The Traitor's Tape Chapter 1

For five years, I was deep undercover within an enemy intelligence network. When my cover was blown, I did the unthinkable to survive: I betrayed the man I loved, Arthur Vance.

He managed to escape the ensuing ambush by the skin of his teeth, dragging a mangled, ruined leg behind him.

When he was awarded the Medal of Honor, Arthur hobbled up to the podium on crutches.

The commander asked him if he had any final requests the agency could fulfill for him.

His eyes were as cold as a frozen lake. His thin, hard lips parted to say:

"Bring Chloe back."

"And execute her."

Consequently, the agency raided the entire enemy compound but found no trace of me.

All they found was a single VHS tape, left specifically for Arthur.

* * *

When Arthur received the tape, he scoffed with pure disgust.

"This is just evidence of her crimes."

"She will be nailed to the pillar of shame in history."

His eyes were dark and cold, the cynical twist of his lips oozing profound mockery.

His aide, pushing Arthur’s wheelchair through the park, spoke up cautiously.

"General, aren't you going to see what's on it?"

After receiving his Medal of Honor, Arthur had been promoted to General. His crippled leg had become a lifelong badge of honor.

He let out another cold laugh.

"Watch what?"

"Watch how she sold out her country? How she wagged her tail and begged the enemy for mercy?"

"I'm afraid it would dirty my eyes."

The aide choked on his words for a moment, remaining silent for a few seconds before bracing himself to speak again.

"But... the envelope the tape was in specifically had your name on it."

"For Arthur Vance's Eyes Only."

"This tape was meant for you."

Arthur paused. His narrow eyes squinted, a sharp, calculating light flashing across them.

The enemy network hadn't been completely eradicated; remnants were still out there.

Perhaps there were clues hidden within the tape?

"Hmph. Fine. I'll see what kind of tricks they're trying to pull."

"The main thing is, we still haven't found Chloe."

"A despicable traitor like her... public outrage won't be quelled until she's dead."

He had to find Chloe, and then watch with his own eyes as she faced the ultimate punishment.