and the heavy responsibility on his shoulders.

The Experiment Organization's network was growing larger, and the conspiracy of the mastermind had not yet been fully uncovered.

Lynn knew that this battle was far from over.

Upon returning to the office, Lynn immediately began to conduct a detailed analysis of the data brought back from the factory with the technical team, searching for any clues that might reveal the Experiment Organization's true purpose.

Despite being exhausted, he still could not stop working.

He knew that only through thorough investigation could he completely destroy these evil forces.

And this, perhaps, was his only responsibility and mission.

Kate had maintained close contact during this period, following Lynn's actions, and also diligently tracking down the undisclosed inside stories.

Lynn knew that Kate was his most trusted ally; although she always tried to remain calm and professional, Lynncould feel her persistence for the truth behind it, as well as her personal concern for him.

One day, Kate suddenly contacted Lynn, inviting him to dinner, seemingly with something important to say.

Lynn agreed, after all, they hadn't had a proper talk for days.

He was a little curious about what Kate would say at dinner, as she usually maintained a calm demeanor.

In the evening, Lynn arrived at the restaurant Kate had designated on time.

Although it was a simple small restaurant, the atmosphere was exceptionally warm.

Kate was already waiting at the table, with two glasses of wine on it, emitting an inviting aroma.

She looked up and saw Lynn walk in, revealing a warm smile, as if she had been waiting for a long time.

"Good evening, Lynn," Kate said softly, "You've had a long day, please sit."

Lynn smiled slightly and sat across from Kate: "It should be my treat tonight, Kate.

You've been busy lately too, so you should also pay more attention to resting."

Kate picked up her wine glass and gently swirled it: "I've been tracking the Experiment Organization's affairs.

The truth is getting closer to us, but it's also getting more dangerous."

She paused, her gaze lifted from the wine glass, looking directly at Lynn, "But that's not the main thing I wanted to talk to you about today."

Lynn was a little puzzled: "Oh? Then what is it?"

Kate lowered her head and remained silent for a moment.

The air seemed to become a little heavy, Lynn noticed Kate's emotions becoming unusual, and he said softly: "Kate, what happened?"

Kate took a deep breath, slowly raised her eyes, and looked directly at Lynn: "I… I want to tell you something."

Her voice was soft, yet it carried an undeniable firmness, "Lynn, I have feelings for you.

I know things might be complicated, especially with the situation we're facing now.

But I can't keep these feelings inside anymore."

Lynn was stunned, his heart instantly quickened.

Kate's confession made a complex emotion surge within him.

Her eyes were clear and sincere, not hiding her inner feelings at all, which made Lynn feel a warmth, but also left him a bit dazed.

He had never expected Kate to confess her feelings at such a moment, especially when they were jointly facing such a complex and dangerous situation.

Kate gently put down her wine glass, her gaze still fixed on Lynn's face, her tone even softer: "I know we've both invested too much energy in our work lately, even neglecting ourselves.

But I sincerely hope you know that I don't just see you as a colleague or a friend; my feelings for you have long gone beyond the scope of work.

I can no longer ignore this."

Lynn didn't answer immediately; he just felt his mind in a whirl.

Kate's words made him feel both warm and complex.

Yes, he had always regarded Kate as an incredibly important partner; in this struggle, they had fought side by side, supported each other, and had already experienced countless difficult moments.

And Kate's emotions, like a powerful force, also brought a heavy burden.

He knew that Kate was not just concerned about the case itself, but about him as a person.

"Kate…" Lynn finally spoke, his voice low and slow, "I… I don't know how to respond to you."

A hint of disappointment flickered in Kate's eyes, but she didn't immediately interrupt Lynn, just quietly waiting for his words.

Lynn lowered his head, the conflict in his heart preventing him from making an immediate decision: "You know, Kate, I've always cherished our relationship.

Whether as a friend or a partner, you are very important to me.

You are the only person I can trust in this dangerous World.

I know you've always fought for the truth, and I also know you've always quietly supported me from behind."

He paused, taking a deep breath: "But I cannot ignore the current work, nor the dangers we are facing.

Every time we delve into these cases, we face life-and-death struggles, and I… I don't want to drag you too deep into this, Kate.

I'm afraid that if I accept your feelings for me, I won't be able to give you a peaceful life, and I'm also afraid I won't be able to protect you."

Hearing this, Kate lowered her head, a hint of sadness flashing in her eyes, but she didn't refute, just listened quietly.

Lynn's heart was filled with complex emotions; he knew Kate's confession was sincere, but at this moment, he seemed unable to give her any promises.

Danger, responsibility, work—all of this prevented him from taking that step to reciprocate Kate's feelings.

"Kate…" Lynn said softly, "You know how much I value you, and you know my inner struggle.

But, right now, my work and responsibilities have focused all my attention on the case, and I don't dare to promise anything beyond that.

Do you understand?

If I promise you something, I'm afraid I won't be able to deliver, and I'm also afraid of dragging you down."

Kate looked up, still with a hint of sadness in her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure.

She took a deep breath and smiled softly: "I understand, Lynn.

I know you have too many responsibilities to bear, and I know you don't want to get me involved in too much danger.

You've always been strong, perhaps precisely because you carry too much.

But, you also need to remember, you're not alone, Lynn.

No matter how you choose to go, I will be by your side.

No matter what, I will not regret telling you these words."

Lynn felt the determination and understanding in her words, and a complex emotion surged in his heart.

Kate's understanding and tolerance deeply warmed him, but he still couldn't shake off his worry for her—she was already too deeply involved in this dangerous struggle, and how could he bear to let her be harmed again?

Kate reached out and gently held Lynn's hand, "No matter what your decision is now, I will respect and understand it.

Just, don't forget, sometimes you can put down all your worries and pay attention to yourself, and to the people around you."

Lynn gazed at Kate's eyes for a long time, finally nodding, but his heart remained heavy.

At this moment, he felt both a warmth and a tremendous pressure stemming from the conflict between responsibility and emotion.

"Thank you, Kate," Lynn said softly, "I don't know what the future holds, but I will remember what you said.

We will walk to the end together, no matter what."

Kate smiled, gripping Lynn's hand: "No matter what happens, we're in this together."

Lynn and Mark once again entered a tense preparation phase.

This time, their goal was clearer—to destroy the Experiment Organization's second Base in another city.

This Base was hidden in a secluded forest, with surrounding roads cleverly disguised as ordinary industrial facilities.

The Experiment Organization had clearly become aware of their existence and had made greater improvements in their defenses.

The Base was larger, its defenses tighter, and the enemy was more alert than before.

Lynn knew that this mission carried greater risks.

The leader of the Experiment Organization, codenamed "Alex," was the key figure they had been tracking.

This person not only played an extremely important role in the entire experiment plan but also held countless secrets about the Experiment Organization's internal operations.

Defeating Alex and destroying the second Base would be a crucial step in completely destroying the Experiment Organization.

Chapter 280: Unprecedented Power

After several days of reconnaissance and preparation, Lynn and Mark led the elite squad quietly to the target area.

According to intelligence, the Second Base's security perimeter was tighter than any Base they had previously dealt with.

The enemy no longer relied solely on security personnel and surveillance equipment, but also deployed MutantAgents, who possessed extraordinary sensory abilities and combat skills, enough to make anyone attempting to infiltrate fail silently.

Despite this, Lynn and Mark did not feel fear.

Their past few operations had given them rich experience, and they knew that only precise planning and coordinated cooperation could ensure the success of the mission.

They decided to launch a night raid, approaching simultaneously from multiple directions to completely suppress the enemy's counter-attack capabilities.

"Before the operation begins, make sure everyone knows the retreat route," Lynn whispered, reminding the squad members, "If anything happens, prioritize safety; we cannot let the enemy disrupt our plan."

As night fell, Lynn led the squad silently into the Base's perimeter.

Moonlight filtered through the trees, but they remained discreet, making no sound.

Lynn led the squad through dense forests, each person following closely behind him, their gazes serious, their breathing shallow and steady.

