Sweet Vengeances
Chapter 24: A Dangerous Gamble

Chapter 24: Chapter 24: A Dangerous Gamble

As Lily sat in the back seat of Jack’s car, gazing out at the flashing dark streets, the adrenaline from the attack was still pumping through her veins. The tension in the automobile was evident, and every bump in the road shook her already frazzled nerves. Ethan sat next to her and silently comforted her by placing his hand on hers. Jack drove intently, watching the rearview mirror for any indications of a chase.

The oppressive stillness was broken by Ethan’s statement, "We can’t keep running like this." "To permanently defeat Victor, we need a good plan."

Jack kept his gaze fixed on the road. "We have one already. His entire business can be dismantled by the ledger alone. All we have to do is get it into the proper hands.

Lily gave Ethan a quick look. "And you believe this reporter?"

Jack answered, "She’s solid." Monica Torres is the name. Victor has been on her radar for years, and she has been exposing corruption for more than ten years. She is the one with the courage to publish this.

Ethan scowled. What would happen, though, if Victor learned before she could go public? Before the tale is ever published, he will bury her and us.

Jack gripped the steering wheel more tightly. We’re not giving it up without leverage because of this. Monica must be aware of the dangers, and we will ensure that she is ready for what is ahead.

The idea made Lily’s stomach turn. Every action they took felt like balancing on a tightrope over a flaming abyss. Everything would fall apart with a single slip-up.

The vehicle stopped outside a small apartment building in a more sedate area of the city. Jack turned to them and killed the engine.

"Remain near," he said. "We have no idea who could be observing."

As they got out of the car, Ethan nodded and drew Lily closer. The night air was sharp, and there appeared to be danger lurking in every shadow. With his hand on the revolver holstered at his hip, Jack took the lead.

Without any problems, they made it to the third story, where Jack knocked on a door marked 3B. The boom reverberated menacingly across the confined corridor.

A woman in her mid-30s with keen eyes and a direct manner emerged when the door creaked open a moment later. When she noticed Jack, her expression stiffened, and her dark hair was tied back.

Monica crossed her arms and muttered, "Jack Monroe." "You’re displaying a great deal of courage."

With a little smirk, Jack said, "Nice to see you too, Monica." "I have something that you will want to see."

She glanced at Lily and Ethan, then moved to make room for them. The apartment was compact but neat, with files and papers piled high on almost every surface.

After closing the door, Monica turned to face Jack. "This must be worthwhile."

Without any delay, Jack took the ledger out of his backpack and set it down on the table. "Every detail of Victor Kane’s operation, down to the last penny." Money laundering, bribes, smuggling—you name it, it’s in here.

As Monica turned the pages, her journalistic instincts kicked in and her eyes widened. "This is huge. Half of the city’s elite might be overthrown if this is real.

"It’s real," Jack asserted. However, it’s also risky. Victor is already aware that we have it, and he will not give up until he regains it.

Monica’s face was a mixture of fear and excitement as she gazed up. "You understand what you want me to do, don’t you? My life will be over if I publish this.

Ethan took a step forward and spoke steadily. "We’ll keep you safe. However, this must be revealed. Victor can’t get away with destroying too many lives.

Lily gave a nod. Monica, we’re not asking you to take this lightly. His abilities have been demonstrated to us. The truth must be known by everyone.

Monica paused, staring at the ledger for a moment. At last, she sighed resignedly. "All right. I will. However, it will take me some time to confirm everything and develop the narrative.

Jack gave a nod. "You’ll get it. However, until this is resolved, we will have to relocate you to a secure location.

Monica’s eyebrow went up. "And when Victor Kane is involved, where exactly is safe’?"

The idea was swiftly put into action. Monica packed her necessary tools and paperwork into a duffel bag. Even Victor’s vast network couldn’t readily track down the safe house Jack had set up outside the city.

Lily couldn’t get rid of the uneasy feeling she had as they got ready to go. She was unable to identify the reason behind her instincts’ cries.

"All set?" Observing her discomfort, Ethan inquired.

She nodded and attempted a grin. Indeed. Let’s leave this place.

The anxiety was palpable as the party headed for the automobile. Jack resumed driving, avoiding notice by using several twisting back roads.

It appeared for a time that they would indeed escape unharmed. However, Lily saw two headlights in the rearview mirror that hadn’t been off for miles as they got closer to the city limits.

She said, "We’re being followed," her voice tense with terror.

Jack’s face hardened as he looked in the mirror. "Wait a minute."

The car sped forward as he stepped on the pedal. Lily’s suspicion was confirmed when the car that was pursuing also accelerated.

Ethan remarked in a calm, low voice, "They won’t let us go."

Jack’s mouth clenched. "We make them regret following us after that."

Sharp twists and squealing tires filled the following few minutes. Although Jack’s driving prowess kept them ahead, the chasers persisted.

"They’re catching up to us!" From the rear seat, Monica yelled while gripping the duffle bag.

"Not long," Jack whispered. The car jolted heavily over the uneven terrain as he pulled onto a narrow dirt lane.

Lily clutched Ethan’s arm, her heart racing. The headlights behind them seemed to become closer by the second, and the car’s speed was dizzying.

At last, Jack noticed a gap—a tiny clearing off the road. Cutting the engine and dousing the headlights, he swerved into it.

"All out," he growled.

Unaware of their abrupt absence, they scurried out of the car and ducked into the shadows as their assailants sped past.

Lily’s hand remained firmly on Ethan’s as her chest heaved as she struggled to breathe.

"That was too close," Monica said in a tremulous tone.

Jack grimaced as he nodded. We haven’t left the woods yet. Let’s continue our journey.

Lily kept thinking that their struggle was far from finished as they navigated the pitch-black woodland. Victor had a wide sphere of influence, and their window of opportunity was rapidly closing.

But there was a glimmer of hope in spite of the anxiety and uncertainty. They had Monica, they had the ledger, and they had one another. And that was plenty to continue for the time being.