7: Peril at Every Turn
Volume Summary: During the rescue of Isabella, Jack uncovers a deeper conspiracy behind Richard. He realizes that what he faces is not just personal revenge, but a far more dangerous power struggle. He must proceed with caution to protect himself and those close to him.
Chapter 11: The Counterstrike
The café was called The Daily Grind—small in size, yet warmly decorated. Abstract paintings adorned the walls, and the rich aroma of coffee acted like an invisible barrier, filtering out the city's chaos and leaving behind a soothing atmosphere. Jack pushed open the heavy glass door and quickly scanned the room. The scent of steamed milk and freshly baked bread filled the air, but it did nothing to ease his tension.
In the corner by the window sat Emily, shivering slightly, like a frightened bird. She looked even more worn down than the last time he'd seen her—her once-pristine makeup long gone, replaced by dark circles under her eyes. Dressed in a loose sweater, she tried to hide inside herself, though the fear in her posture betrayed her.
Jack took a deep breath and forced calm into his expression as he approached. Each step felt like treading on thin ice, cautious and deliberate.
Emily's head snapped up at the sound of his footsteps. When she saw Jack, relief flickered across her face—like a drowning person clutching at a lifeline. But it was quickly replaced by worry.
"Jack! What are you doing here? This place isn't safe!" she whispered urgently, voice trembling.
"I had to find you," Jack said, sitting across from her, keeping his tone steady and firm. "Has Richard started suspecting you?"
She nodded, gripping her now-cold coffee cup so tightly her knuckles turned white. "He's restricted my movements and placed people to watch me. My calls are tapped, my emails monitored. Last night, I slipped out through the back while they weren't looking. I don't know when he'll realize I'm gone."
"What's he planning?" Jack pressed, urgency creeping into his voice. He needed to understand Richard's next move before it was too late.
"I don't know," Emily replied, fear lining every word. "But he's been talking to strange people lately—very carefully, very secretly. I know he's preparing something big… but I don't know what. And I can't do anything about it…" Her voice cracked, almost breaking into sobs.
Jack's stomach tightened. If Richard was moving this cautiously, the scale of his operation was bigger than Jack had imagined. His earlier plans wouldn't be enough—he needed to act fast.
"Emily, I need your help," Jack said, taking her hand firmly. His eyes pleaded with hers. "I need a safe place—a place where we can hide. A place Richard would never think to look."
Emily hesitated for a moment, then lifted her gaze. There was a quiet resolve there, as if she had finally made peace with a decision.
"There is one place," she said. "A place Richard would never think of—but it's dangerous."
She paused, then continued. "There's an abandoned theater in Lower Manhattan. I used to sneak in there a few times. The stage is old, and there are secret passages beneath it—perfect for hiding."
An abandoned theater. Jack's mind lit up. It was brilliant—an obvious yet forgotten location. Richard would never expect them to hide there.
"Perfect," Jack said decisively. "Let's go. Every second we stay here increases the risk."
They left the café without delay. Jack hailed a taxi, gave the driver the address, and they merged into New York's chaotic traffic flow.
Meanwhile, a black sedan pulled silently to the curb across the street from the café. The window rolled down slowly, revealing Richard's cold, calculating face. A cruel smirk curled his lips, his eyes sharp with deadly intent.
"So Emily was really here," he muttered, his voice low and venomous. "Looks like she truly has betrayed me. And traitors always pay the price."
He picked up his phone and dialed a number he knew by heart. "Initiate the plan. I want both Jack and Emily found—alive or dead. No exceptions."
Inside the cab, Jack's nerves were on edge. He knew Richard wouldn't stop hunting them. An invisible chase had already begun, and every second counted. He had to remain alert—to protect both himself and Emily.
When they arrived, Jack and Emily paid the fare and rushed into the shadows of a narrow alleyway.
The theater loomed ahead, decayed and overgrown. Thick moss covered its outer walls, and torn posters fluttered like ghosts of its past glory. The air smelled damp and dusty, oppressive and suffocating.
Emily led Jack through a hidden side entrance. The hinges screeched loudly, like the groan of an old man awakening.
Inside, the decay was worse. The curtain on the stage was tattered, full of holes. Dust blanketed the seats in the audience area, undisturbed except for the occasional rustle of mice darting through the darkness. But just as Emily had described, the space was vast, with countless nooks and passageways—perfect for concealment.
"We're safe—for now," Emily exhaled, leaning against the wall, catching her breath. "Richard won't think to look here. It's like a maze. Even if he sends people, they'll have trouble finding us."
Jack nodded, though his guard remained high. Richard's reach was everywhere. They couldn't afford to relax—not even for a second. He knew the real battle had only just begun.
"What now?" Emily asked, her voice uncertain. For the first time, she looked to Jack for direction.
"Counterattack," Jack replied, determination flashing in his eyes. "We can't keep playing defense. We need to strike back—and bring Richard down completely."
He fixed Emily with a serious stare. "I need your help. I need you to get me evidence of Richard's crimes. Do you know where he keeps it?"
Emily hesitated. The weight of betrayal pressed heavily on her. But for her own safety—for her freedom—she had no choice. Slowly, she nodded.
"He keeps all important documents in a safe in his office. Only he knows the code, and he changes it daily."
"Where exactly is the safe?" Jack asked, his tone urgent.
"In his office, built into the wall," Emily answered. "But the security is tight—state-of-the-art systems. Getting near it will be nearly impossible. And now that he suspects me, he'll have increased precautions. Getting those files will be extremely difficult."
"Then we make it happen anyway," Jack said firmly. "This is our only shot. With that evidence, we can take him down and make sure he pays for what he's done."
He paused, then added, "We need a solid plan—one that leaves no room for error. We use everything this place offers to destroy him."
Together, they began mapping out the details—using the theater's layout to plan infiltration and escape routes. They studied blueprints, searching for hidden paths and blind spots.
At that moment, Donny called in with new intel.
"Jack, I've got news on that Kevin guy you asked about," Donny's voice carried a hint of excitement. "Turns out he's been embezzling funds—big amounts. He's been abusing his position to funnel company money into his personal accounts."
A slow smile spread across Jack's face. "Excellent. Keep watching him. Gather as much evidence as you can—especially any records of transfers and account details. That's how we bring him down."
After hanging up, Jack turned to Emily. "We have an ally now. Kevin will be the knife we use against Richard. He thinks he controls everything—but he doesn't realize that the people closest to him are already turning."
Jack stood, his eyes blazing with fierce intensity. "Richard, you wait. This time, you'll pay the price. You'll lose everything. And you'll taste the bitterness of ruin."
The counterattack had begun.
A high-stakes game of power was about to unfold.
And Jack would play the most pivotal role of all.