The assistant paused, recalibrating his thoughts. "Since they've already visited the London Eye, we could shift our focus to their next big destination. They are likely to attend a high-profile event or a renowned attraction. Let's say, The British Museum? It's a public place with numerous exits and entrances, making it difficult for security to cover all angles."Madam Northington raised an eyebrow. "Go on.""We could plant a small device that emits a gas, harmless to the general public but specifically formulated to incapacitate Ethan and Sophia based on what we know of their medical histories. We deploy the gas in a secluded exhibit where they'll be isolated.""And their security?""We'll cause a diversion at the opposite end of the museum, luring their security detail away. At the same time, we'll have a lookalike of a known associate approach them, adding another layer of misdirection.""We'll cause a diversion at the opposite end of the museum, luring their security detail away.
"Hey, what's going on here?" the guard inquired as he reached Ethan and Sophia's table.The aggressive man glanced at him but offered only a frigid stare before diverting his gaze."Isn't it this crazy guy causing trouble just because my girlfriend spoke against smoking?" Ethan explained."How dare you call me crazy?" The man was irate and lunged for Ethan. Quick on his feet, Ethan stepped back, caught the man's wrist, and pulled him forward. With a swift, powerful blow, he punched the man in the mouth. That wasn't enough, Ethan raised his leg and kicked the man, sending him stumbling into a table behind him."Nonsense," He spat. Even the guard was taken aback by the ferocity, although clearly pleased. Sophia, equally shocked, stared at Ethan in disbelief.The fallen man's mouth was a bloody mess. Rising unsteadily, he snarled, "Call me a bastard if I don't kill you.""Ethan, let's go. He's crazy," Sophia said. Shaking his head, Ethan replied, "What's the point if I can't stand as a
"You want my life?" Dera frowned. "Are you guys out of your senses? Do you want me to call the police?" She yelled. "Hey, you tried to go against our master when he warned you, it's in your destiny to meet your end, but lucky for you we've been asked to just injure you and leave you." The man replied. Dera gulped, her fear becoming more intense. She quickly took her phone out, about to dial the emergency number, but one of the men snatched it and threw it on the floor. "How dare you use your phone in front of us?" He yelled at her. "Do you wish for death?" The man asked coldly"Hey, do you know who I am? I'm Es…"Before she could finish her words, the man cut her off, "Yes you're Esquire Dera Brown, so what?" He askedDera frowned and angrily said, "Knowing me well, you're here to harm me? When I book a case, I'll make sure you all spend at least five years in jail."One of the men sneered, "Do you think jail terms work for our master?""Who's your master?" Dera retorted, eyebrows
"What?" The thug's eyes widened in disbelief. He looked up at the masked man, attempting yet another shove. Nothing. The masked man remained as still as a boulder. "Hey, what's happening? Why is it so difficult to push you this time?" he stuttered. In a swift, almost blurring motion, the masked man swung his nunchucks, striking the thug squarely on the head. "Bang!""Ahhh!"A scream erupted from the thug as he collapsed to his knees, clutching his now bloodied head in agony."Didn't you come here to break my head? Have a taste of it now," the masked man quipped, mercilessly whipping the nunchucks at the man's head once again.Woww!" Damn!"A collective gasp filled the air. Those standing behind, including Dera, watched in awe-struck terror. "How dare you? Who do you think you are? Some sort of hero?" snarled the leader of the thugs, his eyes narrowing as he glared at the masked man."I'm not a hero," the masked man retorted, swinging his nunchucks back into a ready position. "But
"No, officers, just take these men in. I won't be accompanying you to the station," Dera asserted. The officers looked puzzled. "Ma'am, we need your statement and identification for evidence," one of them insisted."Do you not see the metallic sticks on the ground? Do you really think I fought them off?" Dera retorted angrily. The officers looked at the metallic sticks before turning back to her. "Ma'am, procedure dictates that you should—"Dera interrupted him, her eyes narrowing. "Procedure, you say? According to Article 46, subsection D, in cases involving violence against women, a female officer should be present during questioning. Do I see a female officer here? No."The officers exchanged uneasy glances, clearly unnerved by Dera's commanding display of legal knowledge."Furthermore," she continued, "Article 22 stipulates that a victim can file a statement at a later time if immediate filing puts undue stress or danger on the victim. I would say tonight qualifies, wouldn't yo
Ethan looked deeply into Sophia's eyes, the pulsating lights of the nightclub creating a halo around her. "You know, I can't help but feel really fortunate," he began, "seeing how close we've grown."Sophia met his gaze, her eyes softening. She didn't say anything. Taking her quietude as an invitation, Ethan reached across the table and took her hand. "I mean it, Sophia. Being with you, it's like finding pieces of myself I didn't know were missing. Ever since Lily and I got divorced, I've had two happy moments, finding my dad and knowing you. You're so fucking great. I feel like a king around you." He saidHer eyes sparkled, finally breaking her silence, "Ethan, that's...that's one of the most beautiful things anyone has said to me today. "Feeling emboldened, Ethan leaned in closer, his face inches from hers, "May I?" he asked. Sophia's eyes were like an open book, and he read his
Ethan couldn't help but laugh as he watched her. Not to be outdone, he joined in with his own set of dance moves, which were met with exaggerated applause and cheers from Sophia.Suddenly, she grabbed two glow sticks from a nearby table and started twirling them around like a rave dancer. Her eyes met Ethan's, and she tossed him one. They began to dance in sync, the glow sticks leaving trails of light in the dim club.Amidst all her craziness, Sophia paused and gently wrapped the glow stick around both of their wrists, creating a makeshift bond. "Now you're stuck with me," she said, her eyes looking seriously into Ethan's for just a moment, cutting through the buzz and the music. Then, almost as quickly, she returned to her wild self. She ran her fingers through Ethan's hair and then messed it up, laughing as she did. When a slow song finally came on, Sophia snuggled close, resting her head on Ethan's shoulder and whispered, "Even in my craziest moments, you make me feel anchored."E
Ahhh!" The stranger staggered back, clutching his head, his eyes clouded with confusion and pain. Ethan's heart was pounding, but his face remained stern.This caught the attention of those who were standing around, making everyone stop their act to watch what was going on. Blood dripped down the side of the stranger's face, mixing with the shards of shattered glass at his feet. His eyes, already livid, now simmered with a mix of pure anger as he touched his bleeding head."Looks like you've got a serious problem," Ethan sneered, his eyes like icy daggers."You think breaking a bottle over my head solves anything? You're as much of a fool as you look," the stranger spat out, clenching his fist to control the pain.Ethan took a step closer, towering over the man. "No, but it proves a point. That you can't just walk in here and harass someone who clearly wants nothing to do with you.""Do you have any idea who you're messing with?" the stranger hissed, blood now trickling down his neck