Saturday Story 2025 #26 (Four Days – Tentative Title)

Something new on my Patreon. Synopsis below:

When Alexandra Ryder’s vacation is interrupted so she can track down a known terrorist, she discovers she has only four days to prevent an international catastrophe.

https://www.patreon.com/posts/132656696

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An excerpt is available below:

I

The warm Mediterranean sun shone high over the rustic coastline of southern Spain. Tall palms swayed gently in the ocean breeze, their shadows dancing across the terracotta rooftops of the small village where Alexandra Ryder had chosen to hide away for a few days. It was her idea of a perfect escape, a brief respite from the high-stakes world of covert operations and espionage. Here, with no missions, no deadlines, and no masks to wear, she could simply breathe and savor the peaceful rhythm of an unburdened life.
The scent of salt and citrus filled the air as she lounged on a balcony overlooking a narrow cobblestone street. Her auburn hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail, and she wore casual clothes, the kind that made her forget she was ever a secret agent.
A simple white linen shirt draped loosely over her sun-bronzed shoulders, paired with faded blue cotton shorts that fell just above her knees. Her feet were bare against the smooth tile of the balcony. The outfit was deliberately unremarkable, exactly how she wanted it to be.
She had been planning to spend the day exploring local markets, sampling tapas, and perhaps losing herself in the pages of a book. Yet, even in this paradise, her instincts had not completely shut down. Something always came up when she least expected it, and she had to be prepared for anything, whether she wanted it or not.
Her phone buzzed on the table, breaking the tranquil silence. Alexandra reached for it, already knowing who was calling before she looked at the screen. The caller ID flashed “Hayes.”
She sighed, knowing well enough that her boss, General Rupert Hayes, rarely called unless it was urgent. His calm voice reached her ears with a familiar introduction.
“Alexandra?” he asked.
“Yes, General?” she replied.
“I’m sorry to disturb your vacation, but your services are required effective immediately. It’s about a situation in your region.”
She sat upright, her curiosity piqued. “What sort of situation?”
He paused briefly, as if weighing his words. “A suspect has been spotted. A wanted terrorist, believed to be planning something. The intel places him near your location. I need you to find him, confirm his identity, and apprehend him before he manages to slip away.”
Alexandra furrowed her brow. “Who are we talking about?”
“Juan García Torres, also known as….”
“Mirage,” Alexandra completed.

(…)

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