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Audio version of Jacklyn Taylor Stories
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Mickey sat in his office, surveying the room with its sweeping view of the night-lit Rochford skyline. Fresh reports had come in: despite all precautions, Jack Carter had managed to breach the perimeter of their base. Rage simmered within Mickey, but outwardly, he remained composed.
— Victor, — he addressed his right-hand man, seated across from him, — Carter is becoming too dangerous. I want him eliminated. But not just killed. I want him to understand that this is the price for meddling in my affairs.
Victor nodded, accepting the order.
— We have the resources to make his situation unbearable. But there’s one problem, — he hesitated, — he’s extremely well-prepared. This won’t be easy.
Mickey leaned back in his chair with a faint smile.
— Challenges have never stopped us before, Victor. Prepare everything. We have a plan.
Meanwhile, Jack was at Karl’s base, poring over data decrypted from the documents on the “Serpent Project.” Karl approached with a cup of coffee and a map in hand.
— We’ve uncovered another detail, — he began. — It looks like they have additional routes planned for moving critical equipment for their control system. If we intercept even one of them, it could significantly delay their operations.
— Where are they? — Jack asked, glancing at the map.
— Here, — Karl pointed to a small town on the regional border. — It’s an old industrial district. They’re using it as cover for their cargo.
— We can’t miss this opportunity, — Jack said firmly. — Do we have time to prepare?
Karl shook his head.
— Their schedule is tight. We need to act immediately.
Mickey, aware that Jack would attempt to intercept the cargo, decided to use this opportunity to set a trap. Victor initiated a disinformation campaign, feeding false intel through channels MI-6 was likely to intercept.
— We’ll make him think he’s winning, — Victor said. — Then we’ll strike.
The next day, Jack’s team moved into the industrial district and took up positions, awaiting the arrival of the trucks. Jack scanned the warehouse through binoculars, noting the activity.
— They’re unloading equipment, — he reported to Karl over the radio. — They might already know we’re here.
— Be careful, — Karl replied. — If anything goes wrong, the backup team is standing by.
But instead of a standard cargo interception, Jack and his team were met with an ambush: explosive devices pre-planted in the warehouse began to detonate. It was a trap.
— It’s a setup! — Jack shouted, taking cover behind a container.
Chaos erupted. Mickey’s men launched an assault using smoke grenades and automatic weapons. Jack realized this had been carefully planned, but there was no time for reflection.
Back at the base, Karl understood that something had gone wrong. He deployed the backup team to assist Jack, but even with reinforcements, the situation was critical.
Through the haze of battle, Jack noticed one of the trucks leaving the warehouse. It could be carrying equipment for the “Serpent Project.” Grabbing his radio, he shouted:
— Follow that truck! It’s our priority target!
One of his team members jumped into a vehicle and sped after the truck while Jack stayed behind to cover their retreat.
When the dust settled, Jack returned to Karl’s base. His clothes were soaked with sweat and grime, but his gaze remained resolute.
— It was a trap, — he said, breathing heavily. — But we managed to intercept one of the trucks.
Karl nodded, recognizing that the fight was far from over.
— Mickey made his move, — he said. — Now it’s our turn.
This chapter ended on a note of escalating tension. Mickey’s cunning strategy to lure Jack into a trap showcased his ruthlessness, but Jack, despite the losses, achieved a small but vital victory. He now understood that the battle against Mickey would demand everything he had, and retreat was no longer an option.
After the tense truck interception, Jack returned to Karl’s base, exhausted but aware that there was no room for complacency. However, the evening turned out to be unexpectedly quiet. Karl insisted that Jack take a short break.
— You’re exhausted, — Karl said, handing Jack a bottle of water. — We’ve got some time before the next move. Go back to the restaurant, spend some time there. Your cover is too important to lose.
Jack nodded, acknowledging that Karl was right. He needed to maintain the illusion of his regular life to ensure that Mickey and his people wouldn’t suspect anything.
Back at the restaurant, Jack slipped back into his role as the manager. His team was already in full swing, preparing for the evening service. Jack walked through the dining area, checking the details. Customers were filling the tables, and the waitstaff and chefs worked seamlessly. Everything appeared calm, but he knew that beneath this facade lay lurking danger.
