As decided, the police patrol stopped in front of an abandoned small hut, at dot 10 am in the morning. Jacob leaned through the window of the passenger's seat and scanned across the place and every possible lane that could lead to the hut, but there was not even an animal in view.

Jacob(keeping his eyes through the window): Are you sure this is the place?

Police Chauffeur: As per the location, yes, sir.

Jacob rubbed his finger against the brim of his nose, raising an eyebrow.

Jacob: You sure? This is no trick?

Madeline, seating at the back seat, leaned forward.

Madeline: Let's decide after we get down.

Jacob nodded his head.

Jacob, Madeline and Will got off the car. Will looking through his tablet screen to look into any possible threats. Jacob adjusted his gun, attached to his waist belt as his eyes continuously scanned throughout the perimeter.

"Jacob Thompsons, I guess!"

Suddenly, a stern voice called out from behind, as all of them turned around pointing a gun. Jereff stood there, with his hands inside the pocket and an eyebrow raised at the reaction.

Jacob furrowed his eyebrows: Jereff!

Jereff(smiling): Glad, you recognized. Do we seem, so difficult to not point a gun at?

Jacob: Where are your men?

Jereff: Inside that hut.

Jacob: And, Jackson?

Jereff: The obvious. I was here to warmly welcome you guys. I don't remember announcing a face off?

Jacob pulled his other arm halfway in the air, and everyone put out their guns and relaxed their position. Then, Jacob put his gun back in his position.

Jereff: Better! Glad to meet you, officer. We look forward to do business with you.

Jereff pointed his palm towards the hut: After you.

Jacob walked towards the hut, followed by others.

The three of them walked inside the hut, with worn out walls and a single light hanging off the flaky ceiling. At the middle of the room, eight of The Hawks' stout men, stood in their position around a small round table and seven chairs surrounding the table, five of which were occupied by the Hawks and three were left empty. Jackson acknowlegded their presence and pulled out his palm to show their way towards the empty chairs, which seemed too weak to withstand a typical adult weight.

Jacob walked up and placed his palm at the top of the arm rest and heaved deeply.

Jackson: Your reaction says, you expected a seven star lounge. I apologize for the failure to keep at par with your expectations.

Jacob: You better be at par with our core expectations.

Jackson: Well, that's why you are here.

Jacob, Madeline and Will took their seats and adjusted themselves.

Jackson: Let's get going, shall we?

Everyone nodded their head.

Jackson: Let me introduce you to my people. You know, my brother, Jereff. This is Marc, my second in command, a sharp shooter and an expert in explosives. This is Rose, she handles all the tech issues, and is trained with different kinds of knives. Lastly this is Raven, she is in charge of the security of the whole infrastructure and the best in combat, within the team.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jacob: Monday, 1 am, it is. Don't you think we need a plan B, as well, in case they step back?

Jackson: Nope, this is full proof. If they are shifting hostages, this means they are threatened and would try to get it done, as fast as possible. Is it fine, by you guys?

Madeline and Jacob looked at each other and nodded.

The discussion went on around the clock and when it was dawn, the people at the table were finally with a full proof plan for the day and it was time to disperse. They stood up from their chairs, shook hands and walked out of the room. Jacob walked at the front followed by Madeline. Suddenly, Jackson stood at the back and called out Madeline's name. She turned around.

Madeline: Yeah!

Jackson walked up towards Madeline: I never mentioned it over the table. I want you to be the sole person to pull that trigger.

Madeline gazed towards Jacob who waited by the car, and turned back at Jackson: I did not get you.

Jackson: I want YOU to kill Corvett.

Madeline: Wait! Why solely me? Everyone is working towards a collective goal.

Jackson: I know. At this moment, it may seem unpleasant. But, trust me, I found no stronger purpose than yours. You will need it. The setup will be the same, the people will be the same, this is just an additional assignment.

Madeline took a deep a breath and kept silently looking at Jackson.

Jackson: It's fine, if you refuse.

Madeline: Won't that be selfish of me, to accept it?

Jackson: It is time to get selfish and desperate to get back what you lost. We are there for you, if anything goes wrong.

Madeline: I...no that's...how that...

Jackson: Madeline? Wait. Do you trust me? I..I know that's lame coming out of me, but I am still asking you.

Madeline: For some reasons, I do. But, ain't you confiding in us, a way too much?

Jackson: What do you mean?

Madeline: This is your territory and is secluded, probably a location bound to be hidden, but still you bring us here. Why? There is something going inside you, that we don't know. What is it?

Jackson: Why are you even asking me this?

Madeline: Isn't that, what follows, trust?

Jackson(chuckles): Let, time give you that answer. If times still stays with me, you will surely get that answer. Now, do you accept, the offer?

Madeline shifted her gaze down for a moment before she looked back at Jackson and nodded her head in affirmation.

Jackson nodded his head. Madeline turned around and walked up to the car. Jackson kept his eyes on her as the distance grew, gradually. She opened the door of the car, turned around and their eyes met, for a brief moment, before she got inside the car as the car pulled off.

The end was near. Finally, the conclusion was approaching in an apparently faster pace. But, only thing that clouded minds, was the after effect of the conclusion and all that comes along. Loss, heartbreaks and pain or peace and tranquility. Despite everything, one cannot step back from his promise, promise to their men, promise to the city, promise to the loved ones, and promise to self.