Chapter 75: Unknown Company

 The news was just arriving at the courthouse even though it was still in bits as no group of reporters had actually arrived at the scene and gotten more information. However, the internet was a buzz with amateur videos recorded from phones about the attack by the few brave citizens who had the courage to even look at what was happening outside.

In the hallway, Jason was pacing as he waited for confirmation from Peter and Bennet on whether the mission was a success or not. So far, he had gotten word from Tyler who had successfully done his part and was on his way to a safe place.

Jason stopped pacing when he set his eyes on Daniels. Loki's contender for the presidency in the upcoming election. He hadn't seen Jason yet and Jason intended to keep it that way at the moment. He didn't want to attract any attention to himself today. Daniels walked up to Loki and in a show of respect, they shook hands in front of the cameras. This wasn't the only thing that was happening at that moment

Gallows had pulled out Ray out of the crowded hallway and into one of the rooms that were not occupied. He was distressed and clearly troubled.

"What's this that I'm hearing about Hunters?" Gallows asked nearly shouting

" I don't know what's happening or happened just yet. I'm still being fed with information from my team too. But I'm afraid that it might be true, that they were attacked " Ray answered

" I need more than that. I need to know what happened. Whether it was a jailbreak attempt and whether it was successful or not. This can't be happening! Not today " Gallows runted

" I understand the situation sir. I'm trying my best to get as much information as possible and also know what do next" Ray told him

There was a brief moment of silence as they stood there looking at each other. They both knew that if the rumours were true, that there was an actual jailbreak attempt they would be in big trouble. They would be under attack by the media, the citizens and most importantly, Loki himself. They needed to know what had happened and whether Hunters was free or not. The would've actually preferred that he had died during the attack.

Ray's phone rang and he knew instantly that it was an update on the situation in the city. He picked it and started pacing as he talked to the other person on the other end of the receiver. Gallows' curiosity was so much that he almost blew up with anticipation for what Ray was being told. When Ray finally ended the call, Gallows couldn't wait for even a second.

"What did they tell you? Were they attacked? Is Hunters free? Is he alive? Is he dead?" Gallows asked the questions all at a go without even giving Ray a chance to answer

"One question at a time. So I've been told that it's true that they were attacked. It's also true that it might have been a jailbreak attempt" Ray answered calmly 

" Okay, so what happened? " Gallows asked

" The details aren't that clear. I'm being told that there might have been someone on the inside or something like that. Even the officers at the scene can't make heads or tails of this thing " 

" What about Hunters? "

" He is still alive"

" Broken out? " 

" Maybe, but not exactly "

" For fucks sake!!! " Gallows said in anger. The day had been good for them so far, he wondered why it had to suddenly go berserk when things had started to fall into place . It wasn't fair, at least to them.

"Your men need to find him, dead or alive. I don't care whatever it takes" Gallows instructed Ray.

" I'll have my best men on this case and ensure that we get every single detail"

As soon as he said this, Ray got another phone call and stepped to the side to pick it. It was a brief call this time. He spoke for a few seconds and ended the call. When he turned to Gallows, he had a smile on his face and Gallows knew that it had to be good news. He was open to any kind of good news at that moment.

"Well, let it out" he instructed Ray

"I just got confirmation, Hunters is still under custody and on his way to prison as we speak." Ray told him and watched as the frown that was the mayor's face evaporate and slowly turn into grin. He almost started dancing right away in excitement

"Thank goodness. We just dodged a bullet right there" Gallows said as they both heard the door to the room they were in creak and open slightly. A man in a suit who had black shades and a wire going to his earpiece stood by the door and scanned the room. The two men stood there in silence for a second. They then realized that the man at the door was actually part of the secret service for Loki. The man turned around and spoke into his earpiece

'clear'

Almost immediately, Loki walked into the room. He looked confused and unhappy. Gallows and Ray already knew why he was looking for them

"I've been looking for you guys for a while and someone told me that they saw you two walk in here." Loki said as he looked at the two men with eyes that had more questions than answers

"You know, today is a big day for Panem. The whole world has it's eyes on us, and you know why? Because we are finally doing something that no other country has been able to do. Putting the Serb Slayer where he belongs, in jail. Or shall I say putting that name in jail because we all know Magraff isn't the slayer" Loki went on as he gloated in the glory that was before him." I mean, have you seen the crowd that's out there? Have you seen the world leaders that are out there? All that is because of what we are doing. And part of that is because of you guys. We are selling the idea that Panem is one of the most secure places to be. Panem has the best judiciary system in the world. And we are selling these ideas to the entire world.

By the end of today, the whole world will watch as justice is served to one of the most feared demons in recent history. And tomorrow morning when the citizens wake up, they will feel bit safer in their houses. The leaders will feel a little more assured that no man can reign terror the way the Serbian Slayer once did ever again 

But something isn't just right, it never is. Because when we're just about to embark on this history making event, I start hearing whispers in my ears about something that is quite unpleasing.

Tell me, why is it that when we are just about to make history should I be hearing that my streets aren't safe? What am I hearing about an attack on Hunters? "

" I'm very sorry sir, it's just that we didn't think that anything of that sort would happen" Ray said apologetically

" Don't tell me sorry! Tell me what happened and how it happened and why it happened! " Loki demanded in a fit of rage

" You don't need to worry sir---" Gallows tried to chip in before Loki snapped. He realized how this move had instantly backfired when he saw the rage in Loki's eyes.

"Not to worry? You just told me not to worry! It's like I'm the only one who knows who Hunters is and what he knows! It seems like you've completely forgotten what this could mean if he dared to open his mouth"

" We haven't forgotten sir, we clearly acknowledge the consequences that could befall us if Hunters was to squeal" Ray said

" Then why are you telling me not to worry? " Loki asked. He was now a bit relaxed, unlike before. 

"That's because as we speak right now, Hunters is already on his way back to prison" Ray answered 

" Are you certain of this? " Loki asked

"Yes, I was informed a few minutes ago that the van was on seen heading for the prison. It was tracked down and it is using the same route that the prison drivers use when transporting prisoners

"I really hope that's the case" Gallows said with a low tone but he knew that they heard.

"You should have more faith in your guys" Ray told him

" What do you mean? What guys? " Gallows asked while Loki stood there to listen to this

"I was told the people driving the van are the same people that you recommended to escort the inmate" Ray answered

" Ray, I never recommended anyone to escort the transport " Gallows said as now their hearts started racing fast.

"Of course you did. Here it is" Ray said a he fished out he letter that Tyler had printed out. He looked as Gallows read through the letter and as his eyes went wide in shock. He started assuming the worst already .

"Ray, I didn't write such a letter. Don't tell me you --" Gallows said as Loki interrupted him

" Oh shit! " Loki exclaimed

"Those two men are not authorized and they are in possession of Hunters. This can't be happening" Ray said in a state of realization