Chapter 1036: Rescue Doyle

A modified black car sat surrounded on a blocked road section, escape impossible. No one dared approach the tense standoff until Oscar arrived.

Oscar and Theodore exited the car, leaving Besse inside. Besse watched their injured backs; Theodore’s injuries were less severe than Oscar’s, whose back was bloody and messy. Oscar requested Theodore’s coat to conceal his wounds, walking forward with a steady gait that hid the extent of his injuries. Though the bloodstains on his face and clothing were striking, no one dared question him, treating him with utmost respect.

"What's the situation?" Oscar asked Vincent Ramos, the police officer in charge, his tone cold.

"Preliminary reports indicate mercenaries," Vincent replied. "They demand a helicopter or they'll kill the hostage."

"The hostages' condition?" Oscar pressed.

Vincent shook his head. "We haven't seen them. We've only negotiated with one of the mercenaries."

Oscar nodded, understanding their strategy of buying time while awaiting his orders. He took the megaphone from Vincent, silencing the officer's unspoken question about Oscar's own injuries. Oscar's apparent disregard for his own well-being rendered the inquiry unnecessary.

"Oscar Wells, Northfield's Commander in Chief. I've heard your request. We'll provide a helicopter, but only if the hostage is safe. I need to see him!"

From inside the car, Besse heard Oscar's words, her anxiety rising. Doyle had been unconscious since a car accident, and she was deeply worried about his condition.

Moments later, two hooded men emerged from the black car, carrying heavy weapons. Then, another man appeared, shackling Doyle, who was bloodied and wounded but alive and remarkably calm, showing little panic despite being held at gunpoint.

"A helicopter!" the mercenary demanded.

"Agreed," Oscar said, glancing at Doyle.

A helicopter swiftly arrived. "Here's your helicopter. I guarantee your safe passage from Northfield, but you must release the hostage first," Oscar stated.

"Letting him go means instant death; you have too many men here," the mercenary countered, demonstrating keen awareness of their surroundings.

"As Commander, I won't lie. Return the hostage, and I guarantee your safe departure from the country."

The mercenaries hesitated.

Oscar pressed, "Within Northfield, defying my terms means you won't leave alive!"

"We'll die with him if we can't leave!"

"If I leave him with you, he'll die. That's unacceptable. I won't compromise," Oscar declared plainly.

The mercenary glared.

"Again, release the hostage, and I guarantee safe passage from Northfield!" Oscar reiterated.

The mercenaries conferred, facing a dilemma: attempting a breakout with the hostage meant certain death; releasing him risked being attacked once aboard the helicopter.

A sudden phone call interrupted the stalemate. Oscar watched nervously; it was likely their employer, possibly ordering the hostage's death regardless of the situation. He observed the mercenaries, strategizing Doyle's rescue.

Finally, the mercenary hung up. "Someone's coming to negotiate. I want assurances; let him in!"

Caught off guard, Oscar agreed. Even with the risk of deception, they had little choice.

"He'll arrive by helicopter. Harm him, and the hostage dies," the mercenary threatened, glancing at Doyle.

"No harm to the hostage, and we won't use force," Oscar assured them.

The mercenary called his employer.

Half an hour later, a helicopter landed. A suited man in sunglasses disembarked, followed by two men. He approached Doyle, removed his sunglasses, and a cruel, almost insane smile spread across his face. Oscar, recognizing the stranger, remained alert. Doyle's expression suggested an acquaintance.

Oscar's brow furrowed. This appeared to be a personal vendetta. Remaining calm, he waited.

The man addressed Oscar, "Kidnapping a foreigner in Northfield and triggering this rescue...impressive scale!"

Oscar maintained composure. "What happens in my territory is my responsibility. I can fulfill your needs."

The man chuckled, his smile hardening. "I have one demand: Besse."