The two teams by the door pressed tightly against the wall.
BOOM—
With an explosion, the door flew inward, the hinges screeching with a metallic shriek.
"Enter!"
The team members surged into the building, clearing each room in pairs as practiced countless times.
The living room was barren, with only a few tattered woven rugs and a low table missing a leg. In the kitchen, the old gas stove was cold, and the cupboard held only three dirty plates and a cracked cup.
Yellowed newspapers and empty cardboard boxes were piled in the storage room, dust so thick it could hold a handprint.
Everything seemed normal. So normal, it was unsettling.
"First floor cleared. No threats."
"Staircase checked. Structure safe."
The staircase was made of concrete, with rusted iron pipe handrails.
Marcus led the way, taking two steps at a time, his gun always pointing towards the second-floor corridor.
At the top of the stairs was a short corridor leading to the doors of three rooms.
