American comics: I am full of martial virtues and I love to be kind to others.

The driver nodded. "Yeah, it's scary. This world is getting crazier and crazier. First superheroes, then monsters, and now secret human experiments. It's like a science fiction movie."

Lynn did not respond, but instead looked out the window.

By the time they finally arrived at the backup safe house—a converted apartment in an old industrial area—it was completely dark. The driver helped them take Banner into the apartment and then left without asking any questions, which brought Lynn a small sense of relief.

This backup safe house was much smaller than the previous one, with only basic living facilities, but it was secluded enough to provide temporary shelter. Lynn quickly set up basic security measures, while Gwen and Ethan continued to take care of Banner, preparing a comfortable place for him to rest on the only bed in the apartment.

The Bronx is much quieter at night than Manhattan, far from the hustle and bustle of the city center, with only the occasional siren and the distant rumble of factories breaking the silence. The backup safe house is located in an old industrial-converted apartment building, with heavy curtains covering the windows to block out outside light and prying eyes.

Lynn leaned against the window, carefully peeking through a crack in the curtains to observe the street outside. So far, everything seemed calm; there were no suspicious vehicles or people. He turned to look into the room: Gwen and Ethan were sitting around a makeshift folding table, discussing something in hushed tones, while Banner lay on the only bed, seemingly already in a restless sleep.

"How is he?" Lynn asked softly as he approached Gwen and Ethan.

Gwen looked up, her face etched with exhaustion and worry. "His temperature has stabilized, but he's still very weak. The wound shows no signs of worsening, so that's good news."

“He needs more rest and nutrition,” Ethan added, “but considering the circumstances, I think he’s recovering quite well.”

Lynn nodded and sat down opposite them. "We need to develop our next plan. Black Hawk has located our previous safe house; it's just a matter of time before they start looking for a new hideout."

“How do you think they found us?” Ethan asked, his brow furrowed.

Lynn pondered for a moment. “There are many possibilities. Perhaps their technology is more advanced than we think, or they have informants within the FBI, or maybe they have some kind of tracking device we haven’t noticed.” He looked at Gwen. “Could you check our equipment? Make sure it hasn’t been hacked or fitted with a tracker?”

Gwen nodded and immediately began checking their phones and computers. Just then, Lynn's FBI cell phone suddenly vibrated. The three exchanged wary glances, and Lynn carefully took out his phone, seeing that it was an official number from the Manhattan branch.

“Hall,” he answered the phone, his voice calm and professional.

“Lynn, it’s Samantha,” a woman’s voice came through the phone, sounding urgent and serious. Samantha Diaz was the coordinator for the Manhattan branch, responsible for assigning tasks to agents. “We have an emergency here and need you back to headquarters immediately.”

Lynn's intuition immediately sounded an alarm. While emergency recalls weren't uncommon, the timing was too coincidental. "What emergency?" he asked, his voice still calm, but already on high alert.

“An emergency related to national security,” Samantha replied, her tone professional and urgent. “The Director has ordered all senior agents to be in position immediately. Details cannot be disclosed over the phone; you know the procedure.”

Lynn noticed Gwen and Ethan looking at him nervously, and he gestured to them that something might be wrong. “I understand,” he said into the phone. “I’m conducting a private investigation outside the city; it’ll take about an hour to get to headquarters.”

“As soon as possible, Lynn,” Samantha emphasized, “that’s the highest priority.”

“Received,” Lynn replied briefly, then hung up the phone.

"What's wrong?" Gwen asked immediately, her voice filled with concern.

Lynn's expression turned serious. "The Manhattan branch recalled me, saying there's an emergency."

"You think it's a trap?" Ethan asked astutely.

Lynn nodded. “Most likely. Samantha’s tone and word choice were standard, but a few details were off. First, she didn’t use the security confirmation phrase for the day, which is essential in a real emergency. Second, she mentioned ‘the director requested all senior agents,’ but Samantha doesn’t usually use such general statements; she’s more specific.”

Gwen's eyes widened. "If this was a trap set by Black Hawk, then they may have infiltrated the FBI system or coerced Samantha."

“Or perhaps it’s just imitating her voice,” Lynn pondered. “Voice replication technology is quite advanced these days.”

Ethan looked worried. "What do we do now? What if they've already tracked them down to this location?"

Lynn raised his hand to signal calm. "Don't jump to conclusions. They might just be trying to lure me out to see if I'll show up." He stood up and began pacing in the small space, considering his options. Suddenly, he stopped, as if he had thought of something.

“I need to confirm if this is really a trap, without revealing our location.” Lynn pulled out another phone, a prepaid one, untraceable. “I have an idea.”

He dialed a number, and the call was answered quickly. "Mark, it's me, Lynn."

A young man's voice came from the other end of the phone, sounding somewhat surprised, "Lynn? Why are you using this number? What happened?"

Mark Rodriguez is Lynn's assistant at the FBI, a young but very talented agent, and one of the few colleagues Lynn completely trusts.

“Mark, listen, I need your help, but it needs to be kept secret,” Lynn said seriously. “Is there any urgent recall at the branch tonight?”

Mark paused, seemingly thinking. "No, at least I haven't received any notification. The office is almost empty now, except for the staff on duty. What's going on?"

Lynn exchanged a meaningful glance with Gwen and Ethan. "I just received a call from Samantha. She said there's an emergency and I need to return to headquarters immediately."

“What? That’s impossible,” Mark responded immediately, his voice filled with confusion. “Samantha left earlier today; she went to Washington for a meeting and won’t be back until the day after tomorrow. Who called you?”

Lynn's suspicions were confirmed. "That's exactly what I was thinking. Mark, I need you to do something, but it might be a little dangerous. Would you help me?"

