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 7: Counterintelligence
Jack and Kevin narrowly avoided the oncoming car, rolling behind a parked truck on the roadside. The screeching of tires against the asphalt and the roar of engines sounded like death's whisper. These men in black were clearly not real police; their cheap suits couldn't hide the bloodthirsty glint in their eyes. Their Glock pistols were the true testament to their intentions.
"Damn it! It's Richard's men!" Kevin muttered under his breath, quickly pulling out a small stun gun from his backpack—a prized possession from the black market that could save lives in critical moments.
Jack watched as the attackers approached, his mind racing. A direct confrontation would be suicidal; he needed to find a way out and turn the tables on Richard. His eyes scanned the surroundings and settled on an abandoned warehouse across from the bar. Its crumbling brick walls and shattered windows exuded an eerie aura, but it offered some cover.
"Kevin! Follow me!" Jack barked, sprinting towards the warehouse. Bullets whizzed past his ears, barely missing him.
Kevin followed closely, his stun gun crackling occasionally, incapacitating one or two pursuers who collapsed like twitching frogs. But they were soon surrounded by more assailants—trained, coordinated, far from ordinary street thugs.
They stumbled into the warehouse filled with dust and dilapidated furniture. The air reeked of mold and rats, adding to the sinister atmosphere. Sunlight streamed through broken windows, casting jagged shadows on the floor.
"Quick! Find cover!" Jack gasped, adrenaline surging through his veins.
Kevin crouched behind a pile of old sofas, their springs exposed and emitting a foul odor. Jack hid beneath a rickety old table, propped up by bricks due to its broken leg. The black-clad men stormed in, searching methodically, the tension palpable.
Jack held his breath, heart pounding. He could smell the cheap cigarettes on the attackers and feel the threat of death looming. He knew if they were discovered, it would be over.
Suddenly, an idea flashed through his mind like lightning. Emily had mentioned that Richard was extremely cautious and suspicious, always keeping his subordinates on edge. Perhaps he could exploit this trait to sow discord among Richard's ranks, turning them against each other.
Jack pulled out his phone and dialed a number. This was a middleman named "Rat" from the underground world, known for trading information and having extensive connections, albeit at a high price.
"Hey, it's me, Jack," he whispered, careful not to alert the attackers. "I need information about one of Richard's top lieutenants, Frank. I need his weaknesses. Fast!"
There was a pause on the other end, surprised by the request. Frank was one of Richard's most trusted enforcers, feared in the New York underworld.
"Frank? He's one of Richard's closest confidants. Are you sure about this?" Rat's voice carried a mix of surprise and excitement, intrigued by the potential deal.
"Yes. I need everything—his family, his habits, recent movements. Anything that can give me leverage." Jack said, "Name your price; just make it worth it."
After a moment's consideration, greed won over caution.
"Alright, give me half an hour. I'll try to dig something up." Rat replied, "But remember, Frank isn't easy prey. Be careful."
Jack hung up, feeling a mixture of anxiety and determination. He knew the plan was risky, but he had no other choice. If he could successfully pit Richard against Frank, he could create chaos and gain an advantage.
Minutes felt like hours as the attackers continued their search. Jack could hear their heavy breathing and the clicks of weapons being loaded. The oppressive atmosphere was suffocating.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Jack's phone vibrated. He carefully retrieved it and opened the message.
It read simply: "Frank has an illegitimate child hidden in Brooklyn. Richard doesn't know about this."
Jack's spirits lifted instantly. An illegitimate child! This was a potent weakness, especially for someone as controlling as Richard. The thought of a subordinate hiding something from him would be intolerable.
He quickly texted Rat back: "Keep digging. I need the exact address, contact details for Frank and his mistress, and anything else useful. Time is running out!"
Soon, Rat responded with detailed information including an address, a private phone number, and a blurry photo of a young Black boy.
Jack took a deep breath and dialed the number. Each ring felt like a hammer blow to his heart.
The call was answered by a woman with a raspy voice, tinged with a thick accent, suggesting she lived in the lower echelons of society.
"Hello?" Her voice was wary, clearly unsettled by the unknown caller.
"Is this Mary?" Jack asked, trying to keep his voice calm and non-threatening.
"I am Mary. Who are you? How do you know my name?" Her voice grew more tense, ready to hang up at any moment.
"Mary, I'm... someone who cares about you and your child," Jack said. "I know about your relationship with Frank. I know about his illegitimate child, which Richard doesn't know about. And I know Richard's men are looking for me—they might find you too."
Mary fell silent, stunned like she'd been struck by lightning. After a long pause, she finally spoke, her voice trembling, "How... how did you find out? Who sent you?"
"That's not important. What matters is whether you want to create a rift between Frank and Richard. Do you want to escape your current situation and secure a better future for your child?" Jack asked. "I can help you, but I need your trust."
"What do you want me to do?" Mary asked, her voice filled with desperation, grasping at straws.
"Simply call Frank and tell him someone knows his secret, and that person... seems to be sent by Richard." Jack explained. "Do you understand? Make him believe Richard suspects him, that his position is precarious."
Mary was silent for a moment, her internal struggle evident. She knew it was a gamble, but it might be her only chance.
"I understand," she said firmly. "I'll do as you say."
Jack hung up, a smirk forming on his face. He could imagine Frank's shock and fury upon receiving Mary's call. With Frank's ambition and paranoia, he was certain suspicion would grow between Frank and Richard.
A power struggle was brewing, and Jack would be the puppet master orchestrating it all. He intended to let Richard and his underlings tear each other apart until they crumbled completely!
Just then, the footsteps of the attackers drew closer. They were almost at the table where Jack was hiding. He knew he had to move fast or risk capture.
He silently texted Kevin: "Prepare to retreat! Follow the plan! Draw their fire!"
Taking a deep breath, Jack made his final preparations. He knew what lay ahead would be a race against time.
With a sudden burst of speed, he leaped from beneath the table and dashed towards another part of the warehouse. Like a cheetah, he moved swiftly, dodging bullets as they ricocheted off the walls, sending shards of debris flying. Reaching a window—the only usable exit—he kicked it open and jumped out, glass shattering around him.
Meanwhile, Kevin sprang from behind the sofa, running in the opposite direction. He shouted loudly, "Help! Murder! Richard wants to silence us! He launders money, kills without hesitation! Where are the cops? Help!"
His cries drew the attackers' attention, causing them to chase after him, cursing and yelling like a pack of rabid hyenas.
Jack seized the opportunity to escape the warehouse, disappearing into the night of Brooklyn. Behind him, gunfire echoed, and Kevin's distant screams faded away. He knew he had to harden his heart to complete his vengeance.
Richard and his men would pay dearly for their actions. Tonight was just the beginning.