Volume 6: The Flame of Vengeance
Synopsis: Jack has uncovered crucial evidence against Richard's criminal empire and begins meticulously planning his revenge. He not only intends to reclaim everything that was taken from him but also to send every betrayer and tormentor straight into hell.
Chapter 6: The Leak
Emily handed the USB drive to Jack, her hands trembling with fear and uncertainty. "This contains detailed records of Richard's money laundering network, including offshore accounts and... some evidence of his dealings with other criminals. But be careful; these files are sensitive. If they get out, we're both in grave danger."
Jack took the USB drive, feeling its weight as if it bore all of Emily's hopes and fears. Gripping it tightly, he looked earnestly at Emily. "Thank you, Emily. Rest assured, I won't let you down. I'll protect this information—and you."
Emily gave a bitter smile. "Protect? How can you protect me? Richard's reach is everywhere. I... I think I need to leave New York, maybe forever."
Jack felt a pang in his heart. He knew she was right. Richard wouldn't spare anyone who posed a threat. But he couldn't let Emily face this alone.
"No, you can't run," Jack said firmly. "Emily, you've helped me so much. I can't let you flee on your own. I'll find a way to protect you until we bring Richard down for good."
Emily shook her head. "It's futile, Jack. You don't understand Richard's methods. He... he..." She hesitated, unsure whether to continue.
"He what?" Jack pressed, a chill running through him.
"He can... go to any lengths to cover up his crimes," Emily whispered almost inaudibly. "I know he has... dealt with people who didn't comply, making them disappear completely."
Jack's pupils contracted sharply. He had known Richard wasn't kind-hearted, but he hadn't expected such ruthlessness.
"Emily, is this true?" Jack's voice wavered slightly.
Emily nodded, tears streaming down her face. "I've seen it with my own eyes. I... I can't bear it anymore. I just want to escape, to leave this nightmare behind."
Jack pulled Emily into a tight embrace, trying to offer comfort and strength. "Emily, don't be afraid. I won't let anything happen to you. I'll protect you, and I'll make Richard pay."
He released her, taking a deep breath to calm himself. "Emily, find a safe place to hide. I'll get these documents to the right people and then arrange to move you somewhere safe."
Emily nodded, wiping away her tears. "Alright, I trust you, Jack. But remember, be careful. Richard isn't someone to underestimate."
They parted ways outside the bookstore. Emily vanished into the darkness while Jack clutched the USB drive, his anger simmering within.
There was no time to waste. He needed to act immediately.
Back at his temporary residence in the Lower East Side, Jack inserted the USB drive into his computer. Opening the files, lines of code and data appeared before him. These were detailed records of Richard's money laundering network, including offshore accounts, transaction logs, and key emails.
Jack spent hours poring over the documents, discovering that Richard's operation was even more extensive and complex than he had imagined. Not only was Richard laundering money for himself, but he was also providing services to notorious criminals, including drug lords and arms dealers.
These pieces of evidence were enough to put Richard behind bars and ruin him utterly.
Taking a deep breath, Jack decided to hand over the documents to Kevin. Kevin was a skilled hacker Jack had met in New York's underground circles. He had previously helped Jack track Richard's informants and investigate offshore companies. Jack trusted Kevin to safely deliver the documents to the appropriate authorities.
He called Kevin, explaining the situation briefly. After hearing Jack out, Kevin agreed without hesitation.
"Don't worry, Jack. I'll make sure these documents reach the right hands," Kevin reassured him. "But be careful. Richard will surely take action. You're in danger now."
Jack nodded. "I know. Thanks, Kevin."
They arranged to meet at a bar in Brooklyn.
Jack placed the USB drive in an envelope and slipped it into his coat pocket. He changed into inconspicuous clothes, put on a hat and sunglasses, and left his apartment.
However, unbeknownst to him, a black sedan followed him discreetly.
Jack took the subway to Brooklyn and got off near the bar. Scanning the area to ensure he wasn't being followed, he entered the bar.
Kevin was already waiting inside. Seeing Jack, he stood up to greet him.
"Jack, you're here," Kevin said. "Do you have it?"
Jack nodded, pulling out the envelope and handing it over.
"It's all in there," Jack said. "Be extremely careful. These documents are vital."
Kevin took the envelope and placed it in his backpack.
"Don't worry, Jack. I'll make sure this gets done," Kevin promised. "But be cautious. I feel like we're being watched."
Jack frowned, sensing the same unease. It seemed like several pairs of eyes were secretly observing them.
"We should leave as soon as possible," Jack suggested.
As they stepped towards the exit, suddenly a black sedan screeched to a halt in front of them. Several men dressed in black jumped out, brandishing firearms and charging towards Jack and Kevin.
"Don't move! Police!" one of the men shouted.
Jack and Kevin exchanged a glance, realizing things were dire. These weren't police—they were Richard's hired killers!
Jack shoved Kevin aside, shouting, "Run!"
Kevin reacted swiftly, turning and fleeing. Jack stayed behind to confront the attackers.
Gunfire erupted, and Jack deftly dodged the incoming bullets. Pulling out a knife, he charged at the assailants.
A fierce shootout broke out at the bar entrance. Jack's agility allowed him to use the surroundings for cover, dodging and counterattacking.
However, the enemies outnumbered him, and Jack began to tire. A bullet grazed his arm, blood staining his shirt.
Just as he was about to be surrounded, a motorcycle suddenly sped in, knocking down several attackers.
A familiar figure leaped off the bike, wielding a submachine gun and firing fiercely at the assailants.
It was Isabella!
Her appearance filled Jack with surprise and relief. He hadn't expected her to show up, especially armed and ready to help.
With Isabella's support, Jack felt the pressure ease. Together, they quickly repelled the attackers.
Seeing the tide turn, the remaining assailants retreated to their car and sped away.
Breathing heavily, Jack and Isabella stood still, watching the attackers' vehicle vanish into the distance.
"Are you okay, Jack?" Isabella asked, concern evident in her voice.
Jack shook his head. "I'm fine. Isabella, how did you know to come here?"
Isabella smiled. "I've been keeping an eye on you. Knowing you were in trouble, I came to check on you."
Jack looked gratefully at Isabella, aware of how much he owed her.
"Thank you, Isabella," Jack said sincerely.
She shook her head. "No need to thank me. We're friends, aren't we?"
At that moment, Kevin returned, visibly relieved to see both Jack and Isabella unharmed.
"Jack, are you alright? Who were those guys?" Kevin asked.
"They were Richard's assassins," Jack explained. "They wanted to take the documents from me."
Kevin's face turned pale. "The documents—are they still safe?"
Jack checked his pocket, his face draining of color.
"Oh no! The documents are missing!"
Jack and Kevin searched frantically but found no trace of the envelope containing the USB drive.
It seemed to have fallen during the shootout and been picked up by the attackers.
Jack's heart sank.
The documents had leaked.
Richard now possessed all their plans.
What lay ahead would be far more perilous.