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 12: Pressure
The air inside the abandoned theater was thick—stagnant like old fog, making it hard to breathe. Dust danced in the dim light, as if countless ghosts were silently weeping. Jack could feel Emily right behind him, her tension taut like a violin string on the verge of snapping.
It had only been a few hours since they'd taken refuge in this crumbling sanctuary, yet every second stretched like an eternity. Fatigue crept over him like a rising tide, gnawing at his resolve—but he couldn't give in. Emily needed him. He had to stay alert, stay strong.
He stepped carefully toward the edge of the stage, avoiding a loose floorboard. From there, he could see the blinking red lights atop distant skyscrapers—like eyes waiting in the dark. Beneath the glittering surface of New York's night lay countless shadows, filled with secrets and corruption.
"Will Richard find us?" Emily whispered, breaking the silence. Her voice trembled.
Jack turned to face her, forcing calm into his tone. "He'll try everything he can. But he won't easily find us here. We need to believe in ourselves—and in our plan."
He knew it was just reassurance. Richard's reach was greater than they imagined. How long they could remain hidden was uncertain. But he had to give Emily hope—to keep her going.
"What about Donny? Any news from him?" she asked, still speaking softly, as if afraid to awaken whatever dangers lurked in the darkness.
Jack pulled out his phone. Its faint glow illuminated his determined features. He dialed Donny's number, waiting anxiously. Each ring felt like a heartbeat pounding in his ears.
"Donny. It's me," Jack said in a low voice. Hearing Donny's tired reply brought a small sense of relief. "What do you have?"
"Good news and bad news," Donny replied, his voice heavy with exhaustion and nasal congestion—as though he hadn't slept in days. "Good news is, I've tracked down Kevin's money-laundering route. The account is real—and it belongs to Richard. He's been using it to move illegal funds."
"And the bad news?" Jack's stomach tightened.
"The bad news is, Kevin's already moving the money—massive transfers. It looks like he's trying to disappear," Donny said grimly. "Which means Richard probably knows about Emily by now."
Jack's expression darkened instantly. Richard was faster than expected.
"Freeze that account, Donny. Stop Kevin before he gets away!" Jack ordered.
"I've contacted the authorities, but it takes time, Jack. Time we might not have," Donny muttered. "And I suspect Kevin might have already left New York. I'm tracking him now."
After ending the call, Jack felt his heart sink. Richard knew. Their window was closing fast.
"He knows you betrayed him," Jack said to Emily, his voice low and serious. "We have to accelerate our plan."
Emily's face paled. Her body shivered slightly. "I… I don't know what to do."
"We have to get the files from Richard's safe," Jack said firmly, gripping her hand. "That's our only chance. With those documents, we can destroy him completely."
"But…" Her voice cracked with despair. "There's no turning back for me. Richard won't let me live. Even if we get the files, he won't stop hunting me."
Jack saw the fear in her eyes and felt a wave of guilt. He knew how deep he had dragged her into this mess.
"Emily, trust me—I will protect you," he said, his voice unwavering. "I'll do everything in my power to keep you safe and free from Richard's grip."
He took a deep breath, steadying himself. "Donny said Richard is attending a charity gala tomorrow night. That might be our chance."
"A chance?" A flicker of hope returned to Emily's eyes. "What's your plan?"
"We'll sneak into the gala—and then into Richard's office during the chaos," Jack explained, determination burning in his gaze.
"That's insane!" Emily gasped. "Richard's office will be heavily guarded. There's no way we'll get near it."
"No," Jack shook his head. "We'll use his arrogance against him. He believes he controls everything. He'll be too focused on the gala to notice the danger right under his nose."
"We'll need formalwear—tuxedos, gowns—and invitations," Jack began planning aloud. "We have to prepare quickly."
"But where are we supposed to get all of that?" Emily asked.
Jack paused, then his eyes lit up. "I know someone. She might be able to help."
He pulled out his phone and dialed a number he hadn't used in a long time. The line rang several times before a hoarse female voice answered.
"Hello?"
"Sarah. It's me, Jack." His voice carried a hint of apology.
A pause. Then a cold laugh. "Jack? You remember me? What do you want now?"
Sarah—his former colleague, a talented designer. They had shared something special once. But after he fell into obscurity, their connection faded.
"Sarah, I'm in trouble. I need your help," Jack admitted honestly. "I need a gown and a suit. As soon as possible."
Another silence followed. Jack held his breath, unsure whether she would say yes.
"Alright," Sarah finally said, her voice laced with reluctant understanding. "I'll help you. But Jack—you owe me an explanation."
"You'll get one, Sarah," Jack said gratefully. "Once this is over, I'll tell you everything. Thank you."
As he ended the call, warmth spread through his chest. Even in the lowest point of his life, there were still people willing to stand by him.
"She agreed," Jack turned to Emily. "She'll get us the clothes."
Emily smiled faintly. "You always find a way, Jack."
"But we still need the invitations," Jack frowned. "Without them, we can't even get inside the event."
The air grew heavy again. Pressure pressed down like an invisible mountain. They needed access to the gala—but where would they find an invitation worth thousands?
Just as Jack struggled to think, Emily suddenly spoke.
"There's someone who might help us get in."
"Who?" Jack asked.
"Daniel. Richard's PR manager," she replied. "He handles all of Richard's events. He must have some invitations."
"Daniel?" Jack raised an eyebrow. "Would he help us?"
"I don't know," Emily admitted. "But we can try. He's ambitious. Maybe we can offer him something in exchange."
Jack nodded. They had no other options. They had to take the risk.
"We go tonight," Jack said, his voice filled with resolve. "Time isn't on our side. We have to seize every opportunity."
The night loomed ahead, filled with unseen dangers. In this city of crime and ambition, Jack and Emily fought to survive. Their fate remained uncertain, caught in a web of pressure tightening around them.
But if they could break free—if they could fight through—it was hope that awaited them on the other side.