“Of course,” Mark answered without hesitation, “What do you need me to do?”

Lynn took a deep breath. "I need you to walk around the streets near the office and see if there are any suspicious people or vehicles watching. Especially black SUVs or vans; they might have people in black tactical clothing inside. But be very careful, don't show that you're searching for anything. Just act like you're going out for coffee or lunch."

“I understand,” Mark said, his voice becoming serious. “This is related to that FBI special task force's leak, right? The one about Black Hawk International?” Lynn hesitated for a moment, but decided to be honest with Mark. “Yes, it’s related to that. But I can’t reveal more right now, for your safety.”

“I understand,” Mark replied. “Give me twenty minutes, I’ll call you back.”

After hanging up the phone, Lynn turned to Gwen and Ethan, "Now we're certain it was a trap. Black Hawk may have already identified me and is trying to lure me out."

Gwen's face turned pale. "If they know who you are, it's only a matter of time before they find me and Ethan."

“Not necessarily,” Lynn tried to reassure her. “They might just know I was involved in rescuing Banner, but they might not know your identities. We were very careful when we released the information, leaving no trace.”

Ethan looked worried, "But what if they have inside connections, or high-level government relationships?"

Lynn didn't directly address Ethan's concerns, knowing they were legitimate. Black Hawk International's influence was clearly far greater than they had initially imagined. He glanced at the still-sleeping Banner, then turned back to Gwen and Ethan.

“We need a more comprehensive plan,” he said, “not just on how to protect Banner, but also on how to completely expose Black Hawk’s plot so they can no longer pursue him.”

Gwen nodded and opened her laptop. “I’ve been thinking about this. Our initial leak garnered a lot of attention, but Black Hawk clearly has enough influence to control a segment of public opinion. We need more direct, more compelling evidence.”

“For example?” Lynn asked.

Gwen's eyes gleamed. "For example, Banner's own testimony, plus all the evidence we've gathered. A complete, irrefutable case, delivered directly to the highest levels of government officials and the media."

Ethan looked hesitant. "But that means Banner has to make public appearances, which will make him the target of everyone's attention."

“It doesn’t necessarily have to be a physical appearance,” Gwen explained. “We can record his testimony and provide all the documentary evidence. The key is to ensure this information is simultaneously communicated to multiple high-level recipients so Black Hawk can’t completely block it.”

Lynn thought for a moment. "This might be our best option. But first, we need to make sure Banner is willing to do it and is in good enough physical condition."

Just then, Lynn's prepaid phone rang again; it was Mark calling back.

“Lynn,” Mark’s voice sounded tense and urgent, “you’re right. There are at least two black SUVs patrolling around the branch office, and the people inside don’t look like FBI agents. They’re all wearing black tactical uniforms without any insignia. There’s also an observation post set up at the coffee shop across the street, and two people are keeping an eye on the building entrance.”

Lynn's expression turned serious. "Are you sure they're not just ordinary federal agents or security personnel?"

“Absolutely not,” Mark said firmly. “I know everyone in the branch; these guys are complete strangers. And their behavior is strange; it’s not like regular security patrols. They’re focused on surveillance, not protection.”

"Have you been noticed?" Lynn asked, concerned for Mark's safety.

“I don’t think so,” Mark replied. “I pretended to go out for dinner and then wandered around the neighborhood casually. I observed them carefully, but without direct eye contact or touch.”

Lynn breathed a sigh of relief. “Good job, Mark. Now I need you to get back to a safe place—not the office, not home. Find a public place, like a 24-hour restaurant or a hotel lobby, and stay there for a while. Make sure no one is following you.”

“I understand,” Mark said, “but Lynn, what exactly happened? Who are these people? Why are they spying on the FBI branch?”

Lynn hesitated for a moment. “Black Hawk International. They’re far more dangerous than we think. Mark, listen, for your safety, I can’t tell you more right now. Just keep a low profile and avoid attracting attention. I’ll contact you as soon as possible.”

“Okay, I’ll be careful. You too, Lynn.” Mark said, then hung up the phone.

Lynn put down his phone and looked at Gwen and Ethan. "It's confirmed. Black Hawk agents are monitoring the FBI branch, waiting for me to take the bait."

Gwen looked even more worried. "This is terrifying. They dare to directly monitor federal agencies?"

“This shows they have strong support within the government,” Lynn said seriously, “probably from the top. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be so bold.”

Ethan frowned. "But this also gives us an opportunity. If they assume you'll return to headquarters, then their attention will be focused there, not on finding our current location."

Lynn nodded. "Yes, it gives us some breathing room. But I'm worried about Mark's safety. What if they realize he's helping me?"

“I can try to warn him through secure channels,” Gwen suggested, “by setting up an untraceable communication line.”

Just then, a slight movement came from the bed, and Banner slowly opened his eyes. The three immediately turned to him, and Lynn quickly went to the bedside.

"Dr. Banner, how are you feeling?" Lynn asked, his tone filled with genuine concern.

Banner tried to sit up, and Lynn carefully helped him lean against the headboard. Banner looked much better than before, but his eyes still showed signs of fatigue.

“Much better, thank you,” Banner said weakly. “I overheard some of your conversation. Did Black Hawk find you?”

Lynn briefly explained the current situation, including the fake phone calls and the surveillance activities Mark had discovered. After listening, Banner's expression changed from worry to determination.

“It’s my fault,” he said. “I dragged you all into danger. Maybe I should turn myself in and end this.”

“No,” Ethan objected immediately. “That’s exactly what they want. If they capture you, they’ll not only continue their experiments, but they’ll also cover up the whole truth.”

Banner shook his head wearily. "But I can't let you keep taking risks. Especially Lynn, your career and your life are in danger." (End of Chapter)