PART 2: THE HOLLOW MAHOGANY
Inside the luxurious casket lay no fallen soldier, but an intricate decoy mechanism surrounding a sealed titanium case wrapped in military-grade encryption documents.
Mateo’s mother collapsed forward in pure bewilderment, her rage evaporating into utter confusion as the crowd gasped at the empty satin lining.
“Where is my son?” she screamed, clutching the side of the mahogany box as tears streamed down her face.
The black-tie agents immediately reached for their sidearms, but the general held up a single hand, signaling his elite guard to surround Elena and the casket.
“Captain Mateo’s death was staged to protect his life and expose a traitor within the high command,” the general announced, his voice booming across the silent courtyard.
Elena felt her heart hammer against her ribs as she stared at the encrypted titanium case, recognizing the custom brass lock Mateo had crafted before his departure.
“He knew they would target you at this funeral, Elena,” the general whispered, leaning in close so only she could hear. “This entire ceremony was a trap.”
Before she could process his words, a sharp click sounded from the edge of the courtyard perimeter, followed by the sudden advance of armed security personnel.
(The trap is about to spring! Click “Next Page” to continue reading…)
