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 14: Isabella Kidnapped
Jack clenched his fists, his nails digging deep into his palms. A wave of intense anger and helplessness washed over him, as if an invisible hand had gripped his throat, choking him. Clayton! That damned Clayton! How dare he touch Isabella!
"Jack, Jack! Can you hear me? I'm still tracking them, but their counter-surveillance is strong—I need more time!" Kevin's voice was urgent and anxious, the sound of rapid keystrokes audible in the background.
Jack took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. He knew now wasn't the time for panic—Isabella's life hung in the balance. "Kevin, what does the note say exactly? Any mention of ransom or other demands?"
"No," Kevin replied, his voice trembling slightly. "It's simple—one line: 'Stop investigating Clayton, or she dies.' Signed with a blood-red 'C'."
Jack closed his eyes, forcing himself to think. Why would Clayton do this? Was it just because he was looking into Richard's case? Or did he know more? Could Isabella be nothing more than bait—an elaborate trap to lure him in?
A thousand questions swirled in his mind, making his head throb. But one thing was clear—he had to save Isabella, no matter what.
Opening his eyes, determination filled his gaze. "Kevin, keep tracking them. At any cost, find where they're holding her. I need everything—vehicle details, communication records, anything linked to Clayton!"
"I understand, Jack! I'll do my best!" Kevin responded before hanging up.
Jack put down the phone, feeling a cold chill run through him. He realized how swiftly and decisively Clayton had acted. Perhaps from the moment he started investigating Richard, Clayton had already set his sights on him.
He turned to John, who sat silently smoking, his face lined with wrinkles but his eyes sharp and alert.
"John, I need your help," Jack said in a low, urgent tone. "Clayton has kidnapped Isabella. I need you to help me figure out his next move."
John exhaled a long stream of smoke. "Clayton is meticulous. He wouldn't have done this without thorough preparation. He won't leave any traces, and he might've already moved Isabella."
"What should we do?" Jack asked anxiously.
"Stay calm, Jack," John advised. "The priority now is finding Isabella. Kevin is tracking them, but we need more intel. Clayton has deep roots in New York. We need someone who knows him well and is willing to risk everything to go against him."
Jack paused, then thought of someone—a mole within Clayton's organization whom he had helped before. "John, there's a man who works for Clayton. He might have useful information."
"Contact him immediately," John urged. "Remember, Jack, time is critical. Every second could mean life or death for Isabella."
Jack nodded and dialed the number on the slip of paper John had given him. After several rings, a gravelly voice answered, "Hello, who's this?"
"This is Jack. John sent me," Jack said. "I need your help."
There was a brief silence before the voice responded, "I see. Where are you?"
"At John's place in Brooklyn," Jack answered.
"Stay there. I'll be right over," the voice said before hanging up.
Jack ended the call, feeling a surge of restless anxiety. He paced back and forth, trying to ease his tension. Time seemed to crawl, each second stretching into an eternity.
About half an hour later, a black sedan pulled up outside John's house. A lanky man wearing a cap stepped out, cautiously scanning the surroundings.
Jack opened the door and walked out. The man saw him and approached quickly.
"I'm Marcus, a friend of John's," the man whispered. "I know you're in trouble and need assistance."
"Hello, Marcus," Jack shook his hand. "Clayton has kidnapped my friend. I need to find her."
Marcus nodded. "I know some of Clayton's secret locations. I can take you there, but be warned—it's extremely dangerous. His men are ruthless."
"I don't care about the danger," Jack said firmly. "I must save my friend."
Marcus took a deep breath. "Alright, follow me."
They got into the car, which sped off into the dark streets. The atmosphere inside the vehicle was tense, with Jack's heart pounding with worry and unease. He didn't know what awaited them, but he was ready to face whatever came his way—for Isabella, he'd pay any price.
As the car wound through the night streets of New York, they finally stopped at an abandoned warehouse district. The area was pitch-black, illuminated only by faint streetlights far away.
"This is one of Clayton's secret bases," Marcus whispered. "He often handles shady business here. Be careful; his men may be around."
Jack nodded, and they carefully exited the car, heading towards the warehouse. The air was thick with dust, making it uncomfortable to breathe.
Approaching the warehouse, they heard muffled sounds and voices coming from inside.
"It's in there," Marcus pointed to the warehouse door. "We need to find a way in."
Jack took a deep breath, knowing the real test was about to begin. He had to stay calm and vigilant to successfully rescue Isabella. Clayton, you will pay for this. I swear it!