Although the surroundings were a tranquil forest, every inch of land was full of potential danger.

After a long period of lurking and circling, they finally reached the outskirts of the Base, ready to begin the assault.

This time, they did not rely on a direct breakthrough but used technical means to find weaknesses within the Base.

A damaged communication tower became the breakthrough point for their plan.

According to Lynn's calculations, the tower's power system was connected to the security system, and once destroyed, it would temporarily interrupt the Base's communication, providing the squad with more room to maneuver.

"Target is approaching," Lynn confirmed with Mark and other team members through his earpiece, "Get ready; begin to execute the plan."

Lynn walked towards the tower, carefully observing the surroundings with binoculars.

Although the enemy had multiple lines of defense, relying on their previous reconnaissance and intelligence analysis, Lynn knew the enemy's deployment like the back of his hand.

He saw the security personnel next to the tower changing shifts, and the surrounding power facilities and communication lines also seemed loose.

Lynn did not hesitate and quickly issued the order: "Action, suppress the enemy."

The squad members quickly executed the order, several team members approaching the target from different directions, using smoke grenades and electromagnetic interference devices to draw the enemy away.

At the same time, Lynn and Mark quickly went to the communication tower and began to prepare to destroy the power system.

"Are you ready?" Mark asked in a low voice.

"Activate," Lynn responded, then placed the explosive device at the Base of the tower.

With a faint "click," the explosive device successfully activated.

The lower part of the communication tower began to vibrate violently, then let out a loud explosion, and Impactswept outwards.

The tower swayed violently, and then a strong flash of Fire and thick smoke rose into the air, instantly throwing the surrounding security personnel into chaos.

"Success!" Mark gripped his weapon, "Now, the enemy will definitely be drawn away.

We have enough time to break through."

Lynn did not stop, signaling his team members to continue forward.

They quickly rushed into the Base, heading towards the control room where Alex was located.

Lynn knew that the key to this operation was to control the Base's command center as early as possible to prevent the enemy from sending out distress signals or organizing a counter-attack.

They moved silently through underground pipe passages, avoiding external enemies and surveillance.

As they approached the control room, Lynn confirmed the personnel configuration inside through the surveillance screen.

Inside the control room, a high-ranking Commander was monitoring the screen, and several other security personnel were standing guard.

Lynn nodded to Mark, and the two quickly formulated a plan of action.

"We need a precise wave of attacks to make sure we suppress them," Lynn whispered, "Mark, you lead your team to flank from the left, and I'll lead my men to break through from the right."

Mark and Lynn exchanged a firm look, then quickly took action.

The two led their respective squads to quickly approach the control room from two directions.

When the distance was less than ten meters, Lynn waved his hand, and the team members instantly launched their attacks simultaneously.

Within a few seconds, the security personnel in the control room had almost no reaction time before being quickly subdued.

Lynn rushed into the control room with his team, and by the time the Commander reacted, it was too late; Lynnkicked open the door and quickly pointed his gun at him.

"Don't move, stay calm!" Lynn commanded, his voice calm and authoritative, "Your plan ends here."

The Commander clearly realized the seriousness of the situation and hastily raised his hands, trying to signal cooperation.

"You cannot stop us, Alex will come to save us very soon!

Everything you do is futile!"

Lynn sneered: "If you think Alex can save you, then you are greatly mistaken."

While directing his team to control the Commander, he quickly destroyed the control room's communication equipment, ensuring the enemy could not send out distress signals.

With all equipment shut down, the Experiment Organization's command system in this Base was completely destroyed.

However, Lynn knew that this was far from over.

The enemy's main forces were still active in other areas of the Base, and their mission was not yet complete.

Alex was still their ultimate target.

"This is just the beginning," Lynn told his team members, "We must find Alex as quickly as possible and destroy the remaining facilities."

With the successful control of the command center, Lynnled the squad deeper into the Base.

They quickly located Alex's probable position using a map—a secret laboratory deep underground.

According to intelligence, Alex was directly involved in some key Mutant experiments, and he might be directing the final counter-attack there.

Along the way, they encountered more enemies, but Lynnand Mark's team had gradually adapted to the enemy's tactics, and with high tacit understanding and calmness, they successfully broke through one defense line after another.

Finally, they reached the entrance of the laboratory.

Alex already knew their movements; when Lynn and the squad rushed into the laboratory, he was ready for a final stand.

The laboratory was filled with various unfinished experimental samples and confined Mutants, and a strong smell of blood permeated the air.

Alex stood in front of the experimental table, coldly looking at Lynn: "Do you think you can destroy us?

You are wrong, Daedalus's plan has long exceeded your understanding.

Everything you are doing is just a small interlude in this great experiment."

Lynn stared at him coldly, without a trace of wavering in his eyes: "Your experiment is built on the suffering of countless innocent lives, and you can never win true victory."

A trace of anger flashed in Alex's eyes, and he suddenly pressed a button, activating the laboratory's self-destruct device; the Base's blast doors began to close, and the entire Base went into complete lockdown.

"You're too late!" Alex roared, "You will never stop me!"

Lynn quickly assessed the situation and ordered the squad to immediately destroy the key equipment in the laboratory.

After a fierce exchange of Fire and destruction, the laboratory's system was completely paralyzed, and Alex's plan was ultimately declared a failure.

"Target destroyed," Lynn announced, "Evacuate!"

They quickly evacuated from the Base, successfully bringing back all important data and evidence from the Experiment Organization, completely destroying this critical facility.

Although Alex had not been fully captured, Lynn knew that they were getting closer and closer to completely ending this struggle.

Lynn and the squad finally got a moment of respite after successfully destroying the second Base.

The complete destruction of the Base not only dealt a major blow to the Experiment Organization but also strengthened Lynn's determination to continue the investigation.

However, although their mission was not yet fully completed, at this moment he and Mark both knew that Allen's parents, Katherine and George, had finally gained their freedom.

At that moment, what Lynn felt was not the joy of victory, but a heavy sense of responsibility and emotional relief.

A few mornings later, Lynn, Katherine, and George flew back to Manhattan.

With their help, Katherine and George, after several days of adjustment, finally regained some calm.

Although they had endured years of pain from experimental control and genetic modification, this did not destroy their will, especially George; his eyes were always full of resilience and hope.

During the flight, Katherine and George's gratitude to Lynn was overflowing.

Katherine gently said to Lynn: "Lynn, you gave us a chance to start over.

We can feel the free air again, and it's all thanks to you."

George also patted Lynn's shoulder: "You not only saved us but also gave us a sense of home.

You said we weren't alone, and I've always kept that in mind."

Lynn listened quietly, feeling a warmth in his heart.

He knew that Katherine and George's experiences were far more painful than he could understand, and their lives and their future would need time to heal.

He could not fully express Katherine and George's gratitude to him, but he knew that helping them escape danger and bringing them back to their family was his proudest achievement.

As the plane landed, Lynn's tension also rose.

Katherine and George soon learned that Allen was waiting for their return in Manhattan.

As they walked out through airport security, Lynn saw a young man anxiously pacing in the waiting hall; that was Allen.

Although it had been several months since they last met, Lynn recognized him at a glance from his eyes.

Allen's eyes were complex and deep; he looked up and saw Katherine and George walking out of the airport, immediately quickening his steps, the anxious expression on his face gradually transforming into a long-lost smile.

When Katherine saw Allen, she couldn't help but run over and hug him tightly.

George also walked forward and patted Allen's back, and the two found the long-lost family affection in each other's embrace.

Lynn stood not far away, watching this scene, his heart filled with complex emotions.

Everyone's eyes were filled with tears, but they were not tears of sadness, but of long-awaited reunion and the joy of meeting again.

Allen whispered: "Dad, Mom, I finally found you."

Katherine looked up at her son, her eyes teary: "Allen, we're all back.

Thank you for always waiting for us, thank you for never giving up."

George also looked at Allen affectionately, his voice hoarse: "Son, my heart has never stopped beating for you.

Now, I can finally tell you, we are no longer the powerless people; we are back."

Allen held his parents' hands, tears finally welling up: "Your return is like a dream I've had since childhood."

