Sweet Vengeances
Chapter 23: Trapped

Chapter 23: Chapter 23: Trapped

As Victor Kane moved closer, his sharp eyes fixed on Jack, the tense moment dragged on. To prevent any possibility of escape, his troops spread out. As Lily clung to Ethan’s side, her mind raced for an answer, her pulse thundering in her ears.

"Well, isn’t this cozy?" Victor scoffed, his angular features shadowed by the glow of his cigarette. "Jack, I always knew you’d go too far. However, including civilians in this? That is low, even for you.

Jack’s posture remained firm as his jaw tensed. Victor, let them go. Both you and I are aware that this is unrelated to them.

Victor’s laugh lacked humor and was icy. Yes, it is entirely related to them. Do you really believe I have no idea what you’ve been sniffing around for? You may think you’re smart because you grabbed that small ledger, but you’ve just signed your death warrant—and theirs.

Ethan immediately moved forward to protect Lily. Victor, we’re not the ones in over our heads. You have miscalculated if you believe you can intimidate us into submitting.

Victor’s enjoyment faded as his eyes narrowed. Yes, Ethan Blake. You always play the good guy, don’t you? How does it feel to be pulled into a mess that your sister created, please?

Ethan’s face clouded at the mention of Cassandra, but he refused to fall for the ruse.

Even though Lily’s hands were shaking, she made herself remain calm. Victor, you are the one who is making a mistake. We have evidence—evidence that will destroy you. Perhaps you can save what remains of your empire if we leave now.

Victor’s eyes were shining with ill intent as he turned to face her. "I’ll give you that you have fire. But, little girl, you’re in over your head. Do you truly believe you can succeed when you play in my world?

The air was filled with the sound of a siren before anyone could react. As police cars rushed into view, their tires grinding on the tarmac, red and blue lights illuminated the night.

Victor’s expression contorted in rage. "Who gave them the tip?"

Jack grinned, letting his shoulders drop a little. "You think I wouldn’t have a plan when I came here?"

The ensuing mayhem was immediate. Victor yelled commands at his soldiers, who dispersed in an effort to get away. Jack took Lily by the arm and dragged her over to the car. "Go! Right now!

With a laser-like focus, Ethan led Lily into the rear seat and covered their retreat. As they drove away from the scene, Jack cranked the engine, and the tires squealed.

The adrenaline started to wear off as they drove, leaving Lily breathless and unsteady. Her voice was shaking as she said, "What just happened?"

Jack looked in the rearview mirror at her. "A buddy of mine alerted the police. For the time being, that was the only way to get Victor off our backs.

Ethan’s expression remained strained as he twisted in his chair. "What about the ledger?"

Jack gave his bag a pat. "Safe and sound. Our trump card is this. This will allow us to reveal Victor’s whole scheme.

With a deep breath, Lily let go of the burden of their narrow escape. Her relief, however, was fleeting. Victor won’t give up on this. He will now pursue us more vigorously.

Jack gave a somber nod. "For this reason, we must move quickly. We cannot allow him to reorganize.

Ethan tenderly squeezed Lily’s hand as he reached for it. "We’ll overcome this. Together.

She looked him in the eye, finding strength in the resolve she saw there. She felt a flicker of hope for the first time in days.

The group got together again at Jack’s hiding place to decide on their next course of action. As they skimmed over the ledger’s contents, the cramped, poorly lit room felt oppressive. Each entry provided a devastating account of Victor’s bribery, smuggling, and money laundering offenses.

"This is sufficient to bury him," Jack stated firmly. However, we must deliver it to the appropriate individuals. Someone who won’t let Victor’s influence scare them away.

"Who are you referring to?" Ethan inquired.

Jack’s face hardened as he paused. "One of my old contacts. A reporter who has spent years pursuing Victor. She is the one who has the ability to blast this all open.

Lily scowled. "Is she reliable?"

Jack gave a nod. "She is among the few individuals I would risk my life for."

With his arms folded, Ethan reclined on his chair. "So, what is the strategy? Turn in the ledger and cross your fingers?

"Not exactly," Jack answered. "We must first make sure we are safe. Victor will do whatever it takes to keep us quiet. We must continue to be ahead of him.

A loud crash outside cut off the chat. The group’s eyes darted to the entrance as they froze.

Jack reached for his rifle and walked toward the window, whispering, "Stay here."

Lily clutched Ethan’s arm, her heart racing. "What’s going on?"

With his own anxiety evident, Ethan pulled her close. "I’m not sure, but we must be prepared for anything."

Jack came back with a somber look. "The men of Victor." They have located us.

As the reality of their predicament set in, Lily felt a wave of panic. They had no obvious way out and were outgunned and outnumbered.

"What are we going to do?" Her voice was hardly heard as she whispered.

Jack had a stern look. "We battle."

The following few seconds flew by. Victor’s guys rushed in with their rifles ready as the door flew open. When Jack fired the first shot, mayhem broke out.

Gunfire filled the room as Lily and Ethan dived behind a table, her breathing labored. Focused, Ethan groped for a tiny handgun that Jack had handed him earlier.

With a tone that left no space for debate, he said, "Stay down."

Lily, however, couldn’t watch helplessly. Her grasp tightened as she reached for a metal rod on the ground, ready to defend herself.

Jack’s training and accuracy provided them an advantage in the vicious and chaotic battle. Victor’s men were defeated one by one as a result of their arrogance.

There was silence in the room as the last of the invaders were defeated.

Lily’s body shook with relief and tiredness as she fell into Ethan.

Jack stated in a strained voice, "We have to move." "This location is no longer safe."

With his arm supporting her, Ethan assisted Lily in standing up. "Where are we going?"

Jack’s eyes were determined. "To my contact." This must come to an end.

Lily felt a glimmer of resolve rekindle inside her despite her fatigue. She would not let up until justice was done, and they were closer than ever to defeating Victor.