Chapter 660
Don't let Verus get away!
“I know,” Lynn nodded, his tone serious. “But we have no other choice. Verus is an extremely dangerous criminal. Once he establishes himself in Honduras and reorganizes his resources, he will continue his drug trafficking activities and harm even more people. We cannot give up the pursuit just because it is dangerous. As for the authority to enforce laws across borders, we can first go to Honduras under the pretext of ‘assisting in the investigation,’ communicate with the local police, and seek their cooperation. Once we find Verus’s trail, we will take immediate action to arrest him.”
“Okay!” Jason nodded, his eyes hardening. “I’ll go pick out the team members and prepare the equipment right away. Let’s set off as soon as possible!”
Jason immediately took action, selecting six elite team members, all of whom were seasoned veterans with extensive combat experience, superb fighting skills, and familiarity with overseas operations. He then prepared weapons, bulletproof vests, communication equipment, as well as photos of Verus, criminal evidence, and other relevant materials, making all the necessary preparations before departure.
Meanwhile, Lynn contacted the Honduran police again, informing them of Verus's impending arrival in Honduras and requesting their assistance in his capture. He offered to lead a pursuit team to Honduras to assist in their operation. This time, under Lynn's pressure, the Honduran police finally relented, agreeing to deploy officers at ports where Verus might land to assist in his capture. However, they also made it clear that due to the complex local security situation, they could not provide much manpower support, and Lynn and his team would need to proceed with caution.
In addition, news came from FBI headquarters that the cross-border pursuit application had been preliminarily approved, allowing Lynn to lead a pursuit team to Honduras to carry out the pursuit operation. At the same time, the US Embassy in Honduras was coordinated to provide them with necessary assistance and resolve related diplomatic issues.
Upon receiving this news, Lynn and Jason both breathed a sigh of relief. Although many difficulties and dangers remained, at least they had obtained the authority to conduct cross-border pursuit and received initial cooperation from the Honduran police, which provided some assurance for their pursuit operation.
That afternoon, Lynn led his pursuit team aboard an FBI-dedicated plane, departing from New York and heading towards Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras. On the plane, Lynn convened an emergency meeting with all team members, providing a detailed account of Verus's situation, the security environment in Honduras, the threat posed by the Karen mutant organization, and the plan and precautions for this pursuit operation.
“This manhunt is extremely dangerous,” Lynn said seriously, looking at his team. “Verus is very cunning and has mutant bodyguards protecting him. Moreover, Karen’s mutant organization has a branch in Honduras, and they may retaliate against us. Honduras has a poor security situation, with rampant criminal gangs and many corrupt officials and police officers. We could be in danger at any time.”
“But we cannot back down,” Lynn’s tone became firm. “Verus has committed heinous crimes. He trafficked drugs and endangered countless lives and families. As FBI agents, we have a responsibility and an obligation to bring him to justice. No matter where he flees, we will bring him back.”
"Understood!" all the team members responded in unison, their eyes resolute and without the slightest fear. They were all battle-hardened elites who had experienced countless dangers. No matter how great the difficulties, they would go all out to follow Lynn and complete this pursuit mission to capture Verus.
Lynn nodded, a hint of relief on his face: "Very good. Next, let me reiterate the operation plan: After we arrive in Tegucigalpa, we will immediately go to the U.S. Embassy in Honduras to complete the necessary formalities, then meet with the Honduran police to understand the port's security situation, and then proceed to the port where Verus might land to conduct a search and security operation. Once we discover Verus's whereabouts, do not act rashly. Report first, then work together to capture him. Be wary of attacks from the mutant bodyguards."
“Furthermore,” Lynn continued, “each of us must be vigilant, pay close attention to our surroundings, and avoid acting alone to prevent accidents. If we encounter danger, we must immediately signal for backup. Our objective is to capture Verus, but at the same time, we must ensure our own safety and prevent any unnecessary casualties.”
"Understood!" the team members responded in unison again.
A few hours later, the plane arrived in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras. Tegucigalpa's airport was rudimentary and chaotic, filled with noise, and an uneasy atmosphere permeated the air. Lynn and his team, carrying weapons, equipment, and relevant documents, quickly exited the airport and boarded a vehicle arranged by the US Embassy in Honduras to proceed to the embassy to complete the necessary formalities.
With the assistance of the U.S. Embassy in Honduras, Lynn and his team quickly completed the necessary procedures and obtained authorization to conduct investigations and pursuit operations within Honduras. They then immediately went to the Honduran police headquarters to meet with local police officials and learn about the port's security arrangements.
The head of the Honduran police, a fat, greasy-faced man named Rodriguez, remained ambiguous. He simply briefed Lynn on the port surveillance situation, saying that several police officers had been deployed to monitor the ports where Verus might land. However, he also admitted that due to limited police resources and the rampant smuggling gangs in the area, it was difficult for them to achieve comprehensive surveillance. Whether they could catch Verus depended on luck.
Lynn knew that Rodriguez wasn't genuinely interested in helping them and was likely bribed by the Karen mutant organization or a local smuggling ring, deliberately stalling them. But he didn't point it out, simply saying calmly, "Officer Rodriguez, thank you very much for your assistance. Verus is an extremely dangerous criminal. He's not only suspected of drug trafficking but also of illegal possession of weapons, endangering many lives. I hope you can urge your men to diligently conduct surveillance and investigations. Once you discover Verus's whereabouts, notify us immediately, and we will take action immediately. If we successfully capture Verus this time, the FBI will provide a substantial reward to the Honduran police and will also recognize your assistance internationally."
