Lucifer of The Silent Killer

Chapter 3 : Edge of The World

“I do not need an alias.” Heinrich’s gaze sharpened.

“There are no real names in our world,” Sergei replied softly, but with emphasis.

“I know your real name. And you know mine.”

Sergei let out a slow breath. “That is because we keep each other’s secrets.”

“Yes, though not always,” Heinrich answered. “So, where do I find Valkyrie?”

“As her name suggests. Valkyrie is in Norway. A place where it feels like you are visiting the edge of the world,” Sergei explained calmly, his eyes and expression heavy with meaning.

Heinrich fell silent. He knew he could not force Sergei to say more than that. “The edge of the world?” he repeated quietly. “Fine. Then get me a vehicle.”

Sergei took a sip of his coffee and set the empty cup back on its saucer. “Are you sure you want to look for her there?”

“I have to.”

“Acting in haste is not your nature, Luc.”

Heinrich went quiet. What Sergei said was not wrong. He gave a faint shake of his head. “Get me a vehicle.”

“Of course. That will not be difficult for me.”

Heinrich knew he could rely on Sergei in many things, including finding the right vehicle for him. In less than a day, the former spotter delivered a Volvo V90. A car no longer in production, but still available on the used market. Especially since Sergei had easy access to several independent car brokers, people who provided vehicles with very few questions.

“You do not need my prayers,” Sergei said lightly as he tossed the car keys, which Heinrich caught at once.

“I need weapons,” Heinrich said flatly.

“Hopefully you have not forgotten how to use them.” Sergei got in and took the passenger seat.

Heinrich followed, sitting behind the wheel and fastening his seat belt.

“You have not forgotten the route, right?” Sergei asked, glancing sideways.

“Hopefully,” Heinrich replied without looking. He drove toward the old Karelia route, a road cutting through pine forests and frozen lakes. Far from main traffic and rarely used.

At first, the journey was calm and even boring. Then the situation changed when a black sedan appeared, looking suspicious.

Heinrich checked the rearview mirror. His instincts stirred.

So did Sergei’s. The heavy smoker turned his head. “Looks like we have company,” he muttered while reaching inside his worn denim jacket and pulling out a semi-automatic pistol.

“You are far more skilled with this,” Sergei said as he handed the gun over.

The moment the weapon changed hands, a hard impact struck the rear bumper.

“Damn it,” Sergei cursed as his cigarette slipped from his lips and fell onto his lap.

At the same time, a shot rang out and hit the rear window, making it vibrate but not shatter.

“Do not worry. The glass is bulletproof. The previous owner of this car was ___.”

Sergei could not finish his sentence as the pursuing car tried to overtake them from the right. Its rear window slid halfway down, just enough to reveal the barrel of a rifle aimed directly at them.

“Do something, Luc!”

Heinrich did not answer. Instead of braking or accelerating, he eased off the speed, letting the car on the right move slightly ahead.

“Hold on.” Heinrich turned the wheel sharply to the left, forming a half circle. Then he slammed the accelerator and rammed the pursuing vehicle.

It was not a heavy collision, but it was enough to make the other car lose control. The rifle barrel wobbled, sending the shots harmlessly into the air.

“Are you trying to give me amnesia?” Sergei protested as his body jolted, his head nearly hitting the dashboard.

Moments later, the pursuing car returned to the lane, straight and steady again.

“Take the wheel. They have wasted my time.” Heinrich unfastened his seat belt and switched seats with Sergei.

“Hope your visibility is still good, Serg,” Heinrich said as he prepared to shoot. “Keep it steady.”

“Do not underestimate me,” Sergei snapped.

Once the car was in position, Heinrich lowered the window a few inches, letting the night air rush in. Cold and sharp.

“To the left,” Heinrich instructed. “Just a little.”

Sergei followed precisely.

Heinrich began to focus. After so long, he was holding a weapon again, even if it was not his long-range Accuracy International rifle. Still, the instincts of a sniper remained, and always would.

He did not fire immediately. He worked with one pull and one bullet. There was no such thing as a miss in his world. He narrowed his eyes, sharpening his focus. Everything around him faded. What remained was only the muzzle and the target.

With a single pull of the trigger, the bullet flew fast and pierced the front tire of the pursuing car. A perfect hit, even on a moving target.

The tire screeched loudly. The vehicle staggered in an uneven line before crashing into the road barrier and stopping sideways. Smoke billowed from under the hood.

Heinrich took a heavy breath and let it out. He raised the window and sat calmly, facing forward.

“That is it?” Sergei’s tone sounded dismissive.

“They only meant to intimidate,” Heinrich said flatly. “Not to kill.”

“You still need to be careful. That means they have picked up your trail.”

“It does not matter. Lucifer has returned.”

Sergei glanced at him and smiled faintly. “We are going to retrieve your treasure.”

“Yes. I am starting to miss it. My old rifle,” Heinrich said coldly.