Katherine hugged Allen tightly, gently whispering: "We may have missed too many years, but today, we will make up for it together, and start anew."

This warm scene of reunion seemed to make Lynn feel the most real power in life.

He had always known that his work was not just about pursuing justice and truth, but also about helping these families find their lost family affection, helping them rediscover a life of their own.

However, at this moment, he felt not only the satisfaction of completing the mission but also the true salvation of these innocent people.

All the hard work and sacrifice seemed worthwhile at this moment.

Allen turned his head and saw Lynn standing not far away, quietly watching their reunion.

Lynn's eyes did not appear overly sentimental; he just gently nodded, his gaze warm and deep.

Allen walked over, looked up, his voice filled with endless gratitude: "Lynn, you are not just my savior, but also our family's hero.

Without you, there would be no today.

You saved my parents, and I can never repay you."

Lynn smiled slightly and waved his hand: "Allen, don't say that; helping you all is my greatest honor.

Your family's reunion is the most important thing."

Tears sparkled in Allen's eyes, and he gripped Lynn's hand again: "I will never forget everything you did for me.

Your love and persistence for my family are gratitude I cannot express in words.

From now on, no matter what happens, you will be our friend, and we will always remember you."

A warm power surged in Lynn's heart, and he looked deeply at Allen, a trace of tenderness flashing in his eyes: "I will always be by your side until you are completely free."

Katherine also walked over and gently patted Lynn's shoulder: "Lynn, thank you, truly."

Her eyes were still filled with tears, but they were tears of joy, lit by hope.

Lynn felt the sincerity in her words, and he whispered: "Katherine, you don't need to thank me.

Your reunion is my greatest wish."

George stood nearby, finally unable to help but wipe his eyes: "In this life, we are destined to not have the chance to thank you in person, but please always remember, what you did for us, our whole family will never forget."

At this moment, Lynn felt a power he had never experienced before.

Chapter 281 Enjoy Life

The next morning, Lynn received an urgent tip from headquarters—Alex, one of the core figures of the Experiment Organization, had successfully escaped and was tracked to Las Vegas.

This news instantly made Lynn's mood tense.

Although they had destroyed the Second Base, Alex's escape meant that the Experiment Organization's conspiracy was not over.

This man not only played a crucial role in the progress of the experiment plan but also likely held key information that could unveil the entire Experiment Organization.

"We can't waste any more time," Lynn said to Mark in a deep voice.

"Alex won't stop; Las Vegas is a complex place with high population mobility and many Underground forces.

His escape plan has likely already received support from behind the scenes."

Mark nodded, his face equally solemn: "We need to act quickly and not give him any breathing room."

They immediately packed their equipment and set off for the airport.

The plane took off in the morning sun, heading towards Las Vegas.

Inside the cabin, Lynn remained silent, his eyes fixed on the window, his mind racing.

Behind Alex's escape lay more danger and uncertainty; Lynn had a hunch that Alex was not merely escaping pursuit.

This time, he might have a more far-reaching plan.

Lynn and Mark sat in the cabin, maintaining a brief silence.

The plane gradually passed through White clouds, flying towards Las Vegas.

Lynn's unease and anxiety intensified, recalling Kate's warning to not only focus on the case's progress but also to always protect himself.

He also understood that Kate's concerns were not unfounded; his every action involved the safety of more people, especially when facing a dangerous person like Alex.

Any carelessness could lead to catastrophic consequences.

Las Vegas is a city that never sleeps; neon lights illuminate the night, hiding countless secrets within this vibrant city.

Upon their arrival, Lynn and Mark immediately began tracking Alex's whereabouts.

According to the tip, Alex seemed to be hiding in a high-end hotel in Las Vegas.

This hotel appeared glamorous on the outside, but its interior was an extremely secret place, involved in many Underground dealings and illegal activities.

"We know his escape route, but this place is not like other places," Lynn told Mark at the command center.

"The complexity of Las Vegas is that he can easily disappear into the crowd.

We have to find his hiding place and absolutely not give him any chance to escape."

They quickly arrived near the target hotel, a luxurious casino hotel bustling with tourists, but Lynn knew that Alex might not simply rely on the casino's noise to cover his tracks.

He probably had already found a hiding place, waiting for the right moment to continue his plan.

"We can't just barge in and wait for him to make a move," Lynn turned to Mark.

"First, investigate the periphery to find possible hiding spots, then slowly close in."

They split up, investigating the hotel's surroundings while using the latest technical equipment to scout areas where Alex might be hiding.

Lynn used high-tech drone equipment to monitor all external activities of the entire hotel, while Mark blended in with the hotel staff to gather internal information.

After several hours of intense investigation, Lynn finally discovered a crucial clue from the hotel's closed-circuit television monitoring system.

In an inconspicuous Underground parking lot, Lynn found a black sedan, which was one of Alex's commonly used vehicles.

The car was parked in a hidden spot, seemingly to avoid attracting attention, but Lynn's intuition told him that this car might be the only trace Alex left behind.

"Mark, I found his clue," Lynn whispered into his earpiece.

"That black sedan is parked in the Underground parking lot; I have a premonition that he's hiding there."

Upon receiving the instruction, Mark quickly acted, starting to search for possible passages and floors from inside the hotel, eventually confirming the exit from the Underground parking lot to the Underground Room.

This clue narrowed their scope of action to the most critical area.

Night fell, and the streets of Las Vegas were still bustling, neon lights adorning the city in a kaleidoscope of colors, but Lynn and Mark's mood grew heavier.

They entered the Underground parking lot; the surrounding environment was quiet and tense, and the darkness all around made them uneasy.

Lynn and Mark walked side by side, their eyes alert; every step they took was extremely careful, trying to avoid making any sound.

When they reached the end of the parking lot, they found the black sedan parked in a hidden corner, deserted, with no unusual movements around.

But Lynn knew that Alex would not be easily caught; he would never expose himself so easily.

"Keep going, stay alert," Lynn whispered, his eyes fixed on everything around him, his heart rate gradually accelerating.

They followed the car's tracks forward, and suddenly, a faint sound of footsteps came from the corner of the Underground parking lot.

Lynn immediately stopped, signaling Mark.

The two quietly approached the source of the sound.

Just as they reached a deserted storage room, Lynn saw a faint light peeking through the door crack.

"He's inside," Lynn whispered, "Get ready; act now."

Mark nodded, and the two quickly approached the storage room door, peeking through the crack to see what was inside.

Alex was standing in a dim corner, seemingly talking to someone.

Lynn's heart tightened; just as he expected, Alex was not alone; he had a fierce-looking bodyguard with him.

"We must be quick," Lynn silently calculated the time in his mind.

"We can't give them time to react."

He signaled Mark to flank from another direction while he prepared to break through from the front.

The two cooperated tacitly, almost in synchronized movements.

Lynn quickly pushed open the storage room door, almost simultaneously encountering Alex head-on.

"You can't escape, Alex," Lynn said coldly, pointing his gun at Alex.

Alex turned, and his face changed the moment he saw Lynn.

He sneered, replying, "You think this can stop me? You're wrong, Lynn.

You don't know that what you're chasing isn't me, but the entire plan behind it."

"Stop talking nonsense," Lynn's voice remained calm.

"You have no way out now."

Just then, the bodyguard beside Alex suddenly pulled out a pistol and fired at Lynn and Mark.

The two reacted quickly, dodging the first round of attacks by leaping.

Lynn almost instinctively fired, hitting the bodyguard's shoulder.

The bodyguard fell to the ground, his gun sliding away, and Lynn quickly ran over to seize the weapon.

Alex clearly knew he could no longer escape; his face turned gloomy and angry: "Do you really think catching me will end all of this?

The experiment has just begun, and the true core of the plan is far more complex than you can imagine."

"You've been dreaming," Lynn approached, his voice even colder.

"Your conspiracy has failed.

You no longer have any chance."

Finally, Alex was successfully subdued, and this leader of the Experiment Organization was finally arrested.