Rodriguez's eyes lit up at the mention of a "generous reward," and a greedy smile spread across his face. He quickly nodded and said, "Detective Lynn, don't worry, I will make sure my men work diligently and do their best to assist you in capturing Verus. I will inform you immediately of any news."
Lynn nodded, said nothing more, and led his team away from the Honduran police headquarters towards La Céva, the port where Verus might land. La Céva is a secluded port in northern Honduras, located on the Caribbean coast. It rarely sees legitimate ships docking there; it's primarily a hub for smuggling vessels, with extremely poor security, rife with smugglers, gangsters, and various criminal activities. It's the most likely place for Verus to land.
The car drove through the narrow, chaotic streets of Tegucigalpa, the buildings dilapidated, and homeless beggars and roaming gangsters everywhere. An atmosphere of poverty and unease permeated the air. The team members were on high alert, gripping their weapons tightly and closely monitoring their surroundings to prevent any unforeseen events. About two hours later, Lynn and his team arrived at La Ceva Port. La Ceva Port was small, with many unmarked smuggling boats moored along the shore. Several burly, menacing men loitered along the bank, their eyes scanning the area warily—clearly members of smuggling rings. There were no surveillance cameras or police around the port; only chaos and unease.
Lynn signaled to his team to park the vehicle in a concealed spot outside the port, then led them to quietly infiltrate the port and begin their search. Dressed in plainclothes and disguised as smugglers, they cautiously moved through the port, closely monitoring every smuggling vessel and every suspicious person, trying to find traces of Verus and Marcus.
The port reeked of fish and diesel fuel, and a cacophony of noise filled the air. Smugglers chatted loudly as they moved their goods, completely unaware of the impending danger. Lynn and his team carefully avoided the smugglers' gaze, searching the port and taking notes, looking for any trace of Verus.
Just then, a team member quietly walked up to Lynn and whispered, "Captain, look over there. That smuggling ship is very similar in characteristics to the smuggling ship we found earlier belonging to Marcus. Moreover, there are many suspicious people on board. It looks very likely that it is the ship that Verus was on."
Following the direction his teammate pointed, Lynn saw a large smuggling ship moored in a corner of the harbor. The ship was black and unmarked. Several tall, wary men stood on board. Among them was a very familiar figure—it was Varus! He was standing on the deck, talking to a burly man with a cold smile on his face. Beside him stood the incredibly fast mutant bodyguard, his eyes scanning the surroundings warily, constantly on guard against any potential danger.
Lynn's eyes sharpened instantly. He lowered his voice and said to his team, "Everyone, get ready. That's Varus and Marcus. We're moving out now. Be on guard against attacks from the mutant bodyguards. We must capture Varus and not let him escape again!"
The team members immediately prepared, gripping their weapons tightly, their eyes fixed intently on the smuggling ship, awaiting Lynn's orders. Lynn took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on Verus's figure, silently vowing that this time, no matter the cost, he would bring Verus to justice and end his crimes once and for all.
Just as Lynn was about to give the order, the incredibly fast mutant bodyguard suddenly looked up, his gaze fixed on the direction where Lynn and his group were hiding. His eyes were cold and piercing; clearly, he had discovered their presence. Verus also sensed something amiss, stopping his conversation with Marcus and looking in the direction of Lynn's hiding place. A hint of surprise crossed his face, followed by a cold smile, as if he had anticipated Lynn's pursuit.
"Oh no, we've been discovered!" Jason said in a low voice, his tone tinged with tension.
Lynn's eyes were firm, showing no sign of panic. He immediately gave orders to his team: "Move! Charge in, subdue Varus, and be wary of attacks from the mutant bodyguards!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Lynn and his team rushed out of their hiding place and charged towards the smuggling ship. The smugglers on board reacted instantly, shouting and grabbing their weapons as they charged towards Lynn and his group. The incredibly fast mutant bodyguard also rushed towards Lynn and his team, his movements like a ghost, instantly reaching one of the team members and delivering a powerful punch.
The team members immediately launched a counterattack, and the sounds of gunfire and fighting instantly shattered the tranquility of the port.
"Bang!" A gunshot shattered the dead silence of the harbor. The veins on Lynn's hand, gripping the gun, bulged, and the wound on his arm was pulled painfully, but he was oblivious to it. He only stared at the familiar figure on the deck and roared as he charged toward it: "Verus, this time you won't escape!"
Upon hearing the shout, Verus turned around abruptly, a mocking smile curving his lips and a playful glint in his eyes. He yelled at Lynn, "Detective Carter, you really are a persistent ghost! Too bad, you'll never catch me!" Before he finished speaking, he turned and darted toward the cabin, the hem of his black suit billowing in the sea breeze, his steps hurried yet perfectly composed.
"Stop them! Mr. Verus will reward whoever can take down these federal agents handsomely!" Marcus roared, grabbing a shotgun from the waist of one of his crew members and firing at Lynn, who was charging at the front. "Bang—" The shot grazed Lynn's ear and hit the ship's side behind him, sending splinters flying that stung Lynn's cheek.
"Cover the captain!" Jason roared, stepping aside to shield Lynn. He fired a series of shots from his pistol, and two of the leading smugglers fell to the ground, their blood instantly staining the cold deck. "Quick! Don't let Verus get away!"
Taking advantage of the moment, Lynn dodged another bullet by sidestepping, then raised his hand and shot a smuggler in the knee. The man screamed and fell to his knees, his machete clattering onto the deck. "Useless trash!" Marcus roared angrily, then waved his hand at his men, "All of you, get them! Kill them, and we'll double the reward for each one!" (End of Chapter)