92.

The night air was thick with tension as Murad strode into the old, dimly lit warehouse that served as his team's base of operations. Shadows danced along the walls from the single flickering bulb overhead, casting an eerie glow across the room. His crew was already gathered around the long, scarred wooden table in the center, each face familiar yet hardened from countless missions. They looked up, each man alert, sensing the gravity in Murad's expression. Tonight, he wasn’t here for the usual briefing.

"Everyone here?" Murad’s voice cut through the silence, low and controlled.

Hassan, his second-in-command, gave a curt nod. “All here, boss. Just waiting on your word.”

Murad scanned the faces of his team members, men he trusted like brothers, men who had stood by him through the darkest nights. Their loyalty was unwavering, and he knew they’d do whatever it took, no questions asked. He took a deep breath, the cold steel of his resolve hardening as he thought about his father’s cryptic warnings and the unsettling suspicion gnawing at his mind.

"We’ve got a new target," Murad announced, his voice echoing in the cavernous space. “Faraz Skeikh.”

A murmur rippled through the room, and several men exchanged glances. Faraz was a name they all knew—Murad’s stepbrother, an enigma whose past had always been shrouded in mystery. Most had heard of him but knew little, and to many, he was little more than a ghost. But if Murad was bringing him up now, it was serious.

"Faraz?" Hassan raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "You think he’s mixed up in… what exactly?"

Murad clenched his fists, the memory of his father’s words still fresh in his mind. “I think he’s involved in Taliya’s kidnapping.”

The room fell silent, tension palpable as Murad’s gaze hardened. Taliyah was someone precious to him, and everyone in this room knew that. If Faraz was behind it… the mere thought of it made Murad’s blood boil.

“Here’s the plan,” Murad continued, his tone icy. “We dig up everything—everything—on Faraz. I want to know where he’s been, who he’s met, what he’s done, and most importantly, where he is right now.”

Arif, the tech specialist, leaned forward, his face eager. “I can get into any digital records he’s left behind—emails, phone logs, bank statements. Whatever crumbs he’s left, I’ll find them.”

“Good,” Murad nodded, his gaze shifting to Sameer, the strategist. “I want you on the ground. Use every informant we have, every connection in the city. I don’t care if it’s a beggar on the street or a politician’s driver—if they know anything about Faraz, I want to hear it.”

Sameer smirked, a glint of excitement in his eyes. “Consider it done. I’ll make sure every rat in this city squeals if they’ve seen him.”

Murad turned to the rest of the crew, his jaw set with determination. “Faraz has hidden in the shadows long enough. If he’s behind Taliyah’s kidnapping, we’ll bring him into the light. This isn’t just about family anymore. It’s personal.”

Hassan, ever the practical one, spoke up. “Boss, what if this is just a dead end? What if he’s not involved? Could it be a setup, someone else trying to throw you off?”

Murad’s expression darkened. “Maybe. But I don’t trust him. There’s too much history between us… too much he’s hidden. I need answers, Hassan. And I’m not letting this go until I have them.”

The crew exchanged a look, the gravity of Murad’s words setting in. They knew his instincts were sharp; if he suspected Faraz, there was likely a reason.

“Alright, listen up,” Murad continued, folding his arms across his chest. “Here’s how it’s going to go down. Arif, I need you to get into his financials first thing—trace any recent transactions, any unusual purchases. If he’s made a move recently, we’ll catch him slipping.”

Arif nodded, already mentally mapping out his plan. “I’ll start tonight, boss. I’ll have preliminary results by morning.”

“Sameer,” Murad said, his gaze shifting, “start with our sources in the eastern district. That’s where Faraz was last rumored to be. I want every lead, no matter how small.”

Sameer gave a sharp nod, a fierce glint in his eyes. “You’ll have them by tomorrow. Trust me, boss, if he’s hiding there, we’ll flush him out.”

“And, Hassan,” Murad added, his tone steely, “you’re with me. We’re going to pay a visit to a few… acquaintances of Faraz. If he’s still got contacts here, they’ll know something.”

Hassan grinned, rolling up his sleeves.

“Looking forward to it. Been a while since we had a good old-fashioned chat with some of his crowd.”

The men dispersed, each to their own tasks, leaving Murad and Hassan alone. Murad’s expression softened slightly as he met his right-hand man’s gaze.

“Think we’ll find anything?” Hassan asked, a trace of concern in his voice.

Murad hesitated, the weight of his suspicions pressing down on him.

“I don’t know. But I can’t shake this feeling that Faraz is involved somehow. He’s… always been unpredictable, you know? But if he’s hurt Taliya—” Murad’s voice tightened, anger flashing in his eyes,

“then he’ll regret ever crossing me.”

Hassan clapped a reassuring hand on Murad’s shoulder.

“We’ll get him, boss. He’s slipped through before, but this time we’re ready. And if he’s even remotely tied to Taliyah’s disappearance… he won’t get away with it.”

Murad nodded, grateful for Hassan’s unwavering loyalty. This wasn’t just about Faraz anymore—it was about loyalty, about justice, and above all, about Taliya. He’d do whatever it took to find her and uncover the truth, even if it meant digging into the dark secrets of his own family.

And as he and Hassan walked out into the cold night, Murad’s mind raced with plans, questions, and a single, burning resolve: Faraz would pay if he was behind this. The truth was out there, hidden in the shadows, and Murad was determined to bring it to light, no matter the cost.