The Devilish Assassin Meets The Angelic Detective

*** Night Time: At City of X ***

There were two teams currently hiding in the dark outside of the large compound where Alfonso Ramirez was currently staying. Erick's team was composed of Bryan, Officer Kim, and others. While the other team was composed of Elle, Phantom, Charles, and Phantom's henchmen.

Elle and Erick had agreed to meet once they were already inside the compound. Erick asked officer Kim and his men to stay on guard outside while Bryan and Erick would go to sneak in. 

On Elle's team, Phantom, Elle, and Charles would be the one to go. Brother Yu and others would be on standby and would wait for Phantom's further instruction before they would make move.

It would be hard for them if many of them would go. The compound was well-guarded. The security was heightened. The guards were on high alert. Fortunately, Phantom's team informed Erick about the area wherein there were fewer guards.

Phantom's surveillance for the past few days had helped them identify the routine of the guards inside the compound such as what time they were usually roving at night. They also took note of the location of security cameras.

Though there were no traps inside the compound, they found out that guard dogs were scattered in the area. They should be careful not to be spotted by the guard dogs because enemies would be notified immediately once the dog started barking to make some noise.

Everyone who would infiltrate the facility was wearing all black to camouflage themselves in the dark. Phantom and Charles were the ones who would try to kidnap Alfonso while Erick and Elle including Bryan would try to gather evidence that this bio-weapon facility existed.

At around 12 midnight, Elle and Erick's team started to move. Erick and Bryan entered from the southern part of the compound whereas Elle, Charles, and Phantom entered from the western side of the compound.

They successfully avoided the security cameras as they already knew the blindspot. Erick and Elle were both constantly communicating through their devices. The five of them were already inside. No guards were roving as of this moment.

They were more cautious about guard dogs than the guards. At least they can easily knock off those men than those guard dogs. Besides, they didn't want to hurt any dogs on this mission. So as much as possible, they would try to avoid those watchdogs.

Elle went separate ways with Phantom and Charles in order to meet Erick and Bryan. This time the two of them were planning to tell Bryan that Elle was alive. The area was vast and wide. But they already located their target area. There was a unique building standing in the center of the compound. It was an enclosed facility wherein lots of guards were scattered around it.

After ten minutes of walking, Erick and Elle finally met each other just a few meters away from the facility. They were hiding on the big old tree. Bryan was surprised when he learned that Erick got company. He didn't know that he would be meeting someone there.

He was utterly astounded when Bryan saw the person waiting for them in that big tree.

"Miss Aliyah Rose?! What are you doing here?!" Bryan exclaimed in disbelief. He didn't expect to see her.

Elle didn't know whether she should be happy or not since Bryan was now thinking of her as Aliyah. She wondered why Bryan didn't even suspect that she might be Elle. How come a reporter like Aliyah Ross was able to sneak inside this well-guarded compound? 

"Bryan..." Elle called him out. She was contemplating whether she would correct his assumption or not.

But before doing this mission, Erick and Elle had already agreed that once she met Bryan on this mission then they would tell him the truth about her identity. Bryan was Erick's best friend. He also became Elle's close friend. 

Aside from everyone, Bryan also suffered a lot when they thought Elle died two years ago. Just like everyone else, Bryan also blamed himself that he was not able to save Elle. He didn't know how to face Erick because he failed to save the woman his best friend's love.

This time, Elle and Erick didn't want to keep Bryan in the dark. He also deserved to know that she was alive and living just fine together with Erick.

"Miss Aliyah Ross? Erick.. what should we do now? Why did you bring Aliyah here? This is a very dangerous mission. Why are you here, Aliyah? Are you trying to get yourself killed? This is not something you need to cover for your articles." Bryan spoke up spontaneously, nagging at her.

Erick and Elle were rendered speechless. Bryan didn't change. He was still the talkative person they knew before. His blabbering mouth was still noisy and loud.

"Hey, Calm down Bry. We have something to tell you. Please listen to us. But we will further explain everything to you once we finished this mission." Erick said, trying to calm Bryan down before they gave him a piece of shocking news.

"Okay, okay, I will listen. What is it? Just tell me." Bryan said feeling curious and intrigue.

"Please don't be shocked once we tell you the truth." Elle also said to Bryan.

"And don't shout nor faint... we still have a mission to do," Ell added.

"For goodness's sake, please... just tell me! This kind of talk is slowly killing me." Bryan blurted out, feeling impatient.

Erick and Elle exchanged meaningful glances with each other. They were asking themselves who would speak with Bryan and tell him the truth. Later on, Erick nodded his head, signaling Elle to do it. 

With that, Elle faced Bryan while holding both his shoulders. Without breaking any eye-contact, Elle started to confess with him the truth about her identity.

"Bryan... This is me... Elle. I am alive. I'm not Aliyah Ross." Elle mumbled.

Bryan blinked his eyes several times while looking at Elle. He stayed silent. His mind was still absorbing the information she had just said to him.

"Wait... pardon? What did you say again?"