Chapter 16: Edge City Ambush
The dusty truck barreled down the outskirts of Edge City, its engine protesting loudly as Ace pushed it to its limits. The city's skyline loomed in the distance, a beacon of hope after their harrowing jungle adventure. Stanley leaned against the window, exhausted but relieved. Tina sat silently in the back seat, Milo curled up on her lap, his tail wagging slightly.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Ace announced, gripping the steering wheel with exaggerated flair, "we are officially out of the wild and back in the concrete jungle! Edge City: home to pizza delivery, questionable morals, and… oh, what's this? Traffic!"
As they entered the city's industrial outskirts, Stanley's unease returned. "Something feels off," he muttered. "It's too quiet."
Tina frowned, glancing out the window. "He's right. Where is everyone? This area's usually packed with trucks and workers."
Ace waved a hand dismissively. "Relax, people. Maybe it's a city-wide nap day. Those are a thing, right?"
Suddenly, the truck's tires screeched as a spike strip appeared out of nowhere, shredding the rubber. The vehicle swerved violently before coming to a halt in the middle of the road.
"What the—" Stanley began, but his words were cut off by the sound of screeching tires and roaring engines. Several black SUVs emerged from side streets, surrounding them.
"Ooooh, looks like we've got company," Ace said, leaning out the window to wave. "Hello, gentlemen! Is this the welcoming committee?"
The SUVs disgorged a small army of suited men, each armed to the teeth. One stepped forward, a scarred man with a cruel grin. "Hand over the mask," he growled, pointing directly at Ace.
Ace tilted his head. "The mask? What mask? I'm afraid you've mistaken me for someone far less fabulous."
The man's grin disappeared. "This is your last warning."
Before Ace could deliver another quip, a shot rang out, shattering the truck's windshield.
"Drive!" Tina yelled.
"With what tires?!" Stanley shouted, ducking as another shot ricocheted off the truck's hood.
"Not to worry," Ace said, jumping out of the driver's seat. "I've got a plan!" He dashed toward one of the SUVs, dodging bullets with over-the-top gymnastics that seemed more comedic than practical. Somehow, he managed to vault onto the hood of one vehicle, then leap to another, all while taunting their attackers.
"Is that all you've got?" he called, doing a mock somersault. "I've seen better aim at a carnival shooting gallery!"
Meanwhile, Stanley scrambled out of the truck, dragging Tina behind him. "We need to run!" he urged.
But before they could escape, a smoke grenade landed at their feet. Thick clouds of gas enveloped them, and Stanley felt his grip on Tina slip. He coughed violently, stumbling blindly.
When the smoke cleared, Tina and Milo were gone.
"Tina!" Stanley shouted, spinning around in panic. "Milo!"
Ace reappeared, his usual smirk replaced by genuine concern. "Where are they?"
Stanley's face was pale. "They took them. Ace, they took Tina and Milo!"
At that moment, a black envelope landed at their feet. Ace picked it up, inspecting it with exaggerated caution. "Ah, a ransom note. How delightfully clichéd." He opened it and read aloud:
If you want the girl and the dog back, bring the mask to the Coco Bongo by midnight. Come alone.
Stanley's voice cracked. "What are we going to do? We can't just hand over the mask. Who knows what they'll do with it?"
Ace's grin returned, but there was a dangerous glint in his eye. "Don't worry, Stanley. Nobody kidnaps my friends and gets away with it. These guys want a show? I'll give them the performance of a lifetime."
Stanley looked at him warily. "Please tell me you have an actual plan."
Ace clapped a hand on Stanley's shoulder. "Of course I do! Step one: improvise. Step two: wing it. Step three: profit."
"We're doomed," Stanley muttered.
Ace adjusted his Hawaiian shirt and cracked his knuckles. "Come on, Stanley. Let's get ready to rumble. Midnight's coming fast, and I've got a mask to deliver."
To be continued...