Chapter 55 Life or Death

We started searching everywhere for any trace of Nancy. Without her, we had to rely on other tech officers to track her down. The entire tech department was incredibly busy during this time.

No one knew how much time had passed, but there was still no news. Finally, the next day, Alan rushed into the temporary command center, his face barely able to contain his excitement.

"Mr. Williams, we have news on Raymond! We've tracked his phone signal. He's in an office building downtown!"

I jumped up from my chair and quickly walked over to the electronic map.

"Exact location?" I asked.

"Top floor, the rooftop!" Alan replied.

I stared at the blinking red dot on the map, my brow furrowed.

Downtown, the busiest area. Raymond chose that spot, clearly feeling invincible.

"What about Nancy? Can we pinpoint her location?" I asked.

"Not yet," Alan shook his head. "Raymond's phone signal is jamming Nancy's watch tracker. We can only roughly locate them, not precisely."

The situation was urgent, leaving no room for hesitation.

"Brian, take your team and seal off all exits of the building to prevent Raymond from escaping.

"Zoey, stay on standby with the tech team, ready to handle any emergencies.

"Alan, you take a SWAT team and come with me for a frontal assault. Sophia," I looked at her, "you stay here and coordinate support."

Sophia didn't argue; she knew that in this situation, following us would only be burdensome.

"Leonard, be careful," she urged me.

"Don't worry," I reassured her, patting her hand before turning to the others. "Let's move out!"

We quickly arrived at the office building where Raymond was located. Brian had already taken control of the situation, and the entire building was surrounded by police, making it impenetrable.

"Leonard, we've evacuated everyone from the building. Raymond is trapped; he can't escape," Brian informed me.

I nodded and led Alan and a SWAT team into the building, taking the elevator straight to the top floor.

As the elevator doors opened, we rushed towards the rooftop. The door was ajar, and we could hear intense arguing from inside.

Alan and I exchanged a glance before kicking the door open and charging in.

"Raymond!"

Raymond stood at the edge of the rooftop, one arm tightly around Nancy's neck, the other holding a gun to her temple.

Even from a distance, I could see Nancy's pale face, her forehead covered in sweat, but her eyes were defiant.

"You have one hour," Raymond's voice came through the walkie-talkie, cold and ruthless. "If I don't get control of the virus in one hour, this little cop dies."

The walkie-talkie was right in front of us, Raymond's threat loud and clear.

Nancy's safety weighed heavily on my mind like a boulder.

I looked at "Nightingale," standing beside me. Her face was as pale as paper, her lips tightly pressed together, and her hands clenched into fists, knuckles white from the pressure.

"I agree to your terms," she finally spoke, her voice hoarse. "I'll give you control of the virus, but you must guarantee that girl's safety."

"You have no right to negotiate with me," Raymond seemed quite pleased. "You only have to obey."

"Nightingale" closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and when she opened them again, the hesitation and struggle were gone, replaced by determination.

"Fine, I agree," she said. "But I need a computer."

"A computer?" Raymond was clearly surprised. "What do you need a computer for?"

"I need to log into my account to disable the virus control program," "Nightingale" explained. "It's the only way."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the walkie-talkie, as if weighing the pros and cons.

"Give her a computer," Raymond demanded, but not without a warning. "But don't try any tricks, or you know the consequences."

"Give her the computer," I signaled to Alan, who immediately had a laptop brought over and handed it to "Nightingale."

"Nightingale" took the laptop, opened it, and her fingers flew across the keyboard.

She moved quickly and skillfully, clearly a computer expert.

I noticed her fingers trembling slightly as she typed.

"What are you doing?" I asked quietly.

"I'm initiating the virus's self-destruct program," "Nightingale" replied without looking up. "I can't let Raymond get this virus, or the consequences will be unimaginable."

"Self-destruct program?" I was shocked. "What about Nancy?"

"I'm sorry, but I have to do this," "Nightingale" said. "It's the only way to stop Raymond. Nancy's safety is up to you now."

"You..." I looked at "Nightingale," my emotions a mix of sorrow and admiration.

"Nightingale's" fingers danced over the keyboard, lines of code flashing rapidly on the screen.

Sweat beaded on her forehead, and her face grew paler.

She was under immense pressure, facing not only Raymond's threats but also her own inner turmoil.

She was a daughter and a hacker, a criminal and a hero.

Life was destined to be full of contradictions and pain.

"Done," "Nightingale" suddenly said. "I've initiated the self-destruct program. The virus will be destroyed in an hour."

"Are you sure?" I asked.

"I'm sure," "Nightingale" nodded. "It's all I can do."

Alan patted her shoulder. "I knew you weren't a bad person!"

"Nightingale" said nothing, just quietly closed the laptop and handed it to me.

"Thank you," I said sincerely as I took the laptop.

