Sweet Vengeances
Chapter 21: Into the Crossfire

Chapter 21: Chapter 21: Into the Crossfire

As Lily, Ethan, and Jack navigated the dark streets, putting as much distance between themselves and Victor’s warehouse as possible, the city appeared to be quieter than usual. Lily felt the weight of everything that had just happened, including Victor’s terrifying threats, the confusion of their escape, and the realization that they were deeper than ever.

Leading the group, Jack’s eyes scanned their surroundings with a keen sense of accuracy. His earlier carefree attitude had disappeared, replaced by the deliberate concentration of a man who had spent years negotiating peril. As a silent reminder that he was there, Ethan remained near Lily, occasionally grazing her hand.

At last, Jack stated in a quiet but forceful voice, "We need a safe place to regroup." "By now, Victor’s men will be searching the city."

"Are you planning?" With a tight tone, Ethan inquired.

Jack looked at him. "Always."

Lily’s nerves seemed to be deteriorating. Victor is aware that we are now pursuing him. That ruins everything, doesn’t it? Since he is constantly one step ahead of us, how are we meant to keep ahead of him?

Jack came to a sudden halt and looked at her, his face unreadable. "Lily, Victor isn’t unbeatable. We’ve already shaken him, but he thrives on control and terror. That is the reason for his outburst. All we have to do is keep going.

"Where is pushing?" Lily’s voice rose as she asked. "Are you merely stepping into a trap, or do you even know what you’re doing?"

Ethan placed a gentle hand on Lily’s arm as he moved between them. "Calm down, Lily. Jack has more experience than either of us in this game. Let’s listen to him.

Unfazed by her outburst, Jack folded his arms. Connections, shady transactions, and intimidation are the foundation of Victor’s empire. We weaken him if we can break those connections. It was only the opening move tonight.

With her rage burning beneath the surface, Lily whispered, "The first move almost got us killed."

Jack’s eyes grew a little softer. "Lily, this is not going to be simple. When you chose to fight back, you were aware of that. However, this is the time to express your want to leave.

She turned away as her jaw tensed and the words stuck in her throat. Leave? She was unable to. Not after Victor had taken so much from her, and not now when she was this deep in.

Finally, she added in a calm voice, "I’m not walking away."

Jack gave a contented nod. "All right. Then let’s proceed.

On the outskirts of the city, they came across an old, deserted bookshop. The windows were streaked with filth, and the old sign above the entrance read Pennyworth Books. Dust stuck to everything, and the air was musty inside.

"This is where we’re getting together?" Ethan inquired, clearly skeptical.

Jack responded, "It’s off the grid," and walked over to a trapdoor that was concealed beneath a soiled carpeting. When he opened it, he saw a small stairway leading into the shadows. "Victor’s men will not consider looking here."

Ethan trailed closely behind Lily as she followed Jack down the stairs. There were a few mismatched seats, a desk full of documents and maps, and a solitary overhead lamp that gave off a bright glow in the little but useful room below.

Jack motioned for Lily to have a seat after bringing out a chair. "We must discuss strategy."

"Strategy?" She sank back in the chair and repeated. "You want to talk strategy? Victor’s men are probably hunting us right now."

Jack responded, leaning against the desk, "Exactly." "We must anticipate his next move in order to stay ahead of him."

Ethan sat opposite Lily, looking thoughtfully. This won’t be taken lightly by Victor. He will, if anything, double down. He is aware that we now pose a threat.

Jack gave a nod. We therefore require leverage. Something so large that he hesitated. You mentioned that Victor alluded to a shipment during your talk, Lily. Are you aware of his meaning?

Lily recalled Victor’s cryptic remarks about deals and desperation from the warehouse. Even though he didn’t say much, it sounded significant. Something he cannot risk losing.

Jack’s eyes shone brightly. "So that is our target."

"And how do you suggest we locate it?" Ethan inquired. "Victor doesn’t leave breadcrumbs exactly."

Jack grinned. "That’s where my contacts are useful."

Lily leaned forward, and an interest sparked. "What sort of relationships?"

Jack was silent for a second before responding. "Those who are indebted to me." Those that are skilled at gathering information about men like Victor. It’s our best chance, but it won’t be simple.

Ethan folded his arms. "And what if Victor discovers us before we do?"

A steely edge took the place of Jack’s smirk. "Then we make sure he feels bad about it."

The group studied the notes and maps Jack had laid out on the desk as the hours passed. As they put the pieces of Victor’s operations together, Lily experienced a mixture of dread and resolve. Although his kingdom was enormous, there were gaps—tiny, weak spots they might take advantage of.

Ethan was attentive, noticing subtleties Lily had overlooked with his keen intellect. His serene manner stood in sharp contrast to Jack’s agitated energy, and she couldn’t help but respect the way he worked.

Ethan looked at her and remarked, "You’re quiet."

Lily said, "I’m just trying to process all of this." "It’s a lot."

He smiled slightly at her. "We’ll overcome it. Together.

He reminded her that she wasn’t fighting this battle alone, and his words gave her a brief feeling of warmth.

Jack interrupted the moment by clearing his throat. He held up a piece of paper and declared, "I have a lead." "A warehouse on the outskirts of town." Its high level of security indicates that something valuable is within.

"And you believe it has something to do with Victor’s shipment?" Ethan inquired.

Jack gave a nod. "There is only one way to know."

Lily felt a knot in her stomach. Her nerves were jangled at the thought of entering yet another hazardous position so quickly, but she realized they had no other option.

Despite the terror that was simmering beneath the surface, she asked in a firm voice, "When do we go?"

A slight smile curved Jack’s lips. "Tonight, tomorrow. Take a nap while you can.

Lily’s mind was racing with ideas of what was ahead as she lay on the makeshift cot in the room’s corner. She couldn’t give up now, even though the battle with Victor felt unwinnable. Not with everything on the line.

Ethan’s voice interrupted her train of thought. "Are you alright?"

He was leaning against the wall with his arms folded when she turned around.

"I’m all right," she murmured quietly. "Just... overpowered."

His face showed comprehension as he nodded. "Lily, we’ll work things out. One action at a time.

She forced a tiny smile. I’m grateful, Ethan. For everything.

The tension in the room briefly subsided as he smiled back at her. But when the two of them remained silent, Lily realized that the fight was far from done.

Victor Kane was a monster, not just a guy. And creatures fought their way to the end.