Volume 6: The Flame of Vengeance
Synopsis: Jack has uncovered crucial evidence against Richard's criminal empire and begins meticulously planning his revenge. He not only intends to reclaim everything that was taken from him but also to send every betrayer and tormentor straight into hell.
Chapter 13: The Threat
"…Just go. Don't come back. If you keep going down this path, it won't end well—for either of us." Richard's voice was filled with despair, as if he could already foresee something terrible.
Jack stared at him, unblinking, searching his eyes for any sign of weakness or deception. He knew Richard was hiding something—Clayton's reach was more terrifying than he had imagined.
"Richard," Jack said coldly, "do you really think keeping secrets will protect you? Do you really believe Clayton will let you live? He threw you out there like a pawn—he's sacrificing you! Your only chance is to work with me. Tell me everything, and I can help you save yourself."
Richard trembled. He knew Jack was right. Clayton had used him, manipulated him, and now discarded him. But what terrified him more than prison—or even death—was the thought of what would happen if he betrayed Clayton.
"Clayton… he… he has control over my family!" Richard finally broke down, tears streaming down his pale face. "He threatened me. He said if I ever revealed anything about him, he'd kill my wife and children!"
Jack felt his stomach drop. Now things were getting even more complicated. Clayton wasn't just powerful—he was ruthless, willing to use innocent lives as leverage.
"Where are they?" Jack asked urgently.
Richard shook his head, pain etched across his face. "I don't know. He never told me where they were hidden. I just know that as long as I obeyed him, they would be safe."
Jack inhaled deeply, forcing himself to stay calm. The most important thing now was to find Richard's family and get them to safety.
"Tell me everything you know," Jack pressed. "Every detail about Clayton. Only then can I help you find your family."
Richard hesitated for a long time before finally giving in. He knew this was his only chance. Slowly, he began to speak—how Clayton had drawn him in, how he had been used for money laundering, how he had facilitated illegal political deals with Senator Thomson.
He described Clayton's vast network of influence, the methods he used to hide his crimes, and even some of the secret locations he frequented.
Time ticked by, and Jack absorbed every word, memorizing each piece of information. This was invaluable—it would shape the next phase of his plan.
Then, the visit ended. A guard approached and motioned for Jack to leave.
"Remember what I told you today, Richard," Jack stood up, his tone icy. "If you dare withhold anything from me, I'll make sure you regret ever being born."
Without another glance, Jack walked out of the room. His mind was racing with anger and urgency. Time was running out. He needed to act fast.
As soon as he left Rikers Island, Jack dialed Kevin.
"Kevin, things have changed," Jack's voice was serious. "Clayton has Richard's family under control. He's using them as leverage. I need you to find them immediately—no matter what it takes. Keep them safe."
"I understand, Jack," Kevin replied. "I'll do everything I can."
Jack hung up and looked up at the gray sky. He knew a darker battle was coming. Clayton wasn't just an enemy anymore—he was a monster threatening innocent lives. And Jack had no choice but to stop him, at any cost.
He hailed a cab to Brooklyn and headed straight to John's place. He needed wisdom, experience—someone who could guide him through the storm ahead.
"John, I need your help," Jack wasted no time, laying out everything Richard had told him and the full extent of Clayton's threat.
John listened silently, then took a long drag from his cigarette before exhaling slowly. "Men like Clayton will stop at nothing to protect their power. You must be careful—he will do whatever it takes to destroy you."
"I know," Jack nodded. "But I won't back down. I've lost too much. I won't let him walk free."
John remained quiet for a moment before asking, "What's your next move?"
"I'm going to find Richard's family and get them out of danger," Jack said firmly. "Then, I'll expose Clayton's crimes to the world—and make sure he pays for them."
"Be careful," John warned. "Clayton will strike from the shadows. He'll use every tool at his disposal."
"I know," Jack replied. "I'm ready."
John nodded and pulled a small slip of paper from his drawer. "This is a contact of mine—a friend who works inside Clayton Capital. He might be able to help you gather more intelligence."
"Thank you, John," Jack said sincerely.
John looked at him seriously. "Remember, Jack—vengeance burns hot, but it can consume you completely. Stay focused. Don't let hatred blind you."
Jack nodded. He understood. Vengeance was important—but staying human was even more so.
Just then, Jack's phone rang. He answered it, and what he heard made his blood run cold.
"Jack, it's bad! Isabella… Isabella's been kidnapped!" Kevin's voice was filled with panic.
Jack's heart dropped like a stone. He knew exactly what this meant. Clayton had made his move.
"Who took her?" Jack's voice was sharp and cold.
"I don't know yet—I'm investigating," Kevin replied. "But they left a note. It says you have to stop your investigation into Clayton—or they'll kill Isabella."
Jack clenched his fists until his nails dug into his palms. A wave of fury and helplessness surged through him. Clayton was forcing him to make a choice.
Abandon his revenge to save Isabella?
Or continue hunting Clayton, knowing Isabella might pay the ultimate price?
Jack faced a decision unlike any other—one that would test the very core of who he was.
At that moment, he felt as though he were standing in the depths of hell, consumed by the flames of vengeance.
And he had to decide.
Now.
No matter the cost—he had to find Isabella.
And he would.