Jack flattened his foot on the accelerator, trying to get as far away from the River Valley Apartments as he possibly could. He was now in a race against time to secure his family's safety, as the threat of the drug dealer's goons was never going to leave him alone. He knew that the only way to permanently protect his daughters from the imminent danger was to eliminate the source of the threat – Robert Wendell. However, before he started out to accomplish this dangerous mission, he needed to relocate his family to a secure place, to shield them at least temporarily. At that moment, the only option that came to his mind was the safe houses he had built and set up in different locations of the city, back when he was the leader of the scavenger organization. He sped through the city streets, looking for the nearest safe house as the memory of its location was etched in his mind– and at this point, that would be no less than a lifeline to provide sanctuary for his daughters.But as
"What are you doing here?!"Jack's words echoed in the living room, causing two sets of eyes to focus on him. But it was Helen, Jack's mother, who broke her silence first. Her gaze showed her concern as she spoke with a gentle tone;"Oh, Jack, you're back honey? We were just waiting for you. But why don't you go and put the girls to sleep in my room, first?"She added while looking at Jack's daughters, the younger one was asleep in his arms while the older one was groggily rubbing her eyes in confusion.Jack found himself at a loss for words, but still complied with her instructions. Although he was flooded with relief on seeing that his mother was safe and sound, after thinking that he had lost her forever in that explosion— there was also a lingering feeling of shock on seeing her with that girl… Megan. His old subordinate, from when he was active within the Scavenger Organization.What was she doing here, out of the blue? And with his mother, of all people?Trying to dismiss the
Jack thoroughly recognized the weight behind Megan's words, and expressed his gratitude after a few minutes of silence. "Thank you, Megan. I really owe you one, and I promise to return the favor after we resolve the current crisis with the Scavengers." Megan simply smiled as she shook her head, and replied;"You don't owe me anything, Master. In fact, your return has caused many of our supporters to come out of their folds, and sent a new wave of enthusiasm through our active recruits." There was a glimmer of excitement in her eyes as she gushed;"Actually, when you logged in, most of the major organizations withdrew their siege within minutes! According to our reports, numerous operations were called off. And not only this, but some organizations have even sent gifts to the headquarters, to celebrate the return of the Scavengers."The news provided a momentary relief, even though Jack hadn't expected that even after so many years, he would still have this kind of an influence on t
By the time Jack was ready to step out of the house, armed and prepared, it was nearly dawn. He first returned to the familiar vicinity of the place where Robert used to live with Rebecca.Jack was sure that after the showdown with the assassin, Robert must have returned to the apartment at some point of time. There was an uncanny silence around the place, which set off Jack's spidey senses. Last night, when he had been conducting some research on Robert's background, he had discovered that he was already wanted for burglary.He was just wondering if that might be the reason, when his ears picked up on the hushed tones of someone talking nearby.The sounds were getting louder by the minute, and soon enough, he spotted a group of middle aged women in colorful tracksuits, walking around the society compound. As the four women approached him, gossiping amongst themselves, Jack hid between the rows of cars so that he wouldn't be visible to someone while also securing a spot from where h
Jack trailed the lawyer's steps like a silent ghost, without him having any idea that he was being watched.Some way down the road, the lawyer stepped out of Robert Wendell's car and their paths separated from that point. Without any hesitation, Jack signaled a cab to stop, and directly told the driver to follow the lawyer's cab.His eyes were trained out of the window as they moved to the posh area of town, until the car stopped with a screech in front of the Simon and Kirkwell Law Firm. He waited for a few minutes while the lawyer strode inside, before stepping out of the taxi. There was no doubt that this lawyer might be soulless, but he had some really good pedigree – as this was the most prestigious law firm in the city. Determined to dive into the secrets hidden behind its walls, Jack tried to walk into the law firm but was stopped by a stern- faced guard.The fall man crossed his arms as he barked;"Hold on! This is a private law firm, you can't just come and go as you pleas
Jack couldn't care less about Monica's loud proclamations about calling the police to report him. As far as he remembered, Rebecca was the last person to threaten him with that, and well… she was the one in police custody right now!As far as Monica was concerned, she was not standing on a spotlessly clean white canvas of innocence and purity, either. He did feel some pity for her in the past, when he had found out that Robert used to corner her and harass her in the workplace. But ever since she had stabbed him in the back by accusing him of harassing her in court, he had lost all respect and sympathy for this woman.The truth was that she didn't just betray him by lying in front of the jury that day- she had also lied under oath and committed a perjury. And so, she also shared some guilt in this conspiracy to frame him on the wrong charges."What happened, are you scared now?! See, I knew you would get scared when I showed you some real consequences. Now tell me, are you willing to
