The operation was taking far longer than anyone had anticipated.
Hours had turned into nearly an entire day, and nothing was going according to plan. The initial burst of energy that had fueled the headquarters had slowly faded into a grim determination. The tension was palpable, thick enough to cut with a knife. Coffee cups sat abandoned on desks, their contents growing cold as officers stared at screens, waiting for any sign of progress.
The first report came from Team Two.
"Headquarters, this is Team Two."
Nicholas immediately picked up the radio, his fingers wrapping around the cool metal. His grip was tight, his knuckles white.
"Go ahead."
"We've located the target."
For a brief moment, hope spread through the operations room. Officers paused mid-stride, their eyes lifting toward the speakers. A flicker of optimism cut through the exhaustion that had settled over everyone like a heavy blanket.
Then the officer continued.
"...It's empty."
