Volume 1: Fallen from Grace
Summary: Isabella uses her connections to gather information for Jack. She learns that Richard Greene is conducting a secret transaction, possibly linked to Jack's downfall.
Chapter 12: The Deal at the Bar
Emily's voice trembled with fear and despair as she abruptly cut off mid-sentence. Jack called out into the phone several times but was met only with the dial tone. He realized Emily must be in trouble—likely under Richard Greene's control, who had cut the call short. Her unfinished words stabbed at his heart like sharp knives.
A surge of anger rose within him. Jack gripped his phone tightly until his knuckles turned white. There was no time for hesitation; he needed to find Emily, uncover the truth, and rescue her from Richard Greene's clutches. Imagining Emily humiliated and imprisoned by Richard made his blood boil.
He glanced at the address Isabella had sent him—an apartment on the outskirts of Queens, far from his current hideout in an old warehouse. What used to be just a few subway stops away now felt like it spanned an entire world.
"Isabella, I need your help," Jack said into the phone, his voice low and urgent. "Check Emily's call records. See who she last spoke to and where she is. I suspect she's been taken by Richard Greene's men. She called me, but the line went dead."
"Alright, I'll get right on it," Isabella replied before hanging up. Jack knew her efficiency; she would do everything she could to assist him.
Jack paced anxiously inside the warehouse, images of Emily flashing through his mind. They had once been so deeply in love, their sweet memories still fresh as yesterday. He couldn't believe she would betray him. There had to be some hidden reason—Richard Greene must have forced her into something. He even tried to convince himself that Emily's actions were all a facade, that she was playing along with Richard to protect herself.
Minutes later, Isabella called back. "Jack, I found something. Emily's last call was to an anonymous number, lasting less than thirty seconds. Her location shows she's in a bar downtown Manhattan called 'Oasis.'"
"Oasis?" Jack narrowed his eyes. The name sounded familiar, though he couldn't place it immediately. "Isabella, look into the background of this bar. See if it has any ties to Richard Greene. Also, check if there's any surveillance footage of Emily entering the bar."
"Got it," Isabella said. "But Jack, be careful. That place is full of all sorts of people—it's dangerous. The police have been investigating drug deals there recently, so the situation is complicated."
"I know," Jack replied, hanging up the phone. He immediately sprang into action. He couldn't let Emily fall into Richard Greene's trap—he had to get to Oasis quickly. The longer he waited, the more danger Emily faced.
He changed into cleaner old clothes, trying to mask his disheveled appearance. Choosing a black hoodie, he hoped to blend in. His former Wall Street elite image seemed distant now; saving Emily was his top priority.
The journey from Queens to downtown Manhattan took time. Jack ran as fast as he could, cutting corners wherever possible. He hopped onto a few subway trains, even jumping over turnstiles, disregarding social norms. All that mattered was reaching Oasis swiftly.
By the time he arrived, night had fallen. The dim glow of streetlights cast shadows on his weary face.
The bar's facade was worn and unremarkable, its sign reading "Oasis" faded and barely legible. Faint lights spilled out from inside, revealing silhouettes of intoxicated patrons. Loud music and chatter echoed from within, making it feel like another world. Jack stood across the street, hiding in the shadows, carefully observing the bar. He needed to understand the situation inside to formulate a rescue plan.
"Oasis… Oasis…" He wracked his brain, then it hit him—Old John had mentioned this place before. Old John had described Oasis as a hub for underground transactions—drugs, guns, information—you could buy anything here if you had enough money. It made sense for Richard Greene to be involved; someone like him would inevitably be connected to these shady dealings.
Jack took a deep breath, suppressing his nerves, and pushed open the bar's door.
The deafening music assaulted his ears, causing them to ring. Thick smoke and alcohol fumes filled the air, making him cough. The bar was bustling with people—some drinking and chatting, others whispering in dark corners. The atmosphere was chaotic, permeated with decadence, corruption, and danger.
Jack scanned the crowd, searching for Emily. He saw several provocatively dressed women flirting with the bartender, their eyes filled with desire and greed. A group of burly men with tattoos sat in a corner, discussing something intensely. And there was a ragged homeless man sleeping on the floor, oblivious to the world around him.
Pushing through the crowd, Jack approached the bar, asking about Emily. "Excuse me, have you seen a young woman come in here? Her name is Emily, about this tall, brown hair, wearing…"
The bartender scrutinized him, his eyes wary and dismissive. A seasoned veteran, he saw through Jack's distressed state. "Never seen her. Too many people come through here daily. If you're looking for someone, try elsewhere. Don't cause trouble here."
Jack knew the bartender was lying but didn't press the issue. He didn't have time to argue. Pulling out a crumpled bill from his pocket—one of his few remaining—he placed it on the counter. "If she comes in or if you've seen her, please let me know. This is for you."
Seeing the money, the bartender's eyes lit up with greed. He quickly pocketed the bill and whispered, "Okay, okay, I remember now. I did see a woman matching your description about an hour ago. She went to one of the back rooms with a man in a suit."
"The back room?" Jack's heart tightened. As expected, Richard Greene was here. "Do you know who they are?"
"I only know the man is rich and generous, often spending lavishly here," the bartender shrugged. "As for who they are, I don't dare ask. You survive here by knowing what to ask and what not to."
Jack thanked the bartender and headed toward the back rooms. Moving cautiously, he approached one of the doors and pressed his ear against it, trying to listen in.
He heard Richard Greene's voice, laced with triumph and menace. "Emily, have you thought about it? If you follow my orders, I can guarantee you a life of luxury, even send you abroad to live like a princess."
Emily's voice was weak, sobbing, sounding utterly helpless. "Richard, leave me alone. I don't know anything, and I won't say anything."
"Leave you alone?" Richard laughed mockingly. "Emily, do you really think you have a choice? You're my pawn now, every move you make is under my control. Want to back out? Too late! Think you can escape me? How naive!"
"What do you want?" Emily asked, her voice trembling with desperation.
"Simple—I want you to lure Jack out," Richard said, his tone chilling. "Follow my instructions, and I'll ensure your safety and your family's. Otherwise, you know the consequences."
"I won't help you!" Emily declared firmly, though her voice was small, brimming with courage. "Jack is innocent, you can't treat him like this! He's done nothing wrong!"
"Innocent?" Richard sneered. "He stood in my way—that's his crime. Emily, think carefully. Your family is under my control. Refuse me, and they will pay the price."
Unable to bear it any longer, Jack burst into the room, roaring, "Richard Greene, you bastard!" Consumed by rage and heartache, he couldn't let Emily suffer anymore. Like a furious lion, he charged in, ready to confront the hypocrite and make him pay for everything.