With the gunfire subsiding, the world fell into an uneasy silence. Leonardo and Arya regrouped with Rob and the few soldiers who had made it through. The air smelled of burnt gunpowder and death, the metallic tang of blood clinging to their senses.

The forensic expert approached Leonardo with careful steps, holding out a small bag. Inside was the chip, smeared with traces of Andy’s blood.

Leonardo took it, his fingers brushing against the plastic as he studied it intently, his brow furrowed in thought.

“This has to be important,” Arya said, her voice calm but sharp, cutting through the silence. She wiped at her face with a shaking hand,...