During a short break, Jack stepped out into the restaurant’s back alley to catch his breath. Holding his phone, he typed a message to Derek: “I’m free tonight. Are you home?”
The reply came almost instantly: “Yes. Waiting for you.”
The words brought a warm smile to Jack’s face. After the day he’d endured, the thought of seeing Derek again felt like a breath of fresh air.
Later that evening, Jack finished his shift and headed to Derek’s house. Darkness had settled over the city, but his mind was focused elsewhere. He knew that with every new operation, he was putting himself and those he cared about in greater danger.
When he arrived at the house, the lights inside were dim. Jack opened the gate, punching in the familiar code, and parked by the entrance. Derek was already waiting for him at the door, a soft smile on his face and a cup of tea in hand.
— You look tired, — Derek observed as Jack stepped inside.
— That’s putting it mildly, — Jack replied, shrugging off his jacket and tossing it onto the nearest chair.
Derek moved closer, his gaze warm but tinged with concern.
— Do you want to talk about it? — he asked.
Jack shook his head.
— Not tonight. I just want to be here with you.
Derek said nothing, pulling Jack into a firm embrace instead. It was exactly what Jack needed most. In his world of deception and danger, only here could he truly be himself.
Later, as they sat on the couch, Jack shared only what he could—details about how dangerous his adversary was and how thin the line between success and failure had become. He avoided specifics, but it was enough for Derek to grasp the challenges Jack faced.
— You’ll get through this, — Derek said, taking Jack’s hand. — You always do.
Jack looked at him, feeling the tension slowly drain away. His job was grueling, but it couldn’t take away moments like these—moments of peace and closeness.
The next day, Jack returned to the restaurant. He knew Mickey wouldn’t stop at his previous trap. But working at the restaurant gave him access to information. Regular patrons, suppliers, even casual conversations at the bar could become part of the puzzle.
That evening, as he was closing the restaurant, Jack noticed a new customer—a man in a sharp suit sitting at a corner table. His face was unfamiliar, but Jack’s instincts told him this wasn’t a coincidence.
Approaching the table, Jack greeted him:
— Good evening. How’s everything at our restaurant?
The man looked up, his gaze analytical.
— Everything is excellent. Your reputation is well-deserved, Mr. Carter.
Jack tensed but didn’t let it show.
— Glad to hear that. Can I recommend something special?
The man smirked.
— No, thank you. Just coffee.
Jack nodded and headed to the bar, but his thoughts lingered on the mysterious guest. Who was he? Was he connected to Mickey? Or was this just a coincidence?
Later, Jack learned that the man had left without leaving any trace. But his presence was a stark reminder that Jack was under constant surveillance.
Late that evening, Jack returned to Karl’s base. The fatigue from the restaurant and the unease from the strange visitor lingered. Karl was already waiting at the long table surrounded by screens displaying maps and data. Routes, object photographs, and lists of suspects flickered on the monitors.
— We’ve got new intel, — Karl began, pointing to one of the screens. — After intercepting the truck, we’ve noticed increased activity along other routes. It seems Mickey is shifting tactics to throw us off.
Jack sat across from Karl, folding his arms.
— What exactly are they doing?
— They’ve changed their delivery schedules and rerouted several shipments through the ports. But the most interesting part is the new players in their operations. It seems they’ve brought in external forces to strengthen their position.
Karl pressed a key, and an image of a man in dark sunglasses appeared on the screen.
— His name is Luis Galvez, — Karl continued. — A Spanish mercenary. Specializes in security and covert operations. If he’s here, it means Mickey is preparing for something big.
— Is he in the city? — Jack asked, leaning closer to the screen.
— Yes. And what’s worse, he’s been spotted near your restaurant.
Jack felt a knot tighten in his stomach. The restaurant was his cover, but now it had become a magnet for enemies.
— We need to act fast, — he said. — If they make a move near the restaurant, I could lose everything.
Karl nodded in agreement.
— We have an idea to intercept Galvez, but it’s going to be dangerous.
The next morning, Jack returned to the restaurant, but this time his eyes were carefully scanning every guest. He felt like he was being watched, but he couldn’t pinpoint the source of the threat.
Around lunchtime, one of the waiters approached him.
