Location: New Orleans Highways and Skies — 9:45 a.m. onward
The extraction van was history. Tires burnt rubber across the cracked asphalt as Ryan's family squeezed into a beat-up sedan, the engine growling louder than their nerves.
Behind them, a growing caravan of law enforcement sirens screamed approval to the chaos: local police, FBI cruisers, Interpol black SUVs, and even a police helicopter buzzing overhead like a persistent mosquito.
"Look at this," Emily said dryly, ducking a fist-sized bug that somehow found its way inside. "If we wanted a parade, we nailed it."
Ryan's eyes darted to the rearview mirror. A dozen cop cars closed in fast, forming a multi-colored chase party. One cruiser tried cutting off their escape, only to get a tasteful dose of Ryan's patented 'Sideways Drift of Doom.' The tires screeched, the police radio squawked curses, and the chase was officially viral before noon.
Faith clutched Holly's hand. "Daddy, are we in trouble?"
Ryan forced a grin. "Nope. Just on a... very intense family road trip."
The highway turned into a zigzag nightmare of near-misses and hairpin turns. Emily peeked through the cracked window, spotting drones weaving through the clouds like angry seagulls. "This just keeps getting better."
Suddenly, the helicopter dipped lower, the spotlight zeroing in on their fleeing sedan like a hawk eyeing a field mouse.
"Tell me that thing's not armed," Bella muttered, adjusting her hacked tablet to try and scramble the signal.
"Nope," Ryan said. "But I'm sure the pilot's got a big 'Do Not Mess With' sign painted somewhere."
A crackling voice burst through their comms. "All units: suspect family traveling southbound. Considered armed, dangerous, and 'likely charming.'"
"Really?" Emily rolled her eyes. "Charming? What is this, a spy rom-com?"
Bella smirked. "If only."
Ryan glanced at the girls in the backseat, their faces a mix of excitement and wide-eyed confusion. "Alright, team. Time for Operation: Graduation Crashers."
Just as Ryan was about to explain, a blur appeared on the horizon—a black matte SUV weaving through traffic with terrifying precision. The driver wasn't playing.
"We've got company," Ryan muttered.
Behind them, the police increased their push, sirens blending into a chaotic symphony of impending doom.
The sedan skidded off the highway, plunging into a narrow swamp road lined with cypress trees dripping Spanish moss. Mud sprayed as the chase intensified.
Emily jabbed the gearshift and yelled, "Hold on to your hats—and your dignity!"
Suddenly, a swarm of police cars fishtailed behind them, bumpers bumping, radios screaming. Holly shrieked with laughter; Faith whispered, "This is like the spy movies, isn't it?"
Ryan gave a mock salute. "Exactly like the movies, kiddo. Except with less popcorn."
The family's laughter echoed briefly before the chaos surged back. Tires spat mud. The helicopter circled closer, spotlight blinding.
Then—just as the sedan reached a dead-end near the bayou—the police cruiser slammed into their rear bumper, sending the car spinning.
Ryan slammed the wheel hard, fighting the skid, and the sedan slammed against the embankment.
They tumbled out seconds later, adrenaline fuelling their every move.
"Freeze! ONYX CORE and law enforcement!" a squadron of agents yelled, weapons drawn.
Ryan raised his hands slowly. "Alright, everyone down. Let's not get anyone hurt today."
Emily whispered fiercely to Ryan, "You better have a plan."
Ryan's eyes flicked to his phone. The message was sent — a short, cryptic text with coordinates and a simple phrase:
"Uncle's Invitation still stands."
He glanced at his family, heart pounding. "This isn't the end."
As the officers closed in, Ryan was cuffed but calm, eyes scanning for the unseen.
Suddenly, from the thick swamp fog, a shadowy figure moved with deadly grace—a silent storm cutting through the chaos.
The officers froze as the figure disarmed one, incapacitated another with lightning speed, and tossed a smoke grenade that filled the clearing with thick gray mist.
When the smoke cleared, the agents were down, the family safe but stunned.
Ryan blinked in disbelief.
From the shadows, a tall, serious man stepped forward, his cold eyes scanning the scene.
No jokes. No smile. Just presence.
"Family's safe," he said quietly.
Ryan's breath caught.
The man spoke again, low and calm.
"Tom."
(TO BE CONTINUED...)