Counterterrorism in America

While the two men continued climbing through the elevator shaft, Owen's radio suddenly crackled to life. "Can anyone hear me? This is George. If you can hear me, respond."

Hearing George's voice lifted Owen's spirits instantly. Both men halted their climb, and Owen quickly grabbed the radio. "This is Owen. I hear you loud and clear, George. It's so good to hear your voice."

"Thank God! Finally! Damn it, Steve, what the hell are you doing in there? You were supposed to be resting at the hospital!"

"I didn't plan this, George. Let's just say… it was an accident."

"Are you safe right now?"

"For now, yes."

"Good. Stay put. I'm going to get the chief; he wants to speak with you."

The radio cut off briefly, likely as George went to fetch someone. After a few moments, a new voice came through—calm, authoritative, and unfamiliar. "Officer Owen, this is Javier."

"Chief, sir. This is Steve Owen speaking."

"Good to hear from you, Owen. So, was it you who reported the incident? Why couldn't we reach you afterward?"

"Not exactly. It was John McClane, a New York police officer. He's here with me. We were discovered soon after, and during the escape, our phone got smashed. That's why you couldn't reach us."

"A New York cop? Hmm... I see. Well, the important thing is that you're both alive. Now, tell me—what's the situation inside? I need details."

"Understood. Let me think... The leader of the hostiles is a man called Hans. Not sure if that's his real name, but that's what his men call him. The hostiles are all Caucasians. They have different accents, wear camo uniforms, and are armed with automatic weapons and body armor. They're well-trained, possibly with military backgrounds. Oh, and they've taken control of the building's surveillance system."

Hearing the name "Hans," Javier immediately gestured to his assistant, who nodded in understanding and left to investigate the identity of this so-called Hans.

Owen glanced at McClane, silently asking if there was anything he wanted to add. McClane shook his head but seemed lost in thought.

Owen suddenly remembered something and continued, "They're holding hostages—around 50 people, though I couldn't get an exact count. They were on the 19th floor when I last saw them, but their current location might have changed. Based on what I've seen, I think their target is the building's vault."

"Hold on. Did you just say vault? There's a vault in the building? What's inside it?"

"Five hundred million dollars' worth of bearer bonds."

The entire team listening on the other end collectively gasped. Five hundred million dollars—it was an astronomical amount. Javier couldn't believe what he was hearing. "You're sure? Five hundred million?"

"Positive," Owen confirmed without hesitation. He knew this detail from the movie and had no reason to doubt it.

"That's... unbelievable," Javier muttered, taking a moment to process the information. Then he added, "But the hostiles demanded we release General Sara from the Red Front. This is a diversion, isn't it? A smoke screen!"

Javier's mind raced as he pieced it together. He slapped his thigh in realization but quickly calmed himself, aware of the officers watching him.

"Got it, Owen. Anything else?"

"No, that's about all I know," Owen replied, shaking his head.

At that moment, McClane interjected, his voice urgent. "What about the hostages? Have there been any casualties? Are they still on the 19th floor?"

"No. Our snipers observed that the hostages have been moved to the 46th floor's main conference room. So far, the only confirmed casualty is the CEO, Aoki. The rest should still be alive."

McClane sighed in relief at the news.

Owen, meanwhile, quickly added, "Chief, let the snipers know to check their targets carefully. Most of the hostiles are in camo uniforms. McClane and I don't have camo, but we're wearing tactical vests similar to theirs."

"Understood. I'll warn the SWAT team. I'll also keep this channel open for direct confirmation before they engage."

"Good. Listen, we—wait... someone's coming. I have to go."

Owen's voice dropped to a whisper before cutting off. Everyone on Javier's side tensed, knowing something was happening on the other end. Javier decided not to call out again, trusting the two officers to handle the situation.

Inside the elevator shaft, a nearby elevator began ascending. Upon seeing it, Owen quickly shut off his radio.

Both men peered down as the elevator grew closer. McClane silently counted down with his fingers. When he reached "one," the two simultaneously stepped onto the elevator roof, landing lightly without making a sound.

Meanwhile, inside a news van parked near the scene, a male reporter pumped his fist in excitement. His radio, by pure coincidence, was set to the same frequency Owen had used. He had recorded the entire conversation between Owen and Javier.

Wasting no time, he contacted his colleagues back at the station. "I need everything you can find on these names: Hans, Steve Owen, and John McClane. We're sitting on a gold mine here!" He could almost taste the Pulitzer Prize.

Back on the elevator, everything remained eerily calm. The two men on top clung to the frame in silence. Through a vent, they could see two armed hostiles inside, each holding rifles. Next to them was a luggage cart stacked with long, rectangular boxes.

The elevator showed no signs of stopping, continuing its smooth ascent toward the top floor. As the ceiling drew closer, both men's hearts pounded. If it didn't stop soon, they'd be crushed against the shaft ceiling.

Finally, just when panic threatened to take over, the elevator began to slow.

"Ding."

The elevator stopped on the 55th floor, the highest floor accessible by it. The two hostiles pushed their luggage cart out, casually chatting as they left.

The doors slid shut behind them, and the elevator remained stationary on the 55th floor.

McClane gestured for Owen to wait. He quietly lifted the hatch and dropped inside the now-empty elevator. Checking both sides of the corridor, he found no one in sight. Turning back, he signaled for Owen to join him.

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