Lynn and Mark brought Alex back to Manhattan and handed him over to headquarters for interrogation.

The next day, Lynn had just finished a day's work when his phone rang, breaking the silence; the screen showed Kate's name.

When Lynn answered the phone, Kate's voice came through: "Hi, Lynn, how have you been lately?

Swamped with work, I bet?"

"You know, Kate, once work starts, it hardly stops," Lynn's tone was a bit tired.

"But, at least there's some progress; the case is still moving forward."

"I know you must be under a lot of pressure right now," Kate chuckled, "but I was just thinking, shouldn't you take a few days off to relax?

After all, even you need to catch your breath after working so intensely for so long."

Lynn sighed softly, looking down at the pile of documents on his desk.

"A break would be nice, but you also know that new things always come up at work."

"I understand your sense of responsibility," Kate's tone softened, "but you also need to take care of yourself, or how can you continue to bear such great pressure?

I booked a place not far from Manhattan; the scenery is especially good, and the environment is quiet, perfect for you to relax."

Lynn was silent for a moment, then finally nodded: "Alright, Kate, maybe it's time to rest.

Thank you for reminding me."

"Then it's settled! But I have a small request," Kate said lightly.

"What request?" Lynn asked, puzzled.

"Well, I was thinking, since we're going to relax, why not have Gwen come along too?

She's been quite busy lately, and it would be a good opportunity for her to relax as well," Kate smiled mischievously.

Lynn froze for a moment, completely unexpected that Kate would mention Gwen.

Gwen was his sister, who had been so busy with her studies and work lately that she barely had time to breathe.

Lynn knew that his sister had always been very concerned about him, often silently supporting him from behind the scenes.

Although he had always been a strict older brother to Gwen, her care and companionship were always a warm presence in his heart.

"Gwen?" Lynn paused, feeling a little surprised.

"Do you really want to take her with us?"

"Of course," Kate chuckled, "She needs to relax just as much as you do.

Besides, since we've already decided to take a few days off, we might as well have some company, right?"

Lynn lowered his head and thought for a moment, finally deciding to agree to Kate's suggestion: "Alright, since you've already arranged it, I won't say anything more.

She needs to relax too, no problem."

"That's great! Now we can have a vacation together and completely not have to think about work matters," Kate's voice held a hint of excitement.

"I'll contact Gwen in a bit and tell her to get ready; we'll leave first thing tomorrow morning."

Lynn nodded, and after hanging up the phone, his mood seemed to lighten considerably.

The pressure of work had left him almost no time to rest, but at this moment, he genuinely felt a sense of anticipation for the next few days.

Going out with Kate and Gwen, temporarily escaping the busy work, and enjoying a moment of peace might be exactly what he truly needed.

Early the next morning, Lynn packed his luggage, ready to depart.

He hadn't told Gwen that he had agreed to Kate's suggestion early on, instead planning to give her a surprise when they met.

Lynn walked into the living room and saw Gwen already dressed and ready to leave.

"Gwen, are you ready?" Lynn smiled as he walked over, his tone relaxed, "You should be ready for today's trip, right?"

Gwen turned, looking at her brother with some curiosity: "Trip? Brother, what do you mean?

Didn't we always say we'd go when I had free time?"

Lynn couldn't help but smile, suppressing his laughter: "Kate thinks you need a break, and she also thinks you've been too tired lately.

I agreed with her; we're going on a vacation together today."

Gwen froze for a moment, clearly surprised: "Wait, are you saying Kate has already arranged something? And you agreed?

I always thought you were too busy to rest."

"I am busy, but occasionally I have to give myself a break," Lynn looked at his sister, smiling as he said, "Anyway, we've both been too long without relaxing.

Let's go relax today."

A hint of surprise flashed in Gwen's eyes: "Really? That's great! I also really need a break; the pressure has been too much lately.

Thank you, Brother."

Lynn smiled and nodded, walking with Gwen towards the destination Kate had arranged.

The two chatted along the way, and Lynn felt the relationship between him and his sister growing closer.

Although in the past he had always been somewhat strict with his sister Gwen, now he realized that he cared more about her and felt a sense of responsibility towards her.

Gwen, on the other hand, was a bright spot in his life; no matter when, she could always infect him with her optimism and sunshine, making him feel the beauty of the World.

The car drove on the road to the resort, and the scenery outside the window gradually changed from the bustling Manhattan to the tranquility of the countryside.

Shaded by green trees and surrounded by mountains, this resort was located in a secluded nature reserve, far from the city's hustle and bustle, with fresh air and a peaceful environment.

Kate had already arranged their accommodation and prepared several relaxing activities for the three of them to completely unwind.

When they arrived at the resort, Lynn and Gwenimmediately felt the comfort brought by this tranquility.

The facilities here were simple yet exquisite; the lakeside cabins provided perfect privacy, surrounded by rolling green mountains, and the lake Water was crystal clear, like a serene painting.

"We're going to enjoy these few days," Kate said with a smile.

"You can arrange it however you like: swimming, walking, or just sitting quietly by the lake and enjoying the scenery."

Lynn took a deep breath, feeling that the air here was much fresher than in the city, as if everything had been purified.

"Yes, we really need to relax.

Here, at least for a few days, we don't have to think about work."

Gwen also excitedly looked around: "It's really beautiful here, Brother, you didn't lie to me, Kate, you really know how to pick a place."

Kate chuckled: "I know you've all been busy for too long, so this is a good opportunity to enjoy life."

Chapter 282: Make the right decision when facing any danger

The three entered the cabin, and after putting down their luggage, they walked to the lake.

The lake Water rippled gently in the breeze, and it was so quiet that one could almost hear their own heartbeat.

Lynn looked at the lake, and the tension and fatigue in his heart were gradually replaced by this tranquility.

He realized that he usually focused too much on work and handling cases, neglecting the simple and beautiful moments in life.

Gwen picked up a stone by the shore, smiled, and jumped as she threw it into the lake: "Look, brother, how far I threw it!"

Lynn looked at his sister's smile, and a long-lost warmth welled up in his heart, and he said softly, "You are always so happy, Gwen.

When will I be able to learn to enjoy life like you?"

Gwen stopped, looked at her brother, and said with a smile, "You are already doing it, brother.

It's just that you should slow down and not let work become your entire life."

Kate stood by, listening to their conversation, her smile growing wider.

She knew that Lynn had been lost in his busy work, but today, he could finally relax and rediscover the meaning of life.

As evening fell, the three sat by the lake, enjoying the beautiful sunset.

The setting sun dyed the lake red and warmed their hearts.

Kate said softly, "Look, moments like these are truly beautiful."

Lynn looked at the scene before him, feeling a long-lost peace in his heart.

Although the future was still full of challenges, at this moment, he could feel a true sense of relaxation and tranquility, and these moments spent with his sister and friend gave him unprecedented strength.

"Thank you," Lynn suddenly said softly, his eyes gentle, "Without you, I might never have been able to truly let go of all the pressure."

As night fell, the lake at the resort rippled slightly under the moonlight, and everything was peaceful.

Lynn, Kate, and Gwen sat on a bench by the lake, enjoying this long-lost tranquility.

The day's activities had left them exhausted, but the fatigue in their hearts slowly dissipated due to the beautiful scenery and carefree atmosphere.

Lynn could feel the pressure in his heart gradually releasing, as if he had disconnected from this noisy World.

"The starry sky is so beautiful tonight," Kate leaned back in her chair, gazing at the night sky with gentle eyes, "The air here is so good, completely unlike the city, allowing for complete relaxation."

Lynn nodded, the scene before him completely relaxing his body: "Yes, the air is fresh, and the surroundings are quiet, it really is a pleasant place."

Gwen looked at her surroundings and sighed, "This place is like a secluded pure land, I can feel an unprecedented tranquility, I really wish this time could last forever."

"Yes," Kate responded with a smile, "This relaxing time is too precious, you two should enjoy it from time to time, otherwise you'll get tired too easily."

The three began to talk about their lives, and the relaxed topics made Lynn feel even more relaxed.

The cool night breeze gently brushed past, bringing a hint of coolness.

