The explosion ripped through the docks with a deafening BOOM! The force sent Carrick hurtling backward, slamming into a stack of crates. His ears rang, the world spinning in a haze of fire and smoke.
For a moment, all he could hear was the distant roar of flames and the muffled screams of the dying. His body ached, his head throbbing.
Then.. Gunfire.
Carrick forced his eyes open, vision blurred. Through the smoke, he could make out figures moving-some running, some crawling, some lying motionless in pools of blood.
Maximus was already on his feet, dragging an injured Jack behind cover. His face was smeared with ash, a gash bleeding at his temple.
"Carrick!" Maximus's voice was urgent. "Can you move?"
Carrick gritted his teeth and pushed himself up. Pain lanced through his ribs. "Barely," he muttered.
Jack groaned, clutching his side. "Fucking bastard had a detonator the whole time..."
"Of course, he did." Maximus scowled, peering through the smoke. "Where the hell is Domino?"
Carrick's pulse quickened. Domino.
He scanned the wreckage, but his brother was nowhere to be seen.
"He ran," Carrick spat, fists clenching. "Like the coward he is."
Maximus wiped the blood from his face. "I wouldn't be so sure about that."
Just then, Alex's panicked voice crackled through the earpiece.
"Carrick! You need to move, NOW!"
Carrick's stomach twisted. "What is it?"
"Domino's got reinforcements inbound, two armored convoys, plus a goddamn chopper!"
Carrick's mind raced. They were already badly outnumbered, if those reinforcements arrived, they'd be annihilated.
Maximus cursed. "We need an exit plan."
Carrick turned to Jack. "How bad are you?"
Jack let out a dry chuckle. "Oh, you know. Just got blown the fuck up. I'll live."
Carrick glanced around. Lila's sniper fire had stopped. Either she was repositioning, or..
"Lila, do you copy?" Carrick pressed his earpiece.
Silence.
Then, static.. followed by a weak voice.
"...Carrick..."
His blood ran cold. "Lila, where are you?"
"South side... took a hit... leg's fucked..."
Carrick clenched his jaw. "Hold on. We're coming."
Maximus grabbed his shoulder. "Carrick, we don't have time.."
"I don't leave my people behind."
Maximus studied him for a moment before nodding. "Then let's move fast."
They sprinted through the wreckage, dodging flames and bodies. The air was thick with gunpowder and death.
Carrick spotted Lila slumped against a collapsed metal beam, her rifle discarded beside her. Blood pooled beneath her leg, her face pale.
Carrick dropped to his knees. "Shit, Lila.."
"Don't," she breathed, her lips trembling. "I'm not dying. Just... need a hand."
Carrick nodded, gripping her under the arms. "Jack, help me."
Jack, wincing, crouched beside him. Together, they hoisted Lila up.
Maximus's voice cut through the chaos. "We got company!"
Carrick turned. Silhouettes emerged through the smoke.. armed men, closing in fast.
"Fucking hell," Jack grunted.
Carrick pulled his pistol, leveling it at the advancing figures. "You guys keep moving. I'll.."
A gunshot rang out.
One of the approaching men collapsed.
Carrick's eyes snapped toward the shooter.
Standing atop a wrecked container, rifle in hand, was Victor Alistair.
His sharp blue eyes met Carrick's, lips curving into a smirk. "Looks like I got here just in time."
Carrick exhaled, relief flickering in his chest. "Couldn't have picked a better moment."
Victor hopped down, his men fanning out beside him. "Got word that Domino was pulling some underhanded shit. Figured you might need backup."
Carrick grinned. "You figured right."
Maximus raised a brow. "I assume you brought a way out?"
Victor nodded toward the docks. "I've got three speedboats waiting. But we need to move now."
Carrick didn't hesitate. "Then let's go."
The battle wasn't over.
As they made their way toward the docks, Domino's men surged forward.
Bullets tore through the air. Maximus led the charge, his movements precise and merciless.
Jack fought with reckless fury, his injuries forgotten in the heat of the moment.
Victor's men covered their retreat, their weapons singing death.
Carrick carried Lila, his arms burning with exertion. "We're almost there!"
The boats came into view. Sleek. Fast. Their engines humming like predators waiting to pounce.
"GO!" Victor shouted.
Carrick reached the first boat, carefully setting Lila down. Jack collapsed beside her, breathing hard.
Maximus hopped in next, his pistol still aimed at the enemy.
Victor was the last to board, barking orders at his men.
Then, just as the last of them leaped into the boats..
A voice cut through the night.
"You think this is over, Carrick?"
Carrick turned.
Standing at the edge of the burning docks was Domino.
His black suit was stained with blood and ash. His golden revolver gleamed.
And his smile was pure, unfiltered hatred.
Carrick locked eyes with him. "Oh, trust me, brother."
The boat's engines roared to life.
"This is just the beginning."
Domino tilted his head, a slow smirk curling his lips. "Then you better watch your back."
Carrick didn't blink. "You should worry about yours."
The boat shot forward, cutting through the dark waters.
As the burning docks faded into the distance, Carrick exhaled.
The battle was over.
But the war had only begun.
