Power games: the voice of the ghost.

The night offered all the elements he had hoped for to execute the operation. His intelligence sources had gathered reliable and truthful information. Two squads, with well-trained and meticulously organized men to carry out the coup, seemed not to be enough. He had been tracking him for months, and the moment he had been waiting for had finally arrived: the skinny man was cornered; he had no escape.

-Sir! Our men are in position. All escape routes are covered, and our sources have confirmed that he is inside the site. -said Agent Brown.

Alias “El Flaco”, was a lieutenant in a dangerous criminal organization dedicated to trafficking and money laundering, a necessary piece in the path to “El Banquero”, a ghost that had never been identified, but that everyone knew existed; the mind that controlled with an iron fist that criminal underworld. El Flaco had risen rapidly within that organization, and his power and importance were increasing; his closeness to the Banker was evident.

-I want him alive, Agent Brown. Instruct the men that the use of weapons is restricted to self-defense and preservation of life only. There is no hurry, he is surrounded and I want him to feel locked up like the rat he is. -Commissioner Carter said, as he lit a cigarette.

-Sir, yes, sir. He immediately communicated his orders to our men. -Agent Brown replied.

-Pay attention! No one leaves his position. We need him alive. The use of weapons is restricted, and if necessary, their use must be non-lethal. I repeat, our priority is to take the target alive. Stand by for instructions. -Agent Brown radioed over the radio.

-Everything is ready, sir. We proceed when you give the order. -commented Agent Brown.

-Not yet, Agent Brown. I am awaiting confirmation from above to execute the operation. -Commissioner Carter replied, and then took a big puff on his cigarette.

The vibration in his pocket indicated an incoming phone call. “Perfect timing,” he thought before reaching in and pulling out his phone. Before picking up, he read “Unknown Number” on the screen of his cell phone, although the caller ID he used for this type of case, indicated that the number belonged to “Roman Pratts”. “Strange, I don't know this guy,” he deduced before answering.

-Carter! -answered the call.

-Commissioner Carter. You still have time to pull your men out of that place. Don't ruin your impressive career. You'll get a juicy incentive just for turning around and leaving...see it as a down payment on your benefits. -he heard her say.

-Who are you? -Commissioner Carter asked.

-Someone who is out of your league, Commissioner. I have many names, but some call me “The Banker”. Now that you know who I am, you understand that I am very serious. -Said the voice, and then cut the call.

-You idiot! -shrieked Commissioner Carter in rage, violently throwing his cigarette on the floor.

Thomas Carter was a police officer who had reached the top of the institution without a stain on his record. A man of impeccable reputation, feared by criminals and an example to be followed by those who were part of the guarantors of the law. His proven experience and the important cases he had solved throughout his career spoke for him. The banker's words were an insult that made him lose his patience.

-I'm tired of waiting, Agent Brown. The time is now. Give me that Speakerphone. -Commissioner Carter pointed to it.

-Sir, perhaps you should consider it. You no longer need to prove anything to anyone. Your legacy is written. If we turn around, nothing will happen, and no one will care. -opined Agent Brown.

Elber Brown was an agent with only a few years of experience and a reputation on the rise. His obedience, his high sense of responsibility, and his performance of duty in any situation had earned him the trust of Commissioner Carter, his mentor.

-No criminal is going to intimidate me. You need diapers? Just say the word and I'll send for them so you don't poop your pants. Now give me that damn speaker! -said Carter, determined.

After receiving the equipment from Brown, he finally set the operation in motion.

-You're surrounded! There are men all over the place! There is no escape. The time for accountability has come. You decide how: Dead or alive? You have five minutes to come out with your hands over your head! After that, we're coming in for you. -He said through the loudspeaker.

The perception in the passing of the waiting time was extremely slow; an eternity, while anxiety and adrenaline took over each of the troops.

-It's time, Brown. I sent the first squadron. -Commissioner Carter commanded.

-First Squadron! Green light. Repeat, proceed with entry. -Agent Brown signaled over the portable radio.

The members of the first squad, under the direction of an agent identified by the code name “Leader 1”, proceeded to carry out the orders and, in a tactical deployment, stormed the establishment. In a matter of moments - Bang, Bang - there was an exchange of gunfire inside the place, and then the atmosphere was silent; everything was quick and precise.

-Damn it, Brown! I need situation reports. Let me have that radio. -Carter asked, anxious.

-Leader 1, report your position and the results of the raid. -He turned instructions over the radio.

-The target has been captured. He is in custody, sir. Damage is minimal. Two enemy neutralized. The site is secure. We have evidence, lots of evidence, sir. I think you should take a look. -Leader 1 replied.

-Copy that, Leader 1," Carter replied.

-Come on, Brown. Let's take a look in there. Besides, I want to get a face-to-face look at “Skinny” before we move him. -Commissioner Carter said.

-Sir, yes, sir. -Brown replied.

-Attention everyone, Commissioner Carter is about to enter the precinct. I repeat, everyone stand by! -Brown announced over the radio.

Commissioner Carter proceeded to enter the premises in the company of Agent Brown, his right-hand man, his right-hand man. The satisfaction was evident on his face, and the desire to witness the scene with his own eyes before the forensic team arrived was even greater.

-It's this way, commissioner. Leader 1 is waiting for you inside. -commented one of the agents inside.

Both Carter and Brown allowed themselves to be guided by the agent who received them into a huge room. There they were met by "Leader 1.

-Watch this, commissioner. -Leader 1 said, pointing to a table on which five large, black duffel bags with a zippered main compartment were laid out.

-Let's see what's inside,“ said Commissioner Carter, as he reached over and unzipped the first bag, ”Money, these bags are full of money! -he exclaimed, eyes wide open, as he opened bag after bag. -There will be medals for everyone! There are millions here! -he added.

The expression on Commissioner Carter's face was a mixture of amazement and satisfaction; the face of a man who has achieved a great victory.

-Ten million in each bag, to be more exact, Commissioner Carter," said a voice that suddenly interrupted his moment of happiness. -said a voice that suddenly interrupted his moment of happiness.

Carter quickly turned his gaze and found himself face to face with whom he least expected: El Flaco was right in front of him, free, without custody; as if nothing had happened.

-What is this? What is this all about? Somebody answer me, damn it! -Carter shouted, full of rage and impotence.

-The Banker sends his regards, Commissioner Carter. I would like to tell you that it is a pleasure to meet you, but our friendship will not last long. -said El Flaco.

Before he could reply to the words of the man whom, moments before, he thought he had captured, he received one last surprise.

-You have a phone call, commissioner. -Brown interrupted, to make him from a satellite cell phone.

-You? -Carter murmured.

-Answer, sir. -Brown insisted.

Carter's eyes looked like laser cannons heating up, while his forehead revealed four distinct wrinkles that reflected the anger and frustration he was feeling.

-Carter. -He answered after picking up the phone.

-I gave him a chance and he turned it down. You should have taken me up on my offer, Commissioner. Everyone has a price... Even Brown. -said the voice on the phone call.

Carter immediately looked back at his most loyal man, only to see his gun pointed straight at his face, the last thing the cop with the unblemished record would ever see; the hero everyone would remember.

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