The camera captured Alexandrovich's striking presence, transforming him into a figure of bravery under Martin's guidance. With each passing moment, the once hesitant comedy star grew more self-assured, radiating confidence. He stood at the entrance of the Dnieper Café, with the scenes of Security Bureau agents escorting prisoners out becoming an evocative backdrop.
Creating a hero requires not only extraordinary deeds but also substantial media coverage. Alexandrovich was about to experience both.
1+1 TV, under Rebrov's control, was Ukraine's most popular television channel, surpassing even the national broadcaster. Martin, gazing thoughtfully out the window, remarked, "Though Alexandrovich is short in stature, his sense of justice is immense."
Rebrov responded with certainty, "He is a hero."
Martin nodded in agreement, "Yes, he is a hero now and will always be."
"It's time to arrange a TV interview," Rebrov said, pulling out his phone. A few moments later, a female reporter arrived, ready to conduct interviews.
The NSA official was the first to speak. "We received a tip-off about a gang involved in abducting Ukrainian women and committing economic fraud, posing a threat to national security. Tonight, we took decisive action, dismantling the gang and rescuing two women."
As if on cue, Nikia and Ivana, escorted by two female officers, emerged from the café, their appearance perfectly timed for the camera.
"In fact," the official continued, "we acted on a report and made the arrests. Mr. Alexandrovich provided us with detailed information, playing a crucial role in apprehending these criminals and rescuing the victims."
The reporter swiftly turned her attention to Alexandrovich. "Mr. Alexandrovich, how did you uncover these criminals?"
Alexandrovich glanced at the Hummer parked across the street, gathering his courage. "This gang posed as Hollywood scouts to approach contestants of the Saint Girl Group Selection Competition, intending to deceive them. I discovered their ruse and alerted the security team, who then monitored the suspects closely."
He elaborated, his face serious, warning viewers, "If you encounter such recruitment schemes, be very cautious. These criminals may have more victims. Stay vigilant."
The reporter nodded, acknowledging his advice.
Alexandrovich then issued a public plea, "If you know anyone who has gone abroad to model or act and lost contact, report it to the police or Security Bureau immediately!"
The brief interview concluded, and the Security Bureau, along with Dmytro, led Andrei and his group away. Alexandrovich climbed into the Hummer, where Martin and Rebrov awaited.
Martin praised him, "Great job. Once the news airs, you'll be a hero."
Rebrov added, "Dmytro interrogated someone. They were targeting more than just our contestants. A batch is planned to be shipped from the Black Sea to Los Angeles."
Martin nodded, "This could become a series. Alexandrovich, keep pursuing this. There's more to uncover."
Feeling a newfound sense of duty, Alexandrovich vowed, "I'll keep watching."
Rebrov suggested, "Shall we follow the Security Bureau convoy?"
Martin hesitated, "As a foreigner, it might not be appropriate."
Rebrov agreed, "I'll update you with any news."
Martin returned to his hotel, while Alexandrovich and Rebrov headed to the Security Bureau for further developments. The bureau's interrogators, known for their thorough methods, would soon extract every detail from the detainees.
Meanwhile, at the Interstate Hotel in Kiev, Lynch packed his belongings under the cover of night. With his backpack slung over his shoulder, he quietly exited his room, descended the stairs, and walked towards the nearby American Embassy, ready for the next chapter of his journey.
Tonight, Andre and his team were poised to execute their mission. Their confidence was high, but Lynch remained vigilant, aware of the risks. For him, escape was non-negotiable; he could not afford to be trapped in Ukraine.
Lynch approached the embassy, made a discreet phone call, and waited. After a few moments, he presented his ID at the entrance and was allowed inside. His plan hinged on Andre's successful notification, allowing him to return to the hotel by morning, blending back into routine.
Meanwhile, the Security Bureau and Dmytro's team wasted no time. Within an hour, they had broken Andrei and his associates, extracting a trove of shocking information.
Alexandrovich, accompanied by a crew from 1+1 TV, boarded a helicopter with the Security Bureau, heading straight to Ossad, a port city on the Black Sea, where women and children were reportedly imprisoned.
Simultaneously, another team headed to the Interstate Hotel in Kyiv. Coordinating quietly with hotel management, a deputy director of security used a master key to access their target's room. Seven or eight agents rushed in, but the room was empty. Clothes and luggage were left behind, but the target was gone.
An immediate report was made to superiors, and a broader search was launched. However, the American named Lynch remained elusive until dawn.
At the nearby embassy, Lynch awoke, checked his phone, and noted the absence of any message from Andre. Normally, no news was good news, but today he felt uneasy. He dialed Andre's number.