Gwen leaned on her brother's shoulder and whispered, "Brother, you're always so busy, when do you have time to stop and rest?"

Lynn smiled and stroked his sister's head: "Here I am, relaxing with you today.

In the future, I will arrange more time for myself, and I will spend more time with you."

Just then, a low thud of footsteps suddenly came from afar.

Lynn instinctively became alert and turned to look around.

Kate and Gwen didn't seem to notice anything wrong, but Lynn's gaze was fixed on the Shadow not far away.

A figure gradually approached, dressed in worn-out clothes, staggering as he walked, looking a bit abnormal.

"That person seems…" Kate said softly.

Lynn stood up, pulled Kate and Gwen slightly, and whispered, "Be careful, don't let him get close."

Gwen was clearly a bit nervous, her eyes fixed on the approaching Shadow: "He looks a bit strange, is he a homeless man?

I… I'm a little scared."

The homeless man's steps drew closer, his clothes were dirty and messy, his eyes wandered, and a strange smile hung on his lips.

He gradually approached them, seemingly with no intention of leaving.

"Hey, miss, can you help me?" the homeless man suddenly spoke, his voice hoarse and low, "I've walked a long way, and I'm really hungry, can you give me something, or… some change?"

Kate froze for a moment, trying to respond in a calm tone: "We are not convenient right now, you should leave."

However, the homeless man seemed to have no intention of giving up.

His eyes became even stranger, and the smile on his lips gradually turned sinister.

He bared his teeth and continued to approach: "You are so beautiful, how can you be so cold?

Come on, give me something, or let me talk to you, I have something to say."

Gwen was clearly starting to feel scared at this point, her voice trembling as she said, "Brother, he looks a bit off, what should we do?"

Lynn's eyes narrowed.

He felt an unusual atmosphere and realized that things might not be as simple as they seemed.

He stood up and walked to Gwen's side, his gaze calm and alert: "It's okay, Gwen, don't be afraid.

I will protect you."

He turned to the homeless man, his tone firm and calm: "Listen, we don't want to have any entanglement with you.

Now please leave, or I will call the Police."

When the homeless man heard this, he suddenly stopped, and a hint of disdain flashed in his eyes.

He chuckled softly, then muttered, "Do you think I'll listen to you?"

Lynn felt an unsettling aura spreading.

He leaned slightly, signaling Gwen and Kate to keep a certain distance: "Listen, I warn you, don't come any closer to us."

The homeless man suddenly lowered his head and pulled out a worn-out blade from his embrace.

The blade gleamed coldly in the moonlight.

His smile became even more sinister: "You think you can threaten me?

What can your Police do?

No one in this place will care about you."

At this moment, Lynn's vigilance reached its peak.

He quickly straightened his body, his gaze as sharp as a knife, secretly preparing to take action.

He knew that this person in front of him was not an ordinary homeless man, and there might be more danger hidden behind him.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Lynn asked coldly, without a trace of pity in his tone, "If you continue to provoke, I don't mind letting you know you've made a big mistake."

A hint of hesitation flashed across the homeless man's face, but he quickly regained his sinister smile, seemingly wanting to use this threat to force Lynn to back down.

"I warn you, don't make me too angry."

Just as the homeless man was brandishing the blade, Lynn reacted quickly, lunging forward and using the momentum to snatch the blade from his hand.

The homeless man was stunned by this sudden action, and the next second, before he could even react, he was firmly pinned to the ground by Lynn.

"You have no chance to resist now." Lynn looked at the homeless man coldly, his tone ruthless, "You dared to threaten my family, you must pay the price for this."

Kate and Gwen stood by, Gwen somewhat flustered, her voice trembling: "Brother, are you okay?"

"I'm fine, don't worry." Lynn patted his sister's shoulder, his gaze firm, "However, this guy is not simple, we need to be careful if he has accomplices."

Kate had already picked up her phone and was about to call the Police.

She quickly dialed the emergency number: "We were harassed by a homeless man near the resort, he threatened us with a knife.

Please send the Police over."

A few minutes later, the Police arrived at the scene.

The homeless man was quickly arrested, and Lynnexplained the situation to the Police.

After confirmation, the Police stated that they would handle the incident and thanked Lynn for his calm response.

After the Police took the homeless man away, Lynn, Kate, and Gwen finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Gwen was still trembling, her eyes filled with fear: "Brother, you scared me to death.

That person was so scary, why did he do that?"

Lynn gently hugged his sister, comforting her softly: "It's okay, Gwen, it's okay.

See, the Police have already come to handle it, we have no big problem."

Kate also walked over to them, sighing: "You two need to be careful, especially you, Lynn.

Your quick reaction really saved us."

Lynn patted Kate's shoulder and smiled: "This is what I should do, after all, you are both the most important people to me."

However, even though the immediate crisis had been resolved, Lynn knew that this incident was not a simple coincidence.

The homeless man clearly had an unusual background, and might even be part of a larger conspiracy.

His heart was filled with vigilance, but at the moment, he also knew that what was important was to protect the two people in front of him—Kate and Gwen.

"We'll stay here," Lynn was silent for a moment, deciding to remain vigilant, "but it's best to stay alert tonight, who knows what might happen."

Kate nodded, "Yes, we still need to be careful.

Although the matter is resolved, safety is always the most important."

After returning to the cabin, Lynn remained alert, while Kate and Gwen tried not to think about the fear brought by the homeless man.

The next morning, the scenery of the resort was still dreamlike, the air was fresh, the lake was like a mirror, and everything was peaceful.

Lynn, Kate, and Gwen sat on the terrace of the cabin after breakfast, enjoying the sunshine and fresh air.

Although the homeless man incident last night had made the atmosphere a bit heavy, Lynn did not let it affect their mood.

He knew that there would always be unexpected incidents in life, but the most important thing was how to deal with them.

Kate looked up at the sky and said with a smile, "Where are we going today?

Although this place is peaceful, I feel a bit like I don't have any real activities, I can't just look at the scenery all day, can I?"

Gwen also smiled and said mischievously, "Yes, brother, I really hope you can arrange some more exciting activities for us.

We can't just enjoy these boring leisure times."

Lynn stroked his chin, a hint of thoughtfulness flashing in his eyes: "You two like exciting activities, don't you?

Well, I have a good idea."

He paused, looking at Kate and Gwen, "Today we're going to the shooting range to learn how to shoot."

Kate was stunned for a moment when she heard this suggestion, then a hint of curiosity flashed in her eyes: "Shooting?

Are you talking about firearms training?"

"Yes." Lynn smiled slightly, "Although you usually don't come into contact with these, learning how to use weapons to protect yourselves is very useful for you.

This is not just for self-defense, but also to improve your vigilance and self-protection capabilities."

A hint of excitement flashed in Gwen's eyes: "That's great!

I've always been a bit interested in shooting, I didn't expect to be able to try it myself today."

Lynn nodded: "Shooting is not as simple as just aiming at the target, it also tests reaction ability, stability, attention, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

Today, I will take you to the most professional shooting range, teach you how to use firearms correctly, and let you experience real shooting training."

Kate hesitated for a moment, clearly unfamiliar with firearms training: "Lynn, I've never really touched firearms, I feel a bit scared."

"Don't worry," Lynn comforted softly, "I will ensure safety.

And shooting training is not just about using firearms, it can teach you to control yourselves and know how to remain calm in a crisis.

This is a very practical skill."

Kate finally nodded, a decision gradually forming in her heart: "Okay, since you say so, I'll give it a try.

Although I'm indeed a bit nervous, I believe you will definitely teach us safely."

After breakfast, Lynn led Kate and Gwen to a nearby shooting range.

This was a professional training shooting range, located in an open area in the suburbs, surrounded by high walls, with complete equipment suitable for various shooting training.

Upon arriving at the shooting range, the staff greeted them and led them into the training area.

The environment here was very similar to the shooting range Lynn had seen at the FBI training center, but it focused more on providing an experiential teaching method suitable for ordinary people to undergo introductory training.

