Volume 2: The Rules of Survival in the Underground World
Summary: As Jack and his allies continue their investigation into Richard, they encounter increasing resistance and danger. They begin to realize just how powerful and far-reaching Richard's influence truly is.
Chapter 14: Peril at Every Turn
"What do you want, Ali?" Jack asked, forcing his voice to remain calm. He knew that showing even a hint of weakness would only make things worse.
Ali spat on the ground near Jack's feet, the saliva glistening under the dim light. "I'm here to collect rent! Isabella owes me three months' protection money. If she doesn't pay up soon, I'll tear this dump apart!"
He gestured to his gang members behind him, who immediately stepped forward, blocking the only exit with a menacing presence.
Jack scanned their hardened faces and knew this wouldn't be easy. He forced himself to stay calm, analyzing the situation. Fighting head-on was out of the question—he had Emily and Isabella to protect. His only option was to stall for time and look for an opening.
"Isabella isn't here. You won't find her," Jack said firmly.
Ali laughed bitterly. "Not here? You think I'm stupid? I can smell her stink! Get that bitch out here now, or I swear I'll carve every one of you up!"
"She's not here. Search if you don't believe me," Jack replied defiantly, his eyes scanning the surroundings. He noticed some old planks and iron rods stacked in the corner—perhaps he could use them.
Ali's face twisted in anger. He grabbed Jack by the collar and snarled, "You're asking for it! Search the place! Find that woman!"
His men rushed inside the basement, tearing through everything. Jack broke free from Ali's grip, stepping back cautiously and clenching his fists, ready for anything.
Emily and Isabella were hiding deep within the basement, watching through the gaps between the wooden boards. Emily gripped Isabella's hand tightly, her palms slick with sweat.
"Will Jack be okay?" Emily whispered, trembling.
Isabella bit her lip but didn't answer. She knew Jack was clever and brave, but against someone as ruthless as Ali, the odds were slim.
"We found her, Ali boss!" shouted a bald thug excitedly. He yanked away the planks, revealing Emily and Isabella crouching behind them.
At the sound of his man's shout, Ali's face lit up with cruel delight. "Found you, you little bitch!" He waved to his men, who surged forward to grab Emily and Isabella.
In that critical moment, Jack moved.
He grabbed an iron rod and swung it hard into the nearest thug's side. A loud thud echoed as the man cried out and collapsed.
Ali's expression darkened. "Kill him!" he roared.
The remaining thugs charged at Jack. Using his agility and street-hardened instincts, Jack dodged their attacks while striking back with brutal efficiency.
Though once a Wall Street executive, months of survival in the underworld had made him stronger and more resilient. He knew mercy was a luxury he couldn't afford. Each strike landed with full force.
Despite his skill, the numbers were against him. Soon, Jack was overwhelmed. Blows rained down on him, and pain shot through his body with every hit.
"Jack!" Emily cried out when she saw him fall.
Ali smirked, stepping forward and placing his boot heavily on Jack's chest. "Who do you think you are? Thinking you can mess with me, Ali? Today, I'll show you who rules Chinatown!"
Jack glared up at him, defiance burning in his eyes. He knew if he fell here, all three of them would be doomed.
Just as Ali raised his foot for another blow, a sharp whistle cut through the air.
Ali's face paled. He turned sharply toward the entrance and saw several uniformed officers rushing in.
"Cops! Run!" Ali barked, shoving Jack aside and fleeing with his men like a pack of scared rats.
The police stormed into the basement, quickly assessing the scene. One officer knelt beside Jack.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
Jack shook his head and slowly stood up, despite the pain radiating through his body.
"Thank you," Emily said gratefully.
The officer nodded and began securing the area.
Isabella hurried over to Jack, concern etched across her face. "You're hurt."
"I'm fine," Jack said with a weak smile. "Just bruises." In truth, every bone in his body felt like it was breaking.
An older officer approached. "What's your name?"
"Jack."
"We received an anonymous tip about illegal activity and gang violence here. We'll need your cooperation for an investigation," the officer explained.
Jack nodded. It was the safest move for now.
During questioning, Jack gave a brief account of what happened—but omitted any mention of Richard or the Blue Ocean Project. He described it simply as a dispute with Ali over unpaid debts.
The officers took notes, then escorted Jack, Emily, and Isabella to the station for further statements.
Back at the station, Jack spotted the young officer who had helped them and approached him.
"Thanks again," Jack said.
"No problem. That's our job," the officer replied with a smile. "But seriously, watch yourselves. Ali's dangerous. You should consider leaving town."
Jack nodded. He knew the officer was right. Ali wouldn't let this go easily. They needed to leave—fast.
As they walked out of the police station and onto the cold, empty streets, a chill wind swept through them.
"What do we do now?" Emily asked, her voice laced with uncertainty.
Jack took a deep breath. "We have to get out of New York. Somewhere Richard and Ali can't reach us."
"Where?" Isabella asked.
Jack thought for a moment. "Boston. I still have some contacts there. Maybe they can help."
"Then Boston it is," Emily said, nodding.
Jack knew the journey ahead wouldn't be peaceful. Richard and Ali wouldn't stop hunting them. They'd have to stay alert, anticipate every danger, and prepare for every possible threat.
But no matter what lay ahead, he wouldn't give up. He would fight for himself—for Emily, for Isabella—and expose Richard's crimes to the world. He would make sure Richard paid for every betrayal, every lie, every life he had destroyed.
New York's underground world was filled with peril at every turn.
But Jack was ready.