"Now, it's your turn to keep your promise," "Nightingale" said into the walkie-talkie. "Raymond, I've done what you asked. Now, let the girl go."

There was a long silence on the other end, and just when we thought Raymond might go back on his word, his voice came through again. "Fine, I agree. I'll let her go, but you have to tell me the virus control code first."

"Let her go first!" "Nightingale" insisted.

"How do I know you won't trick me?" Raymond said. "What if I let her go and you give me a fake control code?"

"I won't trick you," "Nightingale" said. "I swear on my honor."

"Your honor?" Raymond sneered. "How much is a hacker's honor worth?"

"You..." "Nightingale" trembled with anger. "What do you want?"

"It's simple," Raymond said. "Tell me the control code first, then I'll let her go."

"No way!" "Nightingale" refused flatly. "I won't tell you the control code first. You have to let her go!"

"Then there's nothing to discuss," Raymond's voice turned cold. He threw a flashbang on the ground, and after a loud bang, we were completely blinded!

"Raymond! Raymond!" I shouted into the walkie-talkie in the critical moment.

"Damn it!" I slammed the walkie-talkie to the ground. "That sly fox, he wants to go down fighting!"

When our vision returned, Raymond and Nancy were gone!

Even with the building sealed off, he had managed to move Nancy!

"What do we do now?" Alan asked. "Nancy is still in his hands; we can't just leave her!"

"I know, I know!" I looked around frantically. "But there are other buildings nearby. In a few minutes, Raymond could have moved Nancy to another building. We can't pinpoint her location right now, so how do we save her?"

"Leonard, we need to stay calm," Sophia said. "Raymond is holding Nancy to get control of the virus. He won't kill her easily because she's his only leverage."

"But 'Nightingale' has already initiated the self-destruct program," I said. "In an hour, the virus will be destroyed. By then, Raymond will be furious, and Nancy will be in danger!"

"We have to find Raymond and rescue Nancy within an hour!" Alan said.

"Easier said than done!" I smiled bitterly. "We have no idea where Raymond is hiding."

"No, we do," Sophia suddenly said. "Don't forget, Raymond is just one person, but 'Nightingale,' she must know where Raymond would hide."

I suddenly realized she was right. How could I have forgotten that? I looked at "Nightingale," her face still pale, but a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

"You know where Raymond is, don't you?"

"I know a place where he might be," she said.

"Where?" I asked urgently.

"The basement of Emerald Manor. There's a secret room there," "Nightingale" said. "It has a computer, the central control system for 'Crimson Reaper.' Raymond must be there, trying to stop the virus's self-destruct program."

"Alright, let's go there now!" I said. "Alan, take a few people and come with me to the basement of Emerald Manor. Sophia, stay here and protect her."

I pointed to "Nightingale."

"No, I'm going too," "Nightingale" suddenly said. "You won't find the secret room without me. I have to go and stop Raymond myself."

"You?" I was surprised. "But you..."

"I know it's dangerous," Nightingale said, "but this is my chance for redemption. I have to do this."

I looked at Nightingale, her face set with determination.

There was no stopping her now.

"Alright, we'll go together," I said. "But you must follow my lead and not act on your own."

Nightingale nodded.

We quickly arrived at Emerald Manor and, under Nightingale's guidance, entered the underground secret room.

The door to the room was tightly shut. I signaled Alan to prepare for combat, then kicked the door open.

"Freeze! Police!" Alan shouted, charging in first.

I followed closely behind, rushing into the room.

Inside, Raymond was frantically typing on a computer, trying to stop the virus's self-destruct program.

Nancy was tied to a chair nearby, her mouth taped shut, unable to speak.

Seeing us burst in, a flash of panic crossed Raymond's face, but he quickly regained his composure.

"You're just in time," he sneered. "I've found the virus control code. It's about to be mine!"

"Not a chance!" Nightingale shouted, rushing forward to stop Raymond.

But Raymond, the sly fox, was prepared.

He grabbed Nightingale's arm, pulling her in front of him like a human shield, then pulled a black gun from his pocket, pressing the cold barrel against Nightingale's temple.

"Don't move!" he barked, his voice sharp like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. "Anyone moves, and she dies!"

Nightingale, held hostage, couldn't move. The gun pressed against her head, her face turned as white as a sheet, showing a pained expression, but she gritted her teeth like a cornered beast.

"Let her go!" I stopped in my tracks, shouting angrily. "Raymond, you're surrounded. You can't escape! If you want to live, let her go now!"

"Is that so?" Raymond sneered, his smile as sinister as a ghost from the grave. "Then try me!" He suddenly pulled the trigger, firing a shot at us.

I reacted quickly, pulling Nightingale behind me. The bullet grazed my shoulder, hitting the wall and chipping off a piece, exposing the gray cement underneath.

A burning pain seared through my shoulder, like being branded with a hot iron.