The staff first arranged basic safety training for Kate and Gwen, explaining the use of firearms and precautions, ensuring that they could shoot in a safe environment.

Lynn stood by, observing, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.

He knew that although Kate and Gwen were not familiar with firearms, through this training, they would learn how to deal with emergencies and improve their self-protection abilities.

A sense of responsibility welled up in Lynn's heart.

Although these seemingly ordinary trainings would not bring immediate results, he firmly believed that these small actions would ultimately help them make correct decisions when facing any danger in the future.

The staff began to let Kate and Gwen practice the correct gun-holding posture, guiding them on how to adjust the firearm and how to aim at the target.

Kate initially seemed a bit reserved, the firearm being an unfamiliar and threatening object to her.

She carefully gripped the handle, her hands nervously holding it, her eyes constantly observing the target, while her gaze unconsciously drifted towards Lynn.

Lynn saw this scene and gently comforted her: "Kate, relax a bit, the gun is not as dangerous as you think.

As long as you control it and master each step, you will find it is not complicated."

Chapter 283 Where the Case Happened

Kate nodded, took a deep breath, slowly adjusted her posture, and tried to steady her arm.

A staff member pointed out some small details to her: "You need to adjust your wrist slightly, keep the muzzle pointed at the target, and relax your shoulder.

Yes, just like that."

Gradually, Kate's nervousness eased slightly, and she began to hold the gun more steadily, aiming at the target.

Lynn stood by, smiling at her: "Very good, Kate, stay calm, take your time."

Then, it was Gwen's turn to train.

Gwen's reaction was more direct; her eyes were full of excitement, as if she had a strong curiosity about operating firearms.

The moment she picked up the gun, a glint of excitement flashed in her eyes, and a mischievous smile played on her lips: "Brother, watch me!"

Lynn smiled and shook his head: "Gwen, don't rush, remember safety first, control the firearm."

Gwen nodded, adjusted her posture according to the staff's guidance, and then aimed at the target.

A few seconds later, she fired.

The sound of the first shot echoed through the firing range, Gwen's gun vibrated strongly, and her arm trembled slightly from the recoil.

Although she didn't hit the target perfectly, she wasn't discouraged; instead, she said even more excitedly: "This feeling is so thrilling!

Even though I didn't hit the bullseye, I can already feel its power."

Lynn walked over and gently patted Gwen's shoulder: "Good job, Gwen, your reaction is very quick; with more practice and a steady grip, you'll definitely shoot more accurately in the next few tries."

Kate also walked next to Gwen and said with a smile: "I never thought I'd see you so happy.

Brother, you really are a good coach."

Lynn felt a warmth in his heart when he heard Kate's words.

He knew that such time was a rare moment of relaxation and joy for Gwen and Kate.

Although this training seemed simple, it could help them better protect themselves in life and increase their self-confidence.

In the following time, the three took turns practicing shooting, and the staff continuously gave guidance, helping Kate and Gwen adjust their postures and improve their shooting skills.

Lynn also observed carefully from the side, occasionally offering them advice.

As the training deepened, Kate's nervousness gradually relaxed; she began to hold the gun more steadily and hit the target accurately.

Gwen enjoyed the activity even more; she started trying to adjust her shooting angle, striving to hit the bullseye every time.

At the end of the training, Lynn looked at Kate and Gwenwith satisfaction: "Very good, you have mastered the basic shooting skills.

Although it's just the beginning, you have learned how to stay calm and focused, which is very important for you."

Kate smiled and nodded: "Thank you, Lynn, today's training was really interesting.

Although I'm still a little afraid of firearms, I know they can protect me, and at least now I'm not so scared anymore."

Gwen said happily: "I never thought shooting could be so fun.

It feels like playing a game, but I really learned a lot too."

Lynn looked at them, and the smiles on their faces gave him a deep sense of satisfaction.

He knew that even though it was just a simple shooting training session, it taught them how to face emergencies and how to stay calm in the face of danger.

For Kate and Gwen, this was a new skill, and for Lynn, it was also a transfer of responsibility—not just for work, but for the people he cared about.

"Keep this state, remember, protecting yourselves is always the most important thing," Lynn said to them gently.

As a few days of leisure time quietly passed, the tranquility and beauty of the resort gradually became a memory.

The time Lynn, Kate, and Gwen spent together, though short, was filled with relaxation and joy.

Every day, the three enjoyed the rare peace to the fullest, chatting and laughing, shedding the heavy responsibilities and pressures of their daily lives.

Especially Gwen, she seemed more relaxed and happier than usual.

Lynn could feel his sister's change; she was no longer so tense and anxious, but instead showed more confidence and vitality.

However, all relaxation is always short-lived, and the time to go home eventually arrived.

In the morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains into the cottage; the warm light made one feel comfortable, but Lynn knew they had to leave.

Today, Kate and Gwen both began packing their luggage, preparing to leave the resort.

Gwen had a hint of reluctance on her face; she gently packed her small items, but her eyes occasionally drifted towards the window, looking at the lake she had always loved.

Lynn stood by the window, gazing at the scenery outside, with mixed feelings in his heart.

Although the short few days of vacation allowed him to escape from his busy work, the deep-seated sense of responsibility and anxiety about the future had not disappeared.

However, the time spent with Kate and Gwen gave him a long-lost warmth and comfort.

Watching the smile on Gwen's face and listening to her and Kate laugh and play, Lynn knew that although life's responsibilities and challenges never disappeared, these moments spent with family could indeed allow him to find a moment of peace amidst the pressure.

Gwen walked over, lowered her head, and sighed softly: "Brother, I really don't want to go back.

It's so comfortable here; being able to relax properly, I haven't felt like this in a long time."

Lynn turned around and smiled at his sister: "I know, Gwen.

I don't want to go back either, but you see, work is still waiting for me, and family matters need to be handled.

Next time, we can come back here, or go somewhere else."

Gwen shook her head, a hint of reluctance on her face: "I really wish time could stop, so I wouldn't have to rush back to face so many things.

But, it will definitely be a long time until we come back next time."

Lynn gently patted her shoulder: "We can make a promise, next time, we will definitely come back.

There will always be an opportunity, don't worry."

Kate walked out of the room, organizing her backpack, and seeing the two standing together, she smiled: "It's time, is everyone packed?

If we drag it out any longer, we might miss the plane."

Gwen nodded, smiling as she looked at Kate: "Sister Kate, I have a request."

"What request?" Kate asked with a smile.

Gwen held out her hand and made an inviting gesture: "Next time we come back here together, Brother, Kate, all three of us, how about it?"

Kate's smile grew even brighter: "That's a great idea, definitely next time."

Lynn also smiled: "I know you like it here, Gwen, next time we have a chance, we'll come back."

As he spoke, he walked to his luggage and began to organize his belongings.

At this moment, although Gwen was a little reluctant, she also knew that life had to go on.

She turned back again, looked at the lake, with a hint of nostalgia in her eyes.

"Okay, Brother," Gwen sighed, "Next time we come, we must have even more fun."

"Yes," Kate said with a smile, "You've learned how to enjoy life, and from now on, no matter where we are, we'll go and have fun together."

The three finished packing their last pieces of luggage and drove to the resort's main entrance.

Kate sat in the front passenger seat, while Gwen and Lynn sat in the back.

The scenery outside the car window whizzed by, and Lynnfelt that the sky today was exceptionally bright; sunlight streamed through the clouds onto both sides of the road, giving a warm feeling.

Although the holiday was over, the mood on the way back was not heavy, but rather a sense of ease.

Suddenly, the atmosphere in the car lightened slightly, and Gwen suddenly leaned her head out from the back seat, with a mischievous smile on her face.

She looked at Kate, deliberately drawing out her tone: "Sister-in-law—"

Kate froze, then her cheeks flushed, and she remained stunned.

Lynn couldn't help but laugh: "Gwen, don't be mischievous, Kate isn't used to that address."

Gwen looked at Kate with a playful grin and continued: "Sister-in-law, don't be shy, I just want you to get used to it.

After all, you and Brother have been together for so long, there has to be an address, right?"