Andres, the lawyer, felt a surge of fear as he looked at his own hands, which had been tied up with a piece of rope. Panic was written across his face, but he managed to gulp down his fear before speaking."I... I really don't know much about any drug network or Robert Wendell. I am telling you the truth, please trust me–"Jack was the least interested in stretching out the situation, and issued a stern warning that cut through the tension. "Listen, just cut the crap. If you want to stay alive, you better start talking; it's as simple as that. I want to find out whatever you know, doesn't matter if it is a little or a lot."Andres was still doubtful, and asked;"So if… if I tell you everything I know, even if it's not all you are looking for, will you let me leave?" Without hesitation, Jack made a decisive promise."Yes, I'll let you go if you tell me everything… and don't you dare try to outsmart me, because I'll know the truth even if you try your best to hide it."Andres nodded
Jack's tone remained calm as he took in what he had said, and informed the lawyer, "I'll be in touch soon." With a swift motion, he pulled the hood over his head, concealing his features once again. Andres had become visibly anxious by now, and asked with his panic rising;"Wait! Are you going somewhere?" Jack nonchalantly replied with a shrug, putting his hands in his pockets. "Yes, I've got some important work." Saying this, he didn't stop to explain before he started walking towards the exit, prompting Andres to start shouting out of panic;"But… but you said you will let me go! Then why am I still tied up?Jack turned around, facing the restrained lawyer with a sly grin."Well, your memory is quite dull for a lawyer– I guess that's why you need to use such underhanded tactics to win the case.But anyway, I did say I will let you go, just not when. Relax and try to become comfortable here, and you will become free once Robert Wendell is taken care of."By now, fear and panic wa
Margaret, Lucas Giorgio’s wife, gasped loudly at Jack's words, her hand flying to her mouth in shock. Lucas himself looked like he was close to fainting, his face turning ashen as he gripped the back of a nearby chair for support."What—what are you saying?" Margaret stammered. "Amelia wanted to kill Lucas? How can that be! How do we know it is even our Amelia, because that sweet girl would never put the blame for an accident on her beloved aunt and uncle—""Stop it! Just stop trying to convince everyone with your lies now, can't you see it's not working?”It was Megan’s voice which had interrupted her aunt's act. Her ace was completely twisted with fury as she was looking at Margaret, and she spat out;"Did you two really think that you could get rid of all your problems by kicking me out of the house? You killed my parents, both of you! And you thought I would just accept that fate? Not even in your dreams—"Just then, Megan shut her mouth, her eyes widening as if she had just reali
As soon as the police team surrounded her, Megan felt more and more suffocated, like her freedom was being snatched from her in front of her eyes.That's why, she opted for the best method she could think of: screaming at the top of her lungs, and hoping that everyone would believe that this was a set- up and they needed to save her, not arrest her "You don't understand! This is all a set-up… he… he wants to frame me for his wrongdoings! I haven't done anything wrong, you need to help me! Please!"The policeman standing behind Megan interrupted her with a stern voice. "Enough! Miss Simmons, don't forget that anything you say, can and will be held against you in the court of law. I suggest you continue the rest of this conversation with a lawyer."Megan's eyes darted around the room, filled with desperation and fear. The Giorgio family members, standing there stunned, slowly came out of their trance and started to react. Her supposed fiancé, Richie, was the first to step forward, wh
It was almost four o'clock in the morning, by the time Jack finally found another parking lot in the city, which matched the description of the park that the girls had told him about. He ran around the park, searching everywhere with his flashlight, until he saw an unconscious figure lying near the row of bushes planted at the edge of the park. Jack went closer to investigate, and it was none other than Amy… she was lying face down into the ground, her body twisted into a vulnerable heap. The vibrant pink flowers on the bush were contrasting starkly with the sight of Amy's motionless form… and the sight of her filled him with a dread he hadn't felt in years. His heart raced as he knelt beside her, checking for a pulse. To his relief, it was there… her pulse was faint, but at least she was still breathing. Carefully lifting her into his arms, her head resting against his shoulder. His heart was pounding dramatically as he made his way to the car. The park was eerily quiet at t
