The briefing room felt colder than usual to Denar as he sat across from Chief Inspector Ankrah, Captain Adjei and Detective Mohamad, all three of them staring at him with an intensity in their eyes making it clear just how serious the mission was.
A large map of the western district was spread across the table, with a marker circling the area near Shadrach’s house. Around the room, other officers worked silently, reviewing tactical plans and finalizing equipment.
Denar fidgeted slightly in his seat, his hands clasped tightly on the table. His heart was pumping extra hard, and he could feel sweat beginning to form on his brow.
He had stated before that he desired to serve the public through policing, and obviously, he knew it came with an element of danger. But since arriving, this monster named Doomblade had creeped him beyond his wildest thoughts. Seeing the havoc he had wreaked upon the city had further increased that fear.
And now, he was being asked to serve as bait for Doomblade?! Be in the same room as that absolute psychopath? Alone?!
If there was a word ten times stronger than terrified, that would be the perfect word to describe how he felt.
Chief Inspector Ankrah leaned forward, his tone both authoritative and measured.
“Now, Teye, I won’t sugarcoat this,” Ankrah began. “This operation is extremely dangerous. We all know how lethal Doomblade is, and we’ve all seen what he’s capable of. But we’ve chosen you for a reason. And we need you to be fully on board with this.”
Detective Mohamad stepped in, her voice calm but firm. “Now we know what you’re thinking: why does it have to be you, and aren’t there more experienced officers who can carry this out, as opposed to you, a total newbie? Well, that’s exactly why it has to be you. Doomblade knows our faces and most of our tactics. If we send in someone he’s encountered before, he’ll smell the trap from a mile away, and will most certainly kill the officer, no questions asked. You’re relatively new to the force and to the city—thus, he won’t recognize you, which gives us the element of surprise.”
Captain Adjei nodded. “We’ve chosen a shack near Shadrach’s house because we have credible intelligence that Doomblade will target him in the next couple of days. It appears he is withdrawing for a day or two after his botched attack on Kwami Apprey, but he will be back, all guns blazing. If we make it look like a trafficking deal is going down, Doomblade won’t be able to resist.”
Denar’s throat felt dry, and he glanced at the map. “Ummm… so… so what exactly do I have to do?”
Mohamad leaned in, her tone softening slightly. “Your job is simple, Teye. When Doomblade shows up—and he will—you need to look like you belong there. Act like you’re a victim of the trafficking deal, frightened but not out of place. When he enters and frees you, engage him. Talk to him. Stall him.”
Denar swallowed hard, his nerves evident as he tried to process the weight of the task before him. “Okay, madam… but, but how exactly do I ‘engage’ him? I mean, what if I say something wrong? Or he doesn’t believe me?”
Ankrah leaned over the table. “Teye, we know your records. You were one of the academy’s top scorers in negotiation training for a reason. You know how to think on your feet, and how to read people. That’s why we chose you. Your job isn’t to convince him of a grand lie—just act natural. Be scared, be vulnerable. You’re posing as a victim of trafficking; that part is easy to sell. The hard part is keeping him engaged long enough for us to move in.”
Detective Mohamad picked up from there. “We’ll have undercover officers posing as the traffickers, and they’ll make their exit just before he arrives. When Doomblade finds you, he’ll see someone he believes is terrified but also thankful for him stepping in. That’s your opening to talk to him—appeal to his warped sense of justice, whatever it takes to keep him focused on you.”
Captain Adjei added, his voice steady, “While you’re stalling him, we’ll be closing in. The shack and its surroundings will be monitored by drones, snipers, and plainclothes officers. We’ll have every escape route covered. The moment you signal us, we’ll strike.”
Denar shifted uneasily, glancing at the map for a second or two before lifting his eyes to them. “B-b-but what if… what if he sees through the ruse? What happens then?”
The room fell silent for a moment, the gravity of the question hanging in the air.
Ankrah watched him keenly, his expression firm but not unkind. “Teye, listen to me. This operation only works if you play your role perfectly. Yes, Doomblade is one dangerous son of a bitch, but he’s not invincible. Constable Nadine has proven that; she used her strengths and averted what could have been another tragedy. If you stick to the plan, if you trust in your training and us, we can do this.
“Now, see, I won’t lie to you—it is a risk. A huge risk. We all know that. When the Captain and Detective informed me about this, I was concerned myself. But it’s about the bigger picture. Your new city, our city, needs you to step up. You’re not just bait, Teye. You’re the linchpin. And hear me, your safety is our topmost priority. We’ll have eyes on you the entire time. The second there’s any sign of trouble, we’ll move in.”
Mohamad nodded in agreement. “You’re not alone in this. Every single officer involved in this operation has your back. And remember, Doomblade has a pattern—he won’t kill you outright if he believes you’re a victim. That gives you the upper hand. Use it.”
Lieutenant Mensah chimed in, his tone resolute. “We’ll run the simulations over the next couple of hours, and consider every contingency. You’ll have a concealed earpiece so we can guide you throughout. And remember, Teye—this isn’t about being fearless. It’s about being brave despite the fear. You’ve got what it takes. You’re not happy about Doomblade’s monstrosities, are you?”