When Kate heard the word "sister-in-law," her face instantly turned as red as a ripe tomato.

Her mouth was slightly open, and for a moment she didn't know how to respond.

Lynn, on the other hand, couldn't help but laugh from the side, and seeing Kate like this, a little warmth welled up in his heart.

"Gwen, don't tease me like this," Kate said softly, her eyes sparkling with a hint of shyness, "I'm not used to it yet."

Gwen shook her head with feigned seriousness: "Sister-in-law, don't be shy, you should have been called that long ago, otherwise, Brother would always be your boyfriend, wouldn't that be too informal?"

Lynn couldn't help but laugh, and gently patted Gwen's head: "Gwen, stop with these little tricks.

You worry less about Kate and my business."

Kate, however, lowered her head somewhat awkwardly: "You two really are something, Gwen always manages to make the atmosphere so relaxed."

Gwen smiled triumphantly, seemingly enjoying seeing Kate so shy: "You adults are always so shy.

Next time you see me, you have to call me sister-in-law, okay?"

Kate shook her head helplessly: "Well, it seems I'll have to get used to this."

Lynn turned around and saw the two people's conversation and laughter, and a warmth filled his heart; his originally heavy mood seemed to be diluted by this lightness and joy.

Although the future was still full of challenges and unknowns, at this moment, he truly felt that he was not alone.

The car quickly drove to the airport, and the three got out, ready to check in.

Gwen and Kate said goodbye to each other, and Kate seemed a little reluctant: "You see, Gwen, you've gotten used to teasing me so quickly; you'll have to give me some space when we get back."

Gwen laughed even louder: "Don't worry, sister-in-law, I won't always be so mischievous.

Next time we meet, I'll definitely make you adapt to my humor."

Lynn watched the two of them playfully bicker, feeling a silent warmth in his heart.

The next morning, Lynn returned to Manhattan, resuming his busy work rhythm.

Although the few days at the resort had given him a brief respite, the accumulated work was still immense.

He returned from the airport to the FBI branch, and just as he sat down, preparing to organize some documents, Mark walked in, holding a case report.

"Lynn," Mark said with a serious tone, "I just received the latest intelligence, saying that there have been recent murders targeting gamblers in Las Vegas, and the killer's whereabouts are extremely elusive; the police are already somewhat overwhelmed."

Lynn looked up at Mark, his gaze darkening: "Another murder case?

Elusive whereabouts?

This situation sounds like organized crime.

What kind of case is it about?"

Mark handed over the report: "These cases involve gamblers and regular patrons of some casinos.

The victims all seem to be gamblers with unsavory backgrounds.

The cause of death in the recent cases is similar—fatal wounds to the head and heart, and the killer used extremely cold-blooded methods.

No one has witnessed the killer's figure, and all cases occurred in dark alleys and secluded locations near casinos."

Lynn flipped through the report in his hand, his brows slightly furrowed.

"This is premeditated murder, not accidental violence.

The killer acts with extreme caution, and these gamblers are clearly not innocent people; they may be involved in some underground activities."

"Yes, analysis shows that these victims all seem to have been involved in illegal gambling, or had some improper relationship with the casino's behind-the-scenes bosses," Mark continued, "But currently, the Las Vegas police investigation is progressing slowly; it seems the killer is very good at concealing his whereabouts."

Lynn closed the report and took a deep breath: "This is not simple.

Las Vegas is, after all, a gambling city, with various underground forces intricately intertwined.

If these cases involve casinos or underground gangs, we must go there as soon as possible to investigate."

Mark nodded: "Yes, Lynn.

The police investigation hasn't made much progress in the past few days.

Perhaps we can help them break the deadlock."

Lynn pondered for a moment, then stood up: "We'll leave immediately; let's hurry to Las Vegas.

Get all the materials ready; we can depart at any time."

A few hours later, Lynn and Mark boarded a flight to Las Vegas.

This case seemed ordinary, but Lynn knew that a more complex dark force might be hidden behind it.

Regardless of the killer's motive, they had to find out the truth.

The plane landed at Las Vegas airport, and Lynn and Mark quickly headed to the crime scene provided by the police.

The streets of Las Vegas were still bustling, with crowds of people, but behind the dazzling lights and revelry, hidden filth and corruption lay.

The first scene they arrived at was a place called "Golden Eagle Casino."

The luxurious decorations and dazzling lights inside the casino were dazzling, but Lynn's gaze remained as calm as Water.

He clearly knew that hidden behind all this luxury and hypocrisy was a mountain of sin.

"Is this where the case happened?" Lynn asked.

"Yes," Mark nodded, signaling Lynn to follow him.

"According to the police report, the first murder occurred in an alley near this casino, and the victim was a gambler who had been gambling here for years.

When the police investigated, they found his body discarded near a garbage dump; it was clear the killer didn't want to leave any traces."

Chapter 284 Accumulating Information

Lynn frowned slightly: "Such a cold-blooded method indicates that the killer's goal is some kind of 'purge' rather than simple murder. These people are clearly not ordinary gamblers; they may be involved in more complex underground dealings."

Mark led Lynn into the alley behind the casino, which was much quieter than the bustling main street, with almost no one passing by. The streetlights were dim, and the ground was scattered with some scraps of paper and cigarette butts, and the air was filled with a musty smell. Lynn walked to the spot where the victim's body was found, seeing the Police's investigation markers and some scattered items around.

"What clues did the Police find?" Lynn asked in a low voice.

"The victim's name is Jack Harris, a gambler with multiple criminal records. According to preliminary investigations, the victim had contact with some gangs behind the casino and was even suspected of participating in illegal gambling. However, the Police found no clear evidence, and the killer's whereabouts could not be confirmed," Mark said, flipping open his notebook.

Lynn squatted down, carefully examining the ground. His gaze swept across the ground, and he saw a tiny Mark. It was a drop of fresh blood, clearly out of place with the surrounding environment. Lynn reached out and touched it; the blood seemed to have just flowed, still wet.

"What does this mean?" Mark asked, puzzled.

Lynn didn't answer immediately but continued to examine the ground. Next to the bloodstain, he found an extremely subtle imprint—a high-heeled shoe print, though blurry, it was recognizable as a female's shoe print. A hint of doubt flashed in Lynn's eyes: "The killer is a woman?"

Mark frowned: "This situation is a bit strange; women usually don't participate in such brutal killings. Moreover, judging from the bloodstains, the killer didn't seem to be in a hurry to escape, as if she was very confident in her actions."

"We cannot draw conclusions based on this one clue alone," Lynn stood up, looking around, "but this is indeed an important hint. Perhaps we need to start from within the casino, investigating everyone connected to these gamblers, especially those who might have participated in underground gambling."

Over the next few days, Lynn and Mark's investigation in Las Vegas gradually deepened. They contacted casino managers and questioned people who had contact with the victim. At the same time, Lynn was constantly looking for details that might have been overlooked. Although the killer's whereabouts were hidden, every clue could lead them to the truth.

Meanwhile, Kate also remotely provided Lynn with more background information through her news channels. She found some intelligence about the Las Vegasunderground gangs, which mentioned some illegal activities related to gamblers, possibly the mastermind behind the killer's actions.

"It seems this case is far more complex than we imagined," Kate's voice came over the phone, "I found some information indicating that some gambling crime cases have recently occurred in Las Vegas, and these cases all seem to be related to the 'Blood Eagle' gang."

Lynn's heart involuntarily sped up; he knew that name. The Blood Eagle Gang is a well-known underground gambling and money laundering organization in the Las Vegas area. Their operations are usually very secretive, and the chain of interests involved behind them is extremely complex. "Blood Eagle Gang? These people are very likely related to the case we are tracking. Kate, continue to pay attention to this intelligence to see if there are more clues."

After several days of diligent investigation, Lynn finally obtained a crucial clue, pointing to a core member of the Blood Eagle Gang—a gambler named Kyle Hopkins. Kyle was a regular at the casino and a friend of one of the victims. Although he appeared to be a harmless gambler on the surface, he had close ties to the gang in secret.