"Good morning, boss," came Andre's familiar voice.
"Is everything going smoothly?" Lynch asked.
"Very smoothly," Andre replied. "We brought the target to Warehouse No. 1."
Lynch, recognizing the coded warning, responded, "Very good, I'll head over right away." He hung up, removed his phone's SIM card, and destroyed it. He then used another phone to send an urgent text: "Evacuate immediately!" The message sent, he disposed of this SIM card as well.
A friend from the embassy called, offering him a ride to the consulate in Lviv. "There are several cars heading there this morning."
"I need to prepare something first," Lynch replied.
"Just the essentials," his friend advised with a knowing tone.
Lynch understood. He packed some US dollars into envelopes. By nine o'clock, he was in an embassy car, leaving Kyiv behind.
However, his message failed to reach his contacts in Ossad.
At a secured warehouse near the port of Ossad, the Security Bureau had cordoned off the area, taking control. The 1+1 TV crew set up their cameras at the warehouse entrance, ready to report live.
Dmytro briefed Alexandrovich, "This is the second batch of people we've rescued. The first batch has already been transported."
Alexandrovich, taking a long drag on his cigarette, asked, "What does the Security Bureau want?"
"They want the credit and the seized funds," Dmytro replied. "They'll cooperate with you on everything else."
"Let me make a call first," Alexandrovich said, pulling out his phone.
Dmytro stepped aside, giving him space.
Alexandrovich checked the time and dialed Martin. Bruce answered, "I'm Bruce, Martin's working out."
"Bruce, I need to speak to Martin urgently," Alexandrovich insisted.
In the hotel gym, Bruce tossed a towel to Martin, who wiped his face before taking the phone. "Is everything going well?" he asked.
"Yes," Alexandrovich replied, "but there are some complications. We need to discuss the next steps."
Martin's expression hardened, sensing the gravity in Alexandrovich's voice. "I'll be right there," he said, signaling Bruce to wrap up their session. They had work to do.
Alexandrovich, with a look of guilt etched across his face, admitted, "The rescue operation went smoothly overall. We saved seven girls and arrested six suspects, but some of the victims were already transported away. Those we captured have no idea where the others were taken."
Frustration flashed in his eyes. "Damn it! If only I'd noticed earlier, we could have saved them all..."
Martin, ever the mentor, offered comfort. "Don't blame yourself. You've done a remarkable job. What's important now is what you plan to do next."
Alexandrovich felt the weight of the situation bearing down on him. Despite the Security Bureau's support, their efforts seemed insufficient. With newfound resolve, he declared, "We need to make this public. Spread the word far and wide. The more people know, the better chance we have of getting the world's attention."
Martin nodded thoughtfully. "From my experience, if you want to sway public opinion, you need a spokesperson. Alexandrovich, you're the perfect candidate."
"I won't ignore this or shirk my responsibility," Alexandrovich affirmed.
Martin offered a strategic suggestion. "Find the youngest of the rescued girls, make sure she looks a bit distressed, and hold her in front of the cameras. You know what to do."
"I understand," Alexandrovich said, hanging up. He swiftly found Dmytro and coordinated with the Security Bureau.
The Security Bureau, recognizing the value of the situation, insisted their agents carry out the other two girls. Alexandrovich agreed, understanding the powerful social impact of the display.
Entering the warehouse, Alexandrovich quickly won the trust of the three rescued girls, using his charm as a comedian. He picked up the youngest, who was under ten years old, and followed the security personnel outside.
As they exited, the camera crews captured their every move. Alexandrovich, looking solemn, declined to speak with reporters. Now was not the time for words.
The security personnel gave interviews, detailing the success of the operation with the rescued girls as a poignant backdrop.
With the operation temporarily concluded, Alexandrovich and the 1+1 TV crew hurried back to Kiev in a security helicopter. That evening, 1+1 TV's prime-time news spotlighted the series of actions, emphasizing Alexandrovich's pivotal role. His dramatic shout outside the Dnieper Café and his determined rush through the Ossad port with a girl in his arms captivated viewers.
Soon after, Alexandrovich took to social media, pledging to cover the medical, food, and lodging expenses for the rescued girls until they could return home. He also announced plans to establish a charity foundation dedicated to rescuing Ukrainian women.
The next morning, Ukraine's largest newspaper, the Fatehaya, published an in-depth account of the rescue operation. From uncovering clues, to covert surveillance, to coordinating with the Security Bureau, Alexandrovich received full credit.
Social media buzzed with praise, dubbing Alexandrovich a "hero."
"When our country was at its lowest, Alexandrovich was like spring sunshine, brightening Ukraine's gloomy skies!"