— Mr. Carter, the man at the corner table is asking for you, — he said, gesturing toward the same visitor who had come the day before.
Jack walked slowly to the table. The man looked up, his face expressionless.
— Nice to see you again, — he said. — I believe I forgot to thank you for the excellent coffee.
— We aim to please, — Jack replied with a slight smile, though his tone remained guarded.
The man leaned forward slightly, his eyes gleaming with a cold intensity.
— You’re an interesting man, Mr. Carter. Perhaps a little too interesting.
Jack felt the tension rising inside him but kept his composure. He was ready for anything.
— Glad to make an impression. If you need anything, let the waiter know.
The man smiled, as if reading Jack’s thoughts.
— Perhaps I’ll be back.
He left a few bills on the table, stood up, and walked out of the restaurant slowly. Jack watched him go, understanding that this was no ordinary customer.
Later that night, Jack met with Karl to discuss the situation.
— They’re testing you, — Karl said. — They want to see how close you’ve gotten.
— What do we do? — Jack asked.
Karl leaned in closer to the table.
— We make them slip up. If Galvez is really here, we use him against them.
The next day, Jack headed to Derek’s. He needed a moment of calm and solitude. As he entered the house, the familiar scent of tea greeted him, and as always, Derek welcomed him with a warm smile.
— You look like you’ve been through hell, — Derek said, hugging him.
— That’s not far from the truth, — Jack admitted, finally allowing himself to relax.
They sat on the veranda, enjoying the quiet. Derek didn’t ask unnecessary questions, knowing Jack couldn’t share everything. But his presence alone was a comfort Jack deeply needed.
— I feel like this isn’t the end, — Derek said, gazing at the stars.
— You’re right, — Jack replied softly. — It’s only the beginning.
The chapter ends with Jack returning to Karl’s base, preparing for the next move. His confrontation with Mickey grows increasingly dangerous, and he knows the hardest trials are still ahead.
Late at night, Jack and Karl decided that the next step would require meticulous preparation and analysis. Karl insisted that Jack take a short break.
— We have a few days to figure out Mickey’s next move, — Karl said. — You need to recover, or you’ll burn out.
Jack knew Karl was right. The constant pressure was wearing him down. He sent a message to Derek, asking if he minded Jack staying for a couple of days. The reply came quickly: “Of course. I’m always happy to have you.”
The next morning, Jack arrived at Derek’s house. Derek greeted him at the gate, dressed in a cozy sweater and simple jeans. His smile was warm and slightly sleepy.
— Welcome, wanderer, — Derek teased, pulling Jack into a hug. — So, you’re staying for a couple of days?
— Yes. Karl said I need to take a break.
Derek nodded, gesturing for Jack to come inside.
— Perfect timing. I’ve got some things around the house that need fixing, and I could use a hand.
The morning began with them tackling small repairs around the house together. Derek, standing on a step ladder, was replacing a burnt-out lightbulb, while Jack handed him tools. The atmosphere was warm and almost domestic.
— Do you do this kind of stuff often? — Jack asked, watching Derek expertly screw in the new bulb.
— Not really. When you work for the royal family, there’s not much time for household chores, — Derek replied, stepping down. — But I like it. It helps me unwind.
They continued working, laughing and talking about trivial matters. Jack couldn’t help but notice how at ease he felt here, with Derek. This place was becoming his quiet harbor.
After lunch, they moved on to the garden. Derek showed Jack how to properly trim the bushes, while Jack tried to teach him a few tricks from his army training that could be useful for taking care of plants.
— You know, if we ever retire, — Jack said, snipping a dead branch, — we could open a garden center.
Derek laughed, handing him a pair of gloves.
— You’re a strategist even in gardening, Carter.
By evening, they went back inside and cooked dinner together. Soft music played in the background, and Derek occasionally glanced at Jack with warmth in his eyes.
— Notice how different this is from our work? — Derek asked as he poured wine into glasses.
Jack nodded.
— It’s peaceful. Here, I feel alive.
Derek smiled.
— I’m glad you can see that.
Later, sitting by the fireplace, they delved into deeper conversations. They talked about their pasts, fears, and dreams. Derek shared how he sometimes doubted his choices in life, while Jack opened up about his lingering panic attacks.
