Sweet Vengeances -
Chapter 103: Holding On to Hope
Chapter 103: Chapter 103: Holding On to Hope
Ethan and Lily felt the weight of the last few days pressing down on them like a merciless storm. Everything they believed to be true had changed after the Syndicate’s disclosure. They had just severed the strings of Moreau’s puppetry. However, the real puppet masters continued to wait and observe in the shadows.
As he pondered all Jacob had told him, Ethan perched on the side of the bed and rubbed his fingers against his temple. Lily walked the room across from him, her arms folded tightly across her breast.
Her voice was laced with fury as she stated, "We cannot fight an enemy we don’t even know."
Ethan gave her a quick glance. "After that, we identify them."
She let out a quick sigh and stopped pacing. "How can we accomplish that? Jacob provided us with very little to work with.
Ethan’s mouth clenched. Jacob provided us with enough. Control is what the Syndicate feeds on. They require order and stability. Things were upended by Moreau’s demise, and they will be acting quickly to regain control. They will therefore need to be visible, at least to the appropriate individuals.
Lily scowled. "So we lure them in?"
A grin appeared on Ethan’s lips. "That kind of thing."
Lily looked closely at him. "This poses a risk."
"It has always been."
With a sigh, she moved to sit next to him. "Ethan, there won’t be a way back if we continue in this direction. This is larger and more deadly than Moreau.
He took her hand in his and turned to face her. "I understand. However, they will still come for us if we do nothing.
Lily nibbled on her lip. "Then we work together on this."
He clenched his fingers. "With each other."
A Light Ray
Despite the length of the night, neither of them was able to fall asleep. Rest was impossible due to the weight of uncertainty. At last, Lily got out of bed and walked up to the big window that looked out over the city. Even though the streets below were still teeming with activity, she felt as though she was no longer a part of that world.
From the bed, Ethan observed her. "Are you alright?"
She put her arms over herself and moaned. "I can’t stop wondering if we have a future after this."
Ethan stood up and approached her, putting his arms around her waist from behind. His chin was resting on her shoulder. "There must be."
She sank into his arms. "What happens if there isn’t?"
"After that, we battle until there is."
Lily allowed his warmth to anchor her as she closed her eyes. She wished to have faith in him. She had to.
Because what was left without hope?
A Lead Is Found
Ethan had a strategy by dawn. He got in touch with one of his reliable contacts, Marcus, an old hacker acquaintance with extensive underground connections. He was the one who could unearth information on the Syndicate.
Lily and Ethan met Marcus in an abandoned parking garage a few hours later. He had a wiry build, keen eyes, and a quick tongue.
Marcus mumbled as he typed quickly on a laptop that was poised on the bonnet of his automobile, "You’ve really kicked the hornet’s nest, Calloway."
Ethan folded his arms. "Tell me something I’m not familiar with."
Marcus grinned. "Well, here’s something: the leaders in the criminal justice system have been talking in an odd way. Someone powerful is acting and is gaining control.
Lily drew closer. "Who?"
Marcus let out a breath as he tapped the keyboard. I discovered something intriguing, but I haven’t given it a name yet. Tomorrow night is an auction, one of those covert gatherings when the wealthy and influential bid on anything from valuable artwork to... less legal items.
Ethan scrunched his brows. "And you anticipate the presence of the Syndicate?"
Marcus gave a nod. They will require funding if they are attempting to regain control. A large sum of money. These sales? People like them use them to finance their activities.
Lily squinted her eyes. "That’s where we take action."
After glancing at her, Ethan turned back to Marcus. "Will you let us inside?"
Marcus laughed. "Oh, I’m capable of more. I can add you to the list of guests.
Ethan grinned. "All right. We’re going hunting after that.
A Risky Game
Ethan and Lily showed up for the auction the following evening literally dressed to kill. Ethan wore a smart black suit that concealed the lethal purpose underneath, while Lily wore a beautiful black gown with lovely waves falling down her hair.
The setting was an opulent home with vicious and wealthy people lining its hallways. Every look conveyed an implicit challenge, and every exchange hummed with covert motives.
Ethan put her arm through Lily’s. "Are you prepared for this?"
He grinned. "Always."
As they made their way through the mob, they listened for any helpful information. Rare gems and stolen antiquities were among the things up for sale, which had already started. Ethan, however, was here to learn, not to buy trinkets.
Then he caught sight of him.
Speaking softly to a gathering of men, a man in his late fifties wearing a fitted suit. Ethan instantly recognized him—Vincent Delacroix, a name that had previously come up in the criminal underground but had never been directly associated with Moreau.
Lily looked after Ethan. Doesn’t that sound like him?
Ethan gave a nod. Vincent is a power broker in addition to being a buyer. He will be aware of any actions the Syndicate may be making.
Lily’s mouth pushed shut. "Now let’s introduce ourselves."
The Initial Conflict
Vincent’s eyes darted to the group as they drew closer, evaluating. "Mr. Calloway," he said in a suave, inquisitive voice. "I didn’t think you would be here."
Ethan grinned. "I enjoy expensive things."
Vincent laughed. "I suppose you do. However, I don’t think you came for the antiques.
Ethan’s face became a little more serious. "I came to get information."
Vincent’s head cocked. "Roughly?"
Lily raised her voice. "The Syndicate."
Vincent’s face briefly flashed something before he covered it up. "That’s a risky subject."
Ethan leaned a little closer. "So you’re aware of something."
After examining them for a while, Vincent grinned. "Perhaps we ought to talk in a more private setting."
Lily felt a knot in her gut. It was this. This is the point at which things may go their way or go awry.
Ethan looked directly at Vincent. "Take the lead."
Keeping Hope Alive
Lily grabbed Ethan’s hand and gave it a single squeeze as they followed Vincent to a private room. He read the subtle message in her eyes as he looked at her.
We’re all in this together, no matter what.
Ethan resisted.
It was not only hope that they clung to.
They would survive because of it.
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