Volume 3: The Rise to Power
Summary: After helping Jack uncover Richard's crimes, Isabella becomes the target of a brutal retaliation—kidnapped and thrown into mortal danger.
Darkness surged like a tide, swallowing Isabella whole.
As Jack eagerly examined the detailed transaction records provided by "Ghost," plotting his next move, his phone suddenly rang. It was Kevin—his voice frantic, almost screaming.
"Jack! It's bad! Isabella… Isabella's been taken by Richard's men!"
Jack's mind went blank. The USB drive nearly slipped from his fingers as a wave of icy dread shot up his spine. His heart clenched, as if gripped by an invisible, iron fist—leaving him breathless.
"Explain. What the hell happened?!" Jack forced himself to stay calm, his voice low and heavy with tension.
"Richard knows we found evidence of his illegal dealings. He suspects Isabella leaked the information… so he had her kidnapped. They threatened us—if we don't hand over the evidence, they'll kill her."
Jack's eyes burned with fury. His fists tightened until his nails cut into his palms, drawing blood.
"Damn it, Richard! You're going to pay for this!"
He forced himself to focus. The priority was clear—find Isabella, keep her safe. He inhaled deeply, steadying his emotions.
"Kevin, where did they take her?"
"I… I don't know. Their operation was too well-hidden. I'm still digging," Kevin replied anxiously. "But I intercepted part of their communication. I'll send it to you."
A few minutes later, Jack received an audio file. He put on his headphones and listened carefully. The conversation was short, containing only a vague location and a code name:
"Warehouse District. Falcon Red."
"Warehouse District? Falcon Red?" Jack narrowed his eyes, scanning his memory. He'd spent time in New York's underworld—he knew every shadowed corner of the city.
"That's an abandoned warehouse near the docks," said Old John, who had appeared behind Jack without warning, concern etched across his face. "Used to be a smuggling den. If Richard stashed his men there, he's been planning this for a while."
"I know," Jack nodded, his expression resolute. "Old John, thank you. I have to go save Isabella."
"You're going alone?" John frowned. "Richard will have set traps. Going in blind is suicide."
"I don't have a choice," Jack said firmly. "Isabella got caught up in this because of me. I won't let her get hurt. No matter what lies ahead, I have to face it."
John hesitated, then exhaled heavily. "Fine. I'll help. At least I can give you some gear—and a few warnings."
He handed Jack a fully loaded pistol. "This has been with me for years. May it protect you. And remember—Richard's men are ruthless. Don't underestimate them. Especially his bodyguard, code-named Black Bear. He's dangerous."
Jack took the gun, checked the chamber, and tucked it into his waistband. "Thanks, John. I'm leaving now."
Without another word, he turned and disappeared into the night.
On his way to the warehouse district, Jack's mind raced through possible rescue strategies. He knew this mission was perilous—one wrong move, and not only would Isabella remain trapped, but he could end up dead too. But fear had no place here. He had made his decision. Whatever it took, he would bring Isabella back.
When he arrived at the warehouse district, darkness reigned. Only distant dock lights flickered weakly against the black sky. The air was thick with the stench of rotting fish and decay, oppressive and suffocating.
He approached the Falcon Red warehouse cautiously. The main entrance was sealed shut—no movement, no sound. He knew better than to trust the silence. Richard's men were waiting inside, expecting him.
Jack didn't rush in. He circled the building, studying its surroundings. At the rear, he spotted a small locked door.
He pulled out a knife, deftly picking the lock. The door creaked open, and he slipped inside like a shadow.
Inside, dim light flickered from aging bulbs. Jack saw Isabella tied to a chair, her mouth taped shut, terror in her eyes.
Around her stood several muscular men, weapons in hand, smirking cruelly.
In the far corner sat Richard, sipping wine with unsettling calm.
"Jack. You finally came," Richard said, setting down his glass with a smirk. "I thought you'd run away, hiding like the coward you truly are."
"Let Isabella go," Jack's voice was cold, edged with death.
"Let her go?" Richard laughed. "And why should I listen to you?"
He rose, walking toward Isabella, gently stroking her cheek. "Such a beauty. A shame she chose the wrong side."
Isabella struggled violently, but the bindings held firm.
"Bastard!" she muffled through the tape.
"Bastard?" Richard shrugged. "In this world, only the powerful define justice. And I… am destined to win."
He turned back to Jack. "Hand over the evidence, and I might let her live. Refuse, and you'll watch her die before your eyes."
Jack's eyes remained icy. "You think I believe you?"
"I don't care if you do," Richard sneered. "Because you have no other choice."
With a snap of his fingers, Black Bear stepped forward, blade raised toward Isabella's throat.
"Jack, I'll count to three," Richard said coldly. "If you don't surrender the evidence, she dies. One…"
Jack's heart pounded. He knew Richard meant it.
"Two…"
His grip tightened. Doubt clawed at him.
"Three…"
At that exact moment, Jack moved.
He drew his gun and fired—a deafening crack shattered the silence.
Simultaneously, a second gunshot echoed from the shadows. A bullet tore through the air, striking Black Bear square in the chest. He collapsed, weapon clattering to the ground.
Chaos erupted—shouts, screams, gunfire.
Jack seized the opening, rushing to Isabella and slicing through her bonds with his knife.
"Are you okay?" he asked urgently.
She shook her head, tears streaming. "Jack, look out!"
A thug lunged at him with a metal rod. Jack dodged, kicked the attacker's knee, and sent him crashing down with a gut punch.
Amid the chaos, Jack fought like a storm—fast, precise, deadly. Protecting Isabella, battling enemies, closing in on Richard.
Richard's confidence cracked. He hadn't expected Jack to turn the tables so quickly.
"Black Bear! Kill him!" he screamed.
But Black Bear lay motionless.
Panic flooded Richard's face. He realized—he might not survive this night.
Just as Jack closed in, the warehouse doors burst open.
"Freeze! Police!" a loud voice shouted.
Relief washed over Richard. A grin returned to his lips.
"Officers, perfect timing!" he shouted. "This man is a fugitive—he kidnapped Isabella and murdered my bodyguard. Arrest him now!"
Jack recognized the trap immediately—Richard was trying to twist the truth, using the law as his weapon.
"Jack, run!" Isabella urged.
Jack nodded. There was no time for explanations.
He grabbed Isabella's hand and sprinted toward the back exit.
The police noticed immediately and gave chase.
Running through the dark, pursued by sirens and shouts, Jack and Isabella knew—they only had one chance. If caught, everything would be lost.