"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
Jack's eyes narrowed in suspicion, as he saw the girl trying to deflect his question. She flashed him a disarming smile before declaring;"Me…? Nothing at all!" But once again, her sentence was punctuated by her stomach rumbling audibly, giving away the fact that her nonchalant approach was nothing more than an act.Jack asked again, softening his tone;"Are you hungry?" The girl's face had gone beet red by now, and she just smiled awkwardly, before responding with a hesitant "maybe." "Why? Haven't you eaten anything since the morning?"The girl was natural quite eager to divert attention from this topic, and tried to dismiss it as she jumped up, saying;"That's what I was just about to do." As soon as she said this, she tried to get up from the booth and leave, but Jack clearly saw through her lie. After all, who comes to a pub for breakfast?! His gaze fell on a corner of her shirt, which had snagged on something and gotten torn. Without warning, he reached for her wrist as she