"We found our target, Kyle Hopkins," Lynn reported to Mark, "He had connections with all the victims and is very likely a member of the Blood Eagle Gang. We need to find him as soon as possible to clarify his relationship with these cases."

The two decided to raid Kyle Hopkins' residence, hoping to find more clues about the case. However, when they arrived at Kyle's apartment, they found that Kyle had already disappeared, leaving only a note that read: "You will never catch me."

A sense of unease involuntarily rose in Lynn's heart; clearly, Kyle had already sensed their approach.

Lynn stood on the streets of Las Vegas, silently looking at the casino building in front of him. His heart was filled with complex thoughts. Although the case had made some progress, no decisive clues had yet been found. And the city itself was full of uncertainties, with its huge gambling industry, surging underground gangs, and violence hidden in the shadows, every step was full of danger. The killer's whereabouts were as elusive as a ghost; neither the Police nor their investigation team seemed to have truly approached the truth.

Lynn knew that only by delving deep into it could he fully uncover the truth. And the only way to get close to the killer might be to become a gambler himself, thereby attracting the killer's attention. Although this method was extremely dangerous, he knew that only by entering the gambling circle and going inside the casino could he have a chance to truly contact the dark forces behind it all.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Mark stood beside him, frowning deeply, clearly having concerns about Lynn's plan, "Is it really a wise decision for you, given your identity, to pretend to be a gambler at the casino? And you should know that the killer has already realized the Police's approach; what if he becomes alert...?"

"I know the risks," Lynn calmly interrupted Mark, looking deeply at him, "but we don't have many options now. I want to use this method to contact the killer and attract his attention; only then can I draw him out. Don't worry, I will ensure my safety. Since he is good at hiding himself, we also have to deal with him using his own methods."

Mark hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded: "Alright, you call the shots. But you must be careful not to get yourself into danger."

Lynn smiled slightly and patted Mark on the shoulder: "Don't worry, I will."

In the evening, Lynn changed into ordinary clothes, completely transforming into a typical gambler. He carried no outward identification and no Police identification. He was just an ordinary man, walking into this magnificent casino. In the casino hall, various luxurious decorations and colorful lights were dazzling. People came and went, and the atmosphere was noisy, but Lynn's eyes remained calm and focused.

He began to wander aimlessly in the casino, passing by gambling tables a few times, playing a few rounds casually, and tentatively chatting with people around him. Every step seemed unhurried, as if he was just an ordinary gambler with no purpose, blending into the bustling crowd. But in Lynn's heart, a strict system of observation and judgment had long been established. He observed every detail, every person's behavior, keenly catching any unusual movement.

As the night deepened, Lynn intentionally deviated from the regular gambling tables and activity areas, gradually walking towards a dark alley outside the casino. This alley was very secluded, rarely traveled, and far from the casino's noise. It was a street leading to the back parking lot and employee aisle. Lynn circled from the casino's main entrance to this alley, his eyes constantly vigilant, his steps light, trying to make himself look inconspicuous.

However, Lynn knew that such an action was enough to attract the killer's attention. After all, he was not the only one familiar with casino rules; the killer might have already realized that someone like Lynn could not simply be an ordinary gambler. This decisive moment was destined to determine success or failure.

As Lynn had expected, when he crossed the alley and reached the parking lot, he felt an unusual movement behind him. The footsteps were faint but incredibly precise, as if someone was quietly following him. Lynnpretended to be calm, his pace unwavering, continuing to walk forward until he reached a corner. He slightly slowed his steps, adjusted his breathing, trying to attract the other party's attention with subtle movements.

Sure enough, a few seconds later, Lynn heard the familiar footsteps gradually approaching. He knew the killer had finally made his move. Immediately, he heard that person's footsteps suddenly quicken, almost running, rapidly approaching him. Lynn quickly turned, leaning against the narrow wall, quietly waiting for the approaching person.

As expected, the killer couldn't hold back and finally revealed himself. The moment Lynn was ready, the killer darted out of the shadows and swiftly pounced on him. Lynn didn't hesitate, immediately counterattacking. With years of accumulated combat skills, he quickly forced the killer back and, with a precise counterattack, subdued the opponent to the ground.

But the killer clearly had no intention of surrendering easily. He rolled over, quickly stood up from the ground, and, relying on his familiarity with the surroundings, quickly used the dark corners and piles of debris in the parking lot to disappear from Lynn's sight. Lynn's heart tightened, knowing that the killer was clearly prepared and reacted extremely quickly, definitely not an ordinary violent criminal.

"He runs pretty fast," Lynn muttered to himself, quickly giving chase, his steps not stopping. He circled around one side of the parking lot, looking for any possible traces. A few seconds later, he finally found a clue left by the killer in a corner—a dropped black glove, which seemed to have been inadvertently left behind during his retreat.

Lynn bent down and picked up the glove, quickly analyzing the significance of this clue in his mind. Although the killer's escape prevented him from capturing more clues, at least this glove could provide them with some information. This was not only proof of the killer's identity, but it also meant that the confrontation between him and Lynn had just begun. Lynn did not rush to leave but carefully searched the surrounding environment, trying to find more traces and capture the killer's escape route.

However, in this dark alley, Lynn did not find any other obvious clues. He knew that the killer was very alert and had clearly realized that he was exposed to the Police's sight. Therefore, the next actions would be more complex and dangerous.

"It seems I need to be extra careful," Lynn murmured to himself, deciding to return to the casino as soon as possible, organize the clues at hand, and formulate the next course of action.

Lynn stood in the casino parking lot, recalling the recent chase. He knew that the killer's swift escape was not accidental; the complexity behind this case far exceeded their imagination. The killer was not only cold-blooded and decisive but also very skilled at using the environment to escape. This experience made Lynnrealize that the killer was clearly not an ordinary violent offender. Lynn scanned the surroundings, his heart filled with unease. The underground forces behind the casino had long infiltrated every corner of society, and the truth he and Mark were pursuing might involve an even larger network.

After leaving the casino, Lynn decided to investigate the Las Vegas underground gangs more deeply. Although the Police and his own team were fully pursuing the case, the gang forces in this city were extremely complex, and any direct conflict could trigger a larger wave of violence. Moreover, although the victims were all gamblers, the deaths of these people might not be due to personal grudges; it was very likely to be a more complex conflict of interests.

Lynn decided to proactively contact the local gangs in Las Vegas, hoping to obtain more clues about the case through them. Although this method was extremely dangerous, he knew that the gang forces behind the casino would not kill gamblers; in fact, they would prefer to see gamblers lose more money to ensure their interests.

He first found a well-known underground casino owner, Henry Coleman. Henry is a relatively well-known gang figure in Las Vegas, who has long had intricate ties with casinos. Lynn had heard Henry's name; almost no one in the area dared to oppose him. His casino is one of the most influential illegal casinos in the locality, and Henryhimself not only has deep connections with some gang members but is even suspected of being linked to several international criminal organizations.

"You want to find Henry?" A local informant looked at Lynn, with a hint of wariness in his tone, "Do you know who he is? He's not someone to mess with around here."

Lynn nodded lightly, "I know who he is. I heard he has a lot of business dealings between casinos and gangs. I'm not here to cause trouble; I just want to understand some things."

The informant frowned, "Things are not as simple as you think; you better be careful. Henry won't see you easily unless you have a chip that can get his attention."

Lynn looked at the informant, knowing he was reminding him not to act rashly. He said in a deep voice: "I don't intend to directly conflict with Henry; I just want to understand some recent events, especially those related to the gambler death cases."

"Henry might not know about those things you mentioned, but he definitely has information channels to find out some things," the informant nodded, "However, if you want to contact Henry, you'd better be prepared to pay the price. Without enough'sincerity,' he won't bother with you."

Lynn's heart stirred, realizing that he couldn't solely rely on the Police's power to push this matter. He had to find a suitable way to contact Henry. So, he decided to adopt a more covert approach, accumulating information through some peripheral channels rather than directly exposing himself. A few days later, Lynn contacted Henry through a local intermediary.