BENEATH THE MASK: REVENGE OF SAMUEL HAYES

4

If there's anything more terrifying than a crime, it's the West Line.

That sentence was always drilled into the heads of every law enforcement officer and government official.

So, it was clear—Samuel’s request to go to West Line was the most insane idea they had ever heard.

"I’m sure you’re fully aware of how West Line operates, Mr. Hayes, and it’s not a good idea!"

Joey clenched his fists, his expression filled with unease. He ruffled his hair in frustration.

"The largest supplier of every kind of drug is there! It’s the hub!" 

"And that’s not even mentioning the weapons assembly distributed on a massive scale, or the human trafficking! Oh, my God!"

Douglaz, who had been sitting silently with his head bowed, took a deep breath. He looked up, raising one hand.

"Permission to add, Chief—one of my friends died when he entered West Line."

"His body was never found. All that was sent to his house was a small box."

"That box contained... his finger bone."

Joey slammed the table, shouting, "It’s just a fucking thumb, Mr. Hayes!"

Samuel remained unshaken, his gaze deep and resolute.

"I’ll make it work, don’t worry."

"My goal is just to make my presence known."

"Or would you rather I stay here and play along with their game?"

A dilemma indeed.

Following Madaline’s demands was not an option Joey was willing to entertain.

But allowing Samuel to go to the most dangerous place wasn’t wise either.

"J&S wouldn’t last long without you. It may affect the city! Everything that’s happened is under your control!"

Samuel stood firm, shaking his head slightly—a clear answer to the plea.

He had always believed in not sharing his plans until they were successful.

The name West Line had long been embedded in his mind.

It was on his list of crucial sites.

Beneath the desolate and dangerous West Line lay abundant resources; lithium, cobalt, and copper—three vital elements buried in the land.

Arthur had a great ambition to conquer it—a perfect move to turn the tables.

"You only need to do one thing: issue a special statement about me now."

"Say that I’m uncontrollable, that I’ve yelled, raged, attacked—whatever you like!"

"Describe how you’ve taken strict actions, and finally, I’ve been exiled to the most terrifying isolation cell in this city, Chief Joey Gunther."

Samuel raised his eyebrows, his eyes sparkling.

Silence fell.

Joey felt helpless. He couldn’t force Samuel to reveal anything about his plan.

"Alright, I guess everything’s clear. I have to leave now!" Samuel declared.

Joey swallowed hard, bowing his head slightly before replying, 

“Wait! Mr. Hayes. At least let me I prepare a special vehicle to take you!"

He signaled Douglaz and the two younger officers to approach, handing them his car keys.

"Take my car home and exchange it for another one. Just tell the guards there—it’s ‘The 12.’"

"Y—Yes, Chief!"

Joey then turned his gaze back to Samuel.

It weighed heavily on his heart to let his lifesaver venture into such a terrifying place.

Joey extended his hand toward Samuel. "Call me whenever you need, Mr. Hayes."

Samuel didn’t say a word. He simply smiled.

As Samuel’s steps brought him closer to the vehicle, Joey felt a weight lift from his chest.

"My task now is just to find out who’s behind all this. It must be Arthur Brooks," Joey murmured.

“Good luck, Samuel Hayes.”

--

9 AM

“So, for the time being, Mr. Hayes is forced to—”

“Hey, you, turn up the radio!”

Madaline kicked the back of the driver's seat as the radio broadcast about Samuel caught her attention.

A sly grin spread across her face as she reached for her phone and dialed Arthur.

“Hello, Dad, have you heard the news yet?”

“Yes, I’m quite concerned. But people who belong below will always return to where they came from, right?”

“Sure, Daddy, life always serves justice. By the way, I arrived at the airport now..”

Madaline took out her lipstick and reapplied it while glancing outside.

“Great, give him a warm welcome. I’ll be holding a press conference about Samuel’s arrest.”

“He’s moody, so make sure to keep him in a good mood, Madaline.”

“Oh, that’s easy. Leave it to me!”

She hung up and stepped out of the car, dressed to the nines. A tight red dress, perfectly styled hair, and an intoxicating fragrance surrounded her.

She walked briskly toward the VVIP area, where Gideon’s private jet had landed.

“Ah, Gideon!”

Madaline raised her hand toward a man with dark brown hair and striking blue eyes.

“Madaline, you’re as stunning as the last time I saw you five years ago.”

Gideon kissed her. To the Hawthorne heir, Madaline was nothing more than a tool. The J&S fortune, now valued at $15 trillion, made Gideon impatient to lead the company.

Madaline had no idea. 

Looking at Gideon, who exuded wealth from head to toe, she felt only relief.

Relief that she had left that useless loser behind!