It seed as though nature itself recognized the impending storm in their lives since the air outside Cassandra’s apartnt was clear and thick with the sll of rain. Silently, Lily and Ethan strolled along their thoughts around Jack Monroe and the complex web that had drawn them together.
The stillness was broken first by Lily. "Do you believe Jack is already aware that we are investigating him?"
Ethan’s jaw was clenched as he continued to look forward. Yes, if he’s even half as dangerous as I know him to be. He is aware.
Lily’s heart fell. In addition to being a danger to Cassandra, Jack Monroe lood large over everyone’s life. She and Ethan were now directly entering his web.
When they arrived at Ethan’s car, he stopped and opened the door for her. "Are you certain you want to continue doing this? Crossing Jack is not sothing you do lightly. We cannot turn back once we begin.
Lily’s determination was evident as she gazed at him. "I’ve already lost too much, Ethan. My trust in those closest to , my marriage, and my sense of security. I won’t stop until Jack Monroe is dealt with if he is responsible for this.
With a glimr of appreciation in his eyes, Ethan nodded. "All right. However, we do this cleverly. No careless actions, no needless dangers.
Lily smiled a little, and their tension eased for a mont. "When did I start acting recklessly?"
Ethan laughed, but it wasn’t a funny laugh. "Lily Harper, I’ve seen enough of you to know that you don’t hesitate to take chances. Let’s simply make sure you don’t have to pay more than you can afford.
A man nad Greg Tanner, a forr associate of Jack Monroe was the initial target of their investigation. Greg was a small-ti crook who had forrly been part of Jack’s inner circle but had lost favor following a botched deal, according to Ethan. Greg was the one who could provide insight into Jack’s movents.
Greg’s "office" was a seedy pub hidden on the city’s outskirts. It was the sort of place where loyalties changed with the wind and agreents were done in whispers, and it slled of stale beer and desperation.
Lily looked around the room as they walked in, taking in the gruff crowd and the low lighting. Greg was easily identified as a wiry, balding man who was drinking at a corner table. Like a man who is always checking his back, his eyes darted frantically across the room.
Ethan confidently walked up to him, Lily a step behind him.
Ethan pulled out a chair and sat down opposite him, saying, "Greg," with ease.
Greg recognized Ethan and his eyes widened a little. "Blake," he said in a gravelly voice. "Why in the world are you here?"
Ethan leaned forward, his face composed yet authoritative. "I need to know. Concerning Jack Monroe
Greg tensed, his eyes darting from Lily to Ethan. "I have no knowledge."
Ethan shook his head and grinned. Hurry up, Greg. You’re not the type of guy who leaves things easily, as we both know. I’m prepared to wager that you are well aware of Jack’s recent activities because you have your ear to the ground.
Greg paused, looking around the room uneasily. "Look, I wouldn’t tell you even if I did know sothing. It bothers Jack when others gossip behind his back.
After silently watching, Lily eventually said sothing. What about the individuals that Jack injures? Are you comfortable with that?
Greg’s eyes narrowed as he suddenly looked at her. "Who are you?"
"She is with ," Ethan stated resolutely. She’s correct, too. Jack poses a threat to everyone he encounters. Greg, you’re not only helping yourself if you help us; you’re also preventing him from harming additional people.
Greg’s fingers drumd nervously on the table, and he appeared conflicted. He finally sighed in frustration. "All right. But do you hear when I say that I’m dead if this cos back to ?
Ethan gave a nod. "We’ll ensure that it doesn’t."
Greg lowered his voice and leaned forward. As it happens, Jack has been growing his business. He has scamrs operating all throughout the city, including money laundering and blackmail. However, he has been more paranoid than normal lately. He is reportedly cleaning the house. Tying up loose ends
"Cassandra-like loose ends?" With a knot in her gut, Lily asked.
Greg gave a nod. It might be. No one, not even those closest to Jack, is trustworthy. He won’t think twice about making Cassandra vanish if he believes she knows too much or could turn against him.
Ethan’s face grew serious. What about his operational base? From where is he operating?
Greg paused once more before giving in to Ethan’s piercing stare. A warehouse is located near the docks. Although it’s not much to look at, he does most of his business there. You’ll find him there if you’re seeking him.
Ethan got up and nodded. "Thank you, Greg. Avoid problems.
Lily’s mind was aflutter with potential as they left the bar. Although the warehouse was their finest lead to date, it also ant that they were going straight into Jack Monroe’s domain.
Later that evening, Lily sat in her apartnt and gazed at the city lights outside the window. The weight of what they were going to accomplish was too much for her to handle. In addition to being a criminal, Jack Monroe was a powerful, influential man who lacked morality. It was risky to pursue him, but it felt terrible to do nothing.
She was startled out of her reverie by Ethan’s voice. Insisting that it was better for them to remain together now because Jack might perceive them as a threat, he had remained over.
He handed her a glass of wine and remarked, "You’re quiet."
Lily took the glass and said, "Just thinking."
Ethan took a seat next to her and was a steady, comforting presence. "How about?"
"Everything," she acknowledged. "Jack, Daniel, Cassandra... us."
Ethan’s eyebrows went up. "Us?"
A tiny smile tugged at Lily’s lips as she looked into his eyes. "The only thing that feels solid in this turmoil is you. As if I can rely on you.
Ethan’s face softened, and he extended his hand to grasp hers. "You can. I swear that I won’t allow anything to happen to you, Lily.
The brief but impactful mont they had served as a reminder that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
Their strategy for the next day beca clear as the clock approached midnight. They would visit the warehouse, collect any available evidence, and ultimately put a stop to Jack Monroe’s terror reign.
However, while they readied themselves for the future, they both couldn’t get rid of the sensation that the storm was only getting started.
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