— Do you still think about them? — Derek asked gently.
— Sometimes. Especially in moments like this, when it feels like I could lose everything, — Jack admitted.
Derek leaned closer, taking Jack’s hand in his.
— You’re stronger than you think, Jack. But you don’t have to carry it all alone. I’m here.
Those words broke down the wall Jack had carefully built around himself. He felt the tension in his chest begin to ease.
The night took a more intimate turn. They found themselves in the bedroom, where the weight of their earlier conversation gave way to tenderness. Their touches were both passionate and soothing. For Jack, it was a rare moment where he could completely let go of control and just be himself, not the agent.
In the morning, they were woken by sunlight streaming through the curtains. Derek was the first to get up and made coffee. Jack, still half-asleep, followed him into the kitchen.
— You look like a man who finally got some rest, — Derek said, handing him a mug.
— That’s because you were right, — Jack replied with a smile. — I needed this break.
They spent the day doing light chores, sometimes just sitting on the veranda, enjoying the quiet. But Jack knew this was only a brief respite before the next storm.
The chapter ends with Jack leaving Derek’s house and returning to Karl. His focus sharpened again, his thoughts turning back to the “Snake Project.” But inside, he still carried the warmth of the time spent with the man he loved.
— Yes. Karl said I needed to take a break.
Derek nodded, gesturing for Jack to come inside.
— Perfect timing. I’ve got a few things around the house that need fixing, and I could use a hand.
The morning began with them tackling small repairs together. Derek, standing on a step ladder, was replacing a burnt-out lightbulb, while Jack handed him tools. The atmosphere was warm, almost domestic.
— Do you do this sort of thing often? — Jack asked, watching Derek skillfully twist the bulb into place.
— Well, when you work for the royal family, you don’t get much time for household chores, — Derek replied, stepping down. — But I enjoy it. It helps me unwind.
They continued working, laughing and chatting about trivial matters. Jack couldn’t help but notice how effortlessly at ease he felt here, beside Derek. This place was becoming his safe harbor.
After lunch, they moved on to the garden. Derek showed Jack how to properly trim the bushes, while Jack tried to teach him a few tricks from his army training that could, surprisingly, apply to gardening.
— You know, if we ever retire, — Jack said, cutting a dead branch, — I think we could open a garden center.
Derek laughed, handing him a pair of gloves.
— Even in gardening, you’re a strategist, Carter.
By evening, they went back inside and prepared dinner together. Soft music played in the background, and Derek occasionally glanced at Jack with a warmth that made him feel truly at home.
— Notice how different this is from our usual work? — Derek asked as he poured wine into glasses.
Jack nodded.
— It’s peaceful. Here, I feel alive.
Derek smiled.
— I’m glad you see that.
Later, sitting by the fireplace, their conversation grew more personal. They talked about their pasts, fears, and dreams. Derek shared how he sometimes doubted his career choices, while Jack opened up about the lingering panic attacks that still haunted him.
— Do you still think about them? — Derek asked gently.
— Sometimes. Especially in moments like this, when it feels like I could lose everything, — Jack admitted.
Derek leaned closer, taking Jack’s hand in his.
— You’re stronger than you think, Jack. But you don’t have to carry it all on your own. I’m here.
Those words broke through the wall Jack had carefully built around himself. He felt the tension in his chest begin to ease.
The night shifted into something more intimate. They found themselves in the bedroom, where the weight of their earlier conversations gave way to tenderness. Their touches were both passionate and soothing. For Jack, it was a rare moment of vulnerability, where he could let go of control and simply be human, not an agent.
The morning light streaming through the curtains woke them. Derek was the first to get up, preparing coffee while Jack, still half-asleep, followed him into the kitchen.
— You look like a man who’s finally gotten some rest, — Derek remarked, handing him a mug.
— That’s because you were right, — Jack replied with a smile. — I needed this break.
They spent the day doing light chores, sometimes just sitting on the veranda, soaking in the tranquility. But Jack knew this was only a brief respite before the next storm.
This chapter ends with Jack leaving Derek’s house and returning to Karl. His focus sharpened again, his thoughts turning back to the “Snake Project.” Yet within him lingered the warmth and calm of the time spent with the man he loved.