"His actions show that even small people can wield great power and perform heroic deeds!"
In just a few days, Alexandrovich became a national sensation, the most talked-about figure in Ukrainian news. The upcoming final of the Holy Maiden Group Selection Competition was also drawing significant attention.
---
In the hotel's conference room, Martin leafed through the latest Ukrainian newspapers. Though he couldn't read the text, the pictures told the story. His eyes lingered on images of Alexandrovich and the security agents holding the rescued girls.
Bruce remarked, "What those criminals did was far crueler than anything we've ever done."
Martin, though no saint, held to a certain code. "Don't compare us to them. Those scumbags don't deserve the comparison."
Bruce asked, "What happens to the victims once they're taken out of Ukraine?"
Martin shook his head slowly, recalling grim news reports about a certain island. "It's unthinkable," he murmured, his mind clouded with dark possibilities.
Regardless of where they end up, whether it's on the island or elsewhere, these individuals are unlikely to meet a pleasant fate.
Bruce, having kept up with recent news, remarked, "The people we've arrested are just the bottom rung of a sprawling network. There's likely a vast trafficking channel beyond Ukraine's borders."
Martin acknowledged Bruce's point with a smile. "Let's have Alexandrovich take the lead on this. He's a national hero now and should do something meaningful for Ukraine."
"Did you plan this all along?" Bruce inquired.
Martin replied softly, "For now, let's stay in the background and see how things unfold."
Bruce nodded, feeling a bit of relief.
Moments later, a knock on the conference room door announced the arrival of Rebrov and Alexandrovich.
Martin greeted them, "What's the current situation?"
Rebrov provided an update. "The Security Service has uncovered two routes from Andrei's gang at the port of Ossad. One leads to Los Angeles, and the other by sea to Paris."
Playing his part as the incensed hero, Alexandrovich slammed the table and exclaimed, "These damned French! Apart from surrendering, they only excel at these vile acts!"
"Don't underestimate the French," Rebrov cautioned. "Their criminal groups are ruthless and won't hesitate to kill."
Martin asked, "Does the Security Bureau plan to continue the investigation?"
Alexandrovich, visibly frustrated, replied, "Some want to push forward, but others think it's time to stop. Damn political games! I have no real power here!"
Martin leaned in, offering reassurance. "Actually, you do. With the media coverage and these recent events, you've built a significant reputation. Public opinion is a powerful tool. Use it wisely."
Rebrov chimed in, "You're the most popular figure in Ukrainian news right now."
Martin looked Alexandrovich in the eye, imparting some wisdom. "Learn to shape public opinion. If you can't control it, guide it. Make sure most Ukrainians support you, creating a voice that cannot be ignored. Remember, you are on the side of justice. Even if you don't achieve everything, you'll still be a hero."
Like a guiding older brother, he added, "There are risks. Those behind these vile acts might retaliate. The higher your profile, the safer you'll be. Your influence will protect you."
Rebrov reinforced the point, "This is Ukraine, not France or America."
Alexandrovich nodded fervently, absorbing the advice.
Martin concluded, "They'll always be rats in the sewers, while you're the hero in the light. The grander your image, the more they'll fear you."
Alexandrovich's resolve hardened. "I won't give up. I'll fight them to the end!"
He was determined to amplify his voice and wield more influence. "No matter how far I can go, I will give it my all."
Rebrov suggested, "I'll arrange a prime-time interview on 1+1 TV for you."
"Absolutely!" Alexandrovich agreed without hesitation.
True to their proactive nature, they moved swiftly. The next evening, 1+1 TV aired an exclusive prime-time interview with Alexandrovich.
During the interview, they discussed not only "Servant of the People" and the Holy Girl Group Selection Competition, but also delved deeply into the abduction case.
"I've traveled to France, Britain, and the United States," Alexandrovich began, sorrow etched on his face. "In these countries' major cities, I've met countless Ukrainian women. What do most of them do? Not high-end modeling or art, as some media suggest. Most are streetwalkers and call girls."
His eyes reddened with emotion. "I've spoken to many. They didn't enter this industry willingly; they were deceived and sold. Those who lured them away with dreams of stardom or modeling are part of a vile human trafficking operation."
"But abroad, I was powerless, afraid to even contact the police. The gangs had ties with local authorities. I watched helplessly as they were dragged down. I hated myself for it..."
"This time, when I saw evil rear its head in Ukraine, I seized the opportunity. We rescued several compatriots, but I know there are more out there, trapped by deceit, with countless channels leading from Ukraine to abroad."
"For my Ukrainian sisters, I call for a thorough investigation into these crimes!"