Jack’s heart pounded in his chest as he stared at Megan in shock. The cacophony of emotions—anger, fear, and relief—crashed over him in waves as he quickly turned his attention to his children. It had really taken him an entire eternity of moments to digest what just had happened in front of him.He could not believe that Megan does not just shoot Rebecca, without letting her complete her sentence…but she has shot her in front of his children.Although he didn't have any compassion for her, but she was still the mother of his children and in any case she never deserved to die this brutally.And absolutely not in front of their kids, also he was still shocked at this act of Megan, because there was no plan of killing Rebecca at all.Then why she had taken this rash decision was something that was bothering him, as she didn't even care about the trauma of the kids that they might get because of this horrifying act of hers.While he was trying get any clue regarding this act of Megan bu
That evening, the atmosphere at the Giorgio family estate was tense after the chaotic events at the party. Lucas Giorgio, still shaken from the unexpected gunshot, wanted everyone to stay inside for their safety. "No one leaves the house today, and stay close to your guards at all times. I don't know what disaster God has rescued us from." He declared sternly, his voice leaving no room for argument.Everyone fell silent, but Amelia stood up, her face set in defiance. "Actually, I want to go out," she said, her voice trembling. "I can't stay caged in my room, I feel so suffocated in this house."Lucas turned to her, his eyes flashing with anger. "Amelia, did you not see what happened at the Renaldi's? This is not the time to be out and about."Her grandmother gave her son a harsh look, signaling that she would handle it. She then spoke to Megan,"Darling, you know what happened tonight. It's too dangerous. We have just got you back, we can't afford to lose you again–"Amelia's fru
The Renaldi family's party was being held at La Chateau, one of the grand hotels they owned in the city. The venue had been transformed into the perfect example of opulence and elegance.There were larger than life ice sculptures, which had been placed throughout the property to welcome the guests. There were food fountains flowing with decadent chocolate and savory sauces, while there was a refined selection culinary delights from all over the world, adorning the tables. The guests were gathering in the hotel, mingling amongst themselves when the grand doors of the ballroom flew open. It was none other than Richi Renaldi, the center of attention for this party. The heir of the Renaldi family was flanked by his doting parents, who couldn't be more proud of their son. As soon as the hosts of the evening made an entrance; instantly, a throng of well- wishers gathered around them, eager to greet the family… of course, there were a number of people inquiring about the bride to be as wel
Rebecca arrived at the designated spot, a grim, abandoned parking lot that felt a world away from her past life. She had put on her best dress, which was still crumpled and worn out, but she couldn't care less about it right now. She waited, anxiety coiling in the pit of her stomach while she fidgeted with her chipping nails. But her neck snapped up attentively as soon as she heard the unmistakable click- clack of expensive heels echoing through the hallway.Turning towards the sound, Rebecca saw her arrive. The girl who stepped into view stood out sharply in their surroundings— she was dressed in designer clothes, carrying expensive accessories, and exuding an air of confidence and privilege. So, this girl had made no effort to hide exactly how wealthy she was… and despite not knowing her identity, Rebecca recognized her as someone from Jack's acquaintances– maybe she was an old co- worker? She didn't know many details, but maybe she had inherited some wealth recently? But in any
The atmosphere in the restaurant had been perfectly pleasant, and the hum of conversation and the clinking of cutlery was flowing perfectly well with the soft tunes of Oriental music.Everything was so soothing that can urge anyone to have a closer look of the place and the same was going with the people sitting there, as they were sitting there peacefully, unknown from the hypocrisy going on there.Until the sudden, sharp sound of a fist meeting flesh echoed through the air, silencing everyone and drawing the attention towards the reception. People turned their heads, and eyes widened in surprise as they saw an imposing man standing over a fallen waiter, his fist still clenched, anger blazing in his eyes. Amy stood beside him, her hand clutched to her chest, looking both shocked and relieved.Till now, their argument had been going on without much notice; but the sudden chaos drew everyone's attention. A murmur rippled through the staff and diners alike, and one of the waiters quic
Jack started to lead Amy towards the door by her hand, and Amy tugged at his hand. Jack sensed it immediately and stopped, looking at her with concern."Is everything okay?""Yeah, I just wanted to say thank you…" Amy replied, feeling a blush creep up her cheeks. "Thank you for the dress and the watch, they are both beautiful."Jack smiled, pulling her close for a quick kiss. "Only the best for my darling. Now, are you ready for our date, or is there something else you want to say?"Amy nodded, her excitement bubbling up once more. "I can't wait."They stepped out into the night, the cool breeze ruffling their hands as they walked hand in hand to the car. Amy couldn't help but feel grateful for this moment… in spite of everything, being with Jack made everything seem possible.The drive to the sushi restaurant was filled with conversation and laughter between the two of them, as Jack kept glancing over at Amy.Jack parked the car in the basement and they walked as they walked towar