Chapter Eighteen

Chapter 18

"No!" The resounding scream of the group pierced the air, their faces a mix of fear and disbelief. Dennis, reveling in the chaos he caused, cackled with excitement, relishing the power he held over them. Rather than aiming to harm, he had shot in Jemima's direction solely to provoke their reactions, finding amusement in their panic.

"Is that the extent of your loyalty to SK?" Dennis taunted, his expression cold and calculating. Unnoticed by the rest, Alan remained composed, typing on his computer discreetly.

"Release her," Dimitri demanded, his eyes fixed on Jemima's distressed state, pity washing over him as he stared at her vulnerable state

"Never! She's under my control, and you all know the consequences of crossing the mafia ring. Stay away, or she pays the price," Dennis threatened, his tone unwavering before abruptly terminating the call.

"What fate awaits captives of the ring?" Vanessa inquired, her eyes shifting between Dimitri and Jay, revealing her unfamiliarity with the dark underworld they were entangled in.

"They face brutal torture and become mere objects for depraved pleasure," Dimitri explained, his hand nervously rubbing the back of his neck. Jay, overwhelmed by the situation, slumped onto the couch, his face buried in his hands. A heavy silence enveloped the group, broken only by the rhythmic clicks of a keyboard, drawing everyone's attention.

"What's going on, Alan?" Dimitri approached, while Jay stood up to investigate. Surrounded by curious onlookers, Alan remained focused, his tongue peeking out in concentration.

"Give us an update," Jay demanded, his gaze fixed on Alan.

"Just a moment," Alan replied, his fingers dancing urgently on the keyboard. Finally, a triumphant smile spread across his face.

"I've pinpointed Dennis's location and potentially Jemima's too,” Alan's revelation electrified the room, drawing every eye towards him.

"How did you manage that?" Jay whispered, his hand tucked into the pocket of his jeans as he stared at the screen in disbelief.

"During Dennis’s boastful call, I hacked into the IP address, leading us right here," Alan explained, his hand gliding over the monitor screen. Everyone kept quiet, allowing the gravity of the situation weigh in first.

"What if it is just another diversion? Dimitri interjected, the group turning to Alan for reassurance. Alan heaved a weary sigh, wiping away sweat from his brows.

“That is indeed a good question that is why I have come up with a plan,” Alan muttered, typing at his monitor to reveal a set of doors with red beams.

“Okay?” Dimitri probed further.

"I've devised a plan that just might outsmart Dennis this time around," Alan declared, a spark of determination igniting in his eyes. He zoomed into the image on the screen and indicated for everyone to take a look at what he was showing them.

"What's the strategy?" Vanessa inquired eagerly, the team hanging on his every word. The room fell silent, everyone staring at him as they all awaited a response.

"You, Vanessa, will head to the location," Alan stated, prompting a skeptical reaction from Dimitri.

"I can't let Vanessa go alone into danger!" Dimitri protested, fiercely protective of her safety.

"She won't be alone. Let me finish," Alan retorted, urgency creeping into his voice as time ticked away, thoughts of his father briefly crossing his mind.

"Keep going!" Jay urged, his expression intent, wanting to know how the rest of the plan was going to work.

"Vanessa will act as our decoy, equipped with covert surveillance and gas bombs strategically placed. If Jemima is there, the gas bombs will be our signal." Alan expatiated on the plan, watching them intently as they nodded their head in comprehension.

Dimitri's eyes narrowed, his voice tinged with concern, "What if Jemima's not there? Won't that put Vanessa at risk?" He shot a questioning look at Alan, seeking answers amidst the uncertainty.

Alan's response carried an air of assurance, "Even if Jemima or Dennis is absent, the gas bombs will still create the diversion we need to escape. Trust me, we've got it all figured out." His gaze swept across the group, noting their reactions shift, each lost in their thoughts.

Jay, deep in contemplation, stroked his chin thoughtfully, while Dimitri's frustration was palpable, his unease evident. Vanessa, sensing Dimitri's turmoil, approached him, her touch a gesture of comfort on his shoulders in the midst of chaos.

"I understand your concern, but I need to do this for Jemima. Trust me, I'll be alright. It’s my fault she’s endangered further," Vanessa's voice carried a mix of determination and reassurance, aimed at calming Dimitri's fears.

Dimitri, resigned to the unfolding plan, shoulders slumped in acceptance, realizing the gravity of the situation. Jay, a sense of relief washing over him, ran a hand through his hair in acknowledgment of the necessity of the plan.

"Let's not waste time. We need to act now," Jay's authoritative tone cut through the tension, prompting the team into swift action. Each member took their place, gears in motion as they prepared to execute the risky plan, their resolve unwavering in the face of uncertainty.

They all geared up and departed from the house with Jay behind the wheel. Dimitri in the back seat, took Vanessa’s hands into his, trying to send her comfort. He was feeling anxious and knew he had to stay composed to prevent Vanessa from getting anxious too. Despite Vanessa's inexperience in the mafia world, Dimitri trusted her to complete the task.

"That's the spot. Stop here. Vanessa, wear the wire and head to the west wing," Alan directed, checking the computer screen. Jay parked the car in front of what seemed to be an abandoned club house. Dimitri’s gaze flicked out of the window, observing his surroundings.

"Ready?" Jay asked, ensuring Vanessa's readiness.

"Don't forget these," Dimitri said, passing her the gas bombs. They shared a brief kiss before Vanessa left the truck, prepared for the mission.

"Just listen to my instructions, you'll be fine," Alan reassured, while the rest of the team watched anxiously, eager to see the mission unfold.