Alan and the others returned fire, the room erupting in gunfire, smoke filling the air, the smell of gunpowder and blood thick.

"Cover me!" I shouted to Alan, taking advantage of Raymond dodging bullets to leap forward, trying to wrestle the gun from him.

Raymond reacted swiftly, sidestepping my attack and kicking me hard in the chest. The force felt like being hit by a truck, sending me flying and crashing to the ground.

Pain exploded in my chest, like being hammered until my ribs felt shattered. I struggled to breathe, blood rising in my throat.

Nancy saw me fall, screaming in terror, but with her mouth taped, only muffled sounds came out, like a kitten being smothered.

"Nancy!" I struggled to get up, but Raymond had already raised his gun again, aiming straight at me.

"Die!" he snarled, his face twisted with sadistic pleasure, like an executioner ready to flay his victim.

At that critical moment, a figure suddenly rushed from behind me, tackling Raymond.

It was Nightingale! Seizing the moment when Raymond's attention was on me, she threw herself at him, like a moth to a flame.

"You dare!" Raymond roared, turning the gun on Nightingale, the barrel a merciless eye of death.

The gun fired again, a bullet hitting Nightingale in the shoulder, blood immediately soaking through, staining a large area.

Nightingale grunted, as if struck by a heavy hammer, her body shuddering before collapsing, blood gushing from her wound.

"Nightingale!" I roared, my vision blurring with rage.

Every cell in my body burned with fury, losing all reason. I rolled to dodge another shot from Raymond, then lunged at him like a starving wolf, grappling with him.

Alan and the others seized the opportunity, surrounding Raymond, beating him with gun butts.

After a fierce struggle, we finally subdued Raymond, disarming him.

Pinned to the ground, Raymond writhed like a skinned fish, his face showing despair and defiance, eyes wild like a cornered beast.

"You've lost, Raymond," I panted. "It's over."

"Ha ha," Raymond suddenly laughed, a chilling, mad laugh. "Over? This is just the beginning! You fools think you've won? How laughable!"

"What are you saying?" Alan shouted, pointing his gun at Raymond's head.

"You think the 'Crimson Reaper' plan is that simple?" Raymond sneered, blood dripping from his mouth, as red as fresh blood from a butcher's knife. "You're too naive! Ha ha... you're all going to die! All of you!"

"What do you mean?" I demanded.

"I just want to tell you, the 'Crimson Reaper' plan is unstoppable!" Raymond's eyes grew crazier. "We've prepared for everything!"

"Prepared for what?" I stared at Raymond, trying to read his face, but saw only madness and glee.

A strong sense of unease washed over me. "What have you done, you lunatic?"

"Done? Ha ha," Raymond laughed hysterically, like a devil about to destroy the world. "You'll soon find out. All of Twilight City will know! Then you'll see how great 'Crimson Reaper' is! And you, foolish ants, will tremble at our feet! Ha ha!"

"Shut up!" Alan roared, punching Raymond, making him bleed from his nose and mouth.

But the maniac kept laughing, even with a bloody face. "It's too late! The explosives are already set. You can't stop it!"

Explosives? What explosives?

A chilling thought struck me. I grabbed Raymond's collar, lifting him. "Where are the bombs?"

"Everywhere, ha ha... everywhere," Raymond laughed, his face crazed. "This place will soon be rubble! And you, the sacrifices for this grand show!"

"You maniac!" I wanted to shoot him, but I needed to find the bombs.

"Where are the bombs?" I shook Raymond, nearly breaking his bones.

"Ha ha... want to know? Ask Nightingale, she's the expert."

Raymond laughed, taunting me.

I turned to Nightingale, lying on the ground, clutching her wounded shoulder, pale as paper.

"Nightingale, you know where the bombs are, right?" I rushed to her, desperate.

Nightingale looked at me, despair in her eyes.

"It's too late, Mr. Williams," she said weakly. "Raymond... he has a bomb on himself too."

What? I was stunned.

Raymond had a bomb on himself?

This lunatic made himself bait!

"Ha ha... surprised?" Raymond laughed maniacally. "I told you, for the 'Crimson Reaper' plan, I'm ready to sacrifice myself!"

"You..." I trembled with rage, wanting to tear him apart, but I had to find the bombs and defuse them.

"Nightingale, you must have a way, right?" I looked at her, my lips trembling. "You must have a way to stop the bombs, right?"

Nightingale shook her head, looking sorrowful.

"No, you must have a way!" I shouted. "You're Nightingale, the best hacker. You must have a way!"

"It's no use, Mr. Williams..." Nightingale's voice grew weaker. "These bombs aren't ordinary. They are..."

Before she could finish, a violent explosion sounded behind us, the basement shaking, debris and dust falling, as if the world was ending.

Alan shouted, "It's the bombs in Emerald Manor! Grab Nancy and Nightingale, we need to get out now!"