prologue

Not all that glitters is gold, thought Mark as he scanned the room. He was standing in the middle of a swanky nightclub, pulsing with the bass of electronic dance music. Neon lights flashed over designer-clad bodies mingling freely. Mark wasn't one of them.He was here on a mission. His boss had sent him to track down the kingpin of a major drug cartel. The club was the known haunt of the boss's right-hand man.Mark moved through the crowd, scanning faces, and avoiding the pulsing bodies that moved to the rhythm of the music. He spotted his target, a tall man with dark hair, wearing an expensive suit, and a gold Rolex. Mark had studied his photograph and was sure it was him.He slipped into the booth next to him, trying to blend in with the dancers trying to leave as little personal space as possible."Excuse me," Mark said, flashing his badge. "I'm going to need you to come with me."The man stopped dancing, his face hardening, "What's this about?"

"Your boss," Mark replied, keeping his tone cool and professional, "he's responsible for a number of illegal activities. I need to ask you a few questions about him."The man's eyes narrowed, "I don't know what you're talking about."Mark was about to press the issue when a commotion caught his attention. He heard someone shouting, and turned to see a group of men armed with guns storming the club.Mark knew what was happening. The man he was talking to also knew, and before he could react, the man pulled out a gun and aimed it at Mark."This is your doing," the man said, his voice low and dangerous.Mark knew he had to act quickly. He pulled out his own gun, his heart racing, and aimed at the man."Put your weapon down," Mark said, his voice low and steady. "The police are here. You're not getting out of here alive."The man hesitated, and Mark saw his chance. In one swift motion, he lunged forward, tackling the man to the ground.The world around them dissolved into chaos as gunfire erupted. Mark and the man wrestled on the ground, each fighting for the upper hand.But then there was a sudden, deafening silence that settled over the room, followed by a ringing silence. Mark looked up to see a group of uniformed police officers standing over them, guns drawn."Mark, get up. You're under arrest," one of them said, his voice harsh and unforgiving.Mark felt a cold fear grip his heart. He had been set up. And now he was going down....