Denar shook his head quickly. “No sir.”
“Good. Remember, this is about bringing Doomblade down and freeing this city from the tyranny he’s unleashed upon us. You’ve got what it takes.”
Despite all they had said, the terror that gripped his heart was still as intense as when he was first informed. The last thing he wanted was to come face-to-face with that murderous tyrant. The man was clearly more inclined to hurt anyone now, and meeting him certainly meant death.
But then, he remembered his lifelong desire.
To serve the community, to make a real difference.
Doomblade’s reign of terror had brought too much pain to the city, and this would be one of the best ways to achieve that aim so early in his career. There could be no better act of service than helping to rid it of a sick beast ready to slay all who disagreed with him. Besides, Chief Inspector Ankrah was right: if Nadine could stand against him, so could he.
With a deep breath that did little to calm his nerves, Denar nodded, his voice steady despite his fear.
“I fully understand, sir. I’m ready.”
“Perfect!” Detective Mohamad boomed. “Good man! Sima Hills will forever be grateful to you for your service. Now, let’s run you through the operation…”
The team began walking Denar through the finer details of the operation—what he would wear, what story to tell Doomblade, and how to signal for help if needed.
Though his nerves still simmered under the surface throughout, Denar found a small spark of resolve growing within him as the briefing carried on. There was no doubt that he was stepping into something far bigger—and far more dangerous—than he could have ever imagined as a recruit in the police academy. But undertaking this dangerous operation could come out with a big reward.
Not just for him, but for the entire city.
***
Sitting in one of the spacious workspaces in the headquarters, Denar had his phone before him, as the three-way call he started connected with a soft chime, and the familiar voices of Awo and Nadine filled the line. It had been a rigid couple of hours, with intense simulations of the operation ongoing. He had been slightly slow at the beginning, but was now starting to catch the drift. He had been granted a twenty-minute break and decided to call his main colleagues.
“Teye?” Awo’s voice came first, calm but tinged with concern. “They told us about the assignment. Are you okay?”
“Yeah,” Nadine added, her voice also as calm. “We just heard about it. This is big, Teye. Big and really scary. How are you holding up?”
Denar exhaled slowly, pressing the phone closer to his ear. “I’m… I’m very scared, to be honest. I mean, it’s a terrifying thing I’m walking into, and even though we’re currently doing a lot of simulations to prepare me and all, I keep thinking. What if it goes wrong? What if Doomblade figures out the setup? Chale, the thoughts are plenty. This is the scariest thing I’ve ever done in my life, no two ways about that.
“But… but I can’t back down. Not after everything he’s done. Look at how devastated Shadrach is. Imagine what the families of everyone he’s killed are going through. Chale, we could have been mourning you, Nadine, if things had gone south. I want to do this… nah, scratch that: I need to do this. I’m so scared, but I have to do this.”
There was a brief silence before Awo spoke. “It’s okay to be scared, Teye. Anyone would be; this fucking bastard is a nightmare. I’m really scared for you as I speak, I can’t lie. I haven’t mentioned it to Sabrina and Shadrach since it’s intel meant for us alone, but you can imagine how frightened they’d be, especially Sabrina. But the good part is, you’re not doing this alone. The whole team—they’ve planned every detail to keep you safe. And you’ve got us rooting for you as well. You’ll be fine.”
“The entire force is rooting for you,” Nadine added. “We’re all a bit tense, but… we’re hoping for the best, and we’ll all be keeping you in our prayers. You’re going to be okay. Just focus on what you’re training for. Trust your instincts and your team. And remember, if this plan works, you’ll be the one who helped make it happen.”
Denar managed a small smile, though his heart still raced. “Thanks, ladies. It means a lot. And you know, I just… I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate you both, with how you’ve helped me out since I joined the force and all. It’s been early days still, but I’m grateful. I just pray I make it out of this in one piece, and that our city will be rid of this disease of a man.”
“Oh, trust me, Denar, you will. Doomblade literally came right at me, and I survived. So can you! The guy isn’t invincible. He can be defeated. So I’m confident you can do it.”
Denar grinned. “Low-key, but… that’s exactly what Chief Inspector said. That if you did it, so can I. And that’s what I’m working with. Chale, you’re an inspiration already oo, Nadine! You’ll be IGP in the next 5 years!”
Nadine laughed out loud. “Ebei, what kind of meteoric rise is that?”
“Please, it’s happening! Anaa Awo, you don’t agree?”
“Of course! I agree one hundred percent! Nadine Edusei for IGP in the next 5 years!”
“Awo, behave yourself! Or I’ll report you to your boyfriend at the butchery!”
“Herh, Nadine, respect yourself!”
Denar laughed at the exchange, the camaraderie calming him somewhat.
Well, our boy has taken up the charge to help bring down Doomblade. A very risky plan they’re working with. We can only hope it goes well…
