As Ethan and Lily navigated the dim streets of the city, the automobile was silent. They were both uncomfortable and on edge since the adrenaline from their near miss at the warehouse had not yet worn off. Ethan’s mouth was set in a stern line, his knuckles white as he clenched the steering wheel. Lily was sitting next to him, reliving the night’s events in her head.
Jack Monroe was a mastermind as well as a crook. His network was extensive, and his operations covered several industries. More than just bravery would be needed to defeat him; they would also need money, a plan, and, most importantly, allies.
Who could they trust, though?
Finally, Lily broke the oppressive stillness by saying, "We need help."
From the corner of his eye, Ethan took a quick look at her. "Who is the source of the assistance? The police? For about years, they had shown little concern about Jack. They are either on his payroll or incompetent.
Lily gave a headshake. "Not the police. Soone who understands Jack’s thods. Soone who can assist us in identifying his shortcomings.
Ethan scowled. "You’re referring to an internal person."
"Yes," Lily firmly said. There must be soone out there who has collaborated with him, soone who has betrayed him, or soone who seeks retribution. All we have to do is locate them.
With a groan, Ethan combed through his hair. It’s dangerous. It could backfire if we approach the incorrect individual.
"I understand," Lily said. But what are our options? Jack is too strong for us to defeat alone. We will never be able to stop him if we don’t discover soone who can offer us an advantage.
Ethan took a mont to react, keeping his eyes on the road. He paused, then nodded. "All right. Maybe I know soone. However, I must warn you that this man is far from perfect. It might get ssy if we include him.
"Who is he?" Lily inquired.
Ethan paused before responding. Marcus Cain is his na. Before they fell out, he was one of Jack’s strongest enforcers. The whole story is unknown; however, there are rumors that Jack attempted to deceive him. Marcus just about made it out alive. Since then, he has been hiding.
"Do you believe he will assist us?"
Ethan shrugged. Perhaps, if his resentnt of Jack is sufficiently intense. However, Marcus isn’t exactly the kind of person who does favors out of altruism. He will expect sothing in exchange.
Lily felt a knot in her stomach. It was unnerving to think of siding with soone like Marcus Cain, but she knew Ethan was correct. Marcus might have the secret to defeating Jack if he had inside information about his business.
"Where is he located?" Lily inquired.
Ethan gave a small smile. He’s probably holed up at one of the historic clubs downtown if I had to guess. Even in hiding, Marcus enjoys being surrounded by luxury and has always had a taste for the spectacular.
They were standing outside a plain building on the outskirts of the city’s entertainnt zone a few hours later. Above the entryway was a faded neon sign that read "The Velvet Room," its once-bright colors now fading.
"This is it," Ethan murmured softly.
Lily gave him a tense look. "Are you certain he’s present?"
Ethan gave a nod. "Soone inside will know where to find him if he isn’t."
As soon as they entered, the air was heavy with the aroma of pricey cologne and cigars. Gold accents and velvet curtains graced the walls of the dimly illuminated Velvet Room. In the corner, a jazz group was playing softly, their music blending with the faint murmur of discussion.
A muscular bartender was wiping glasses at the bar, and Ethan escorted Lily there. As they got closer, the man looked up, his face cautious.
With a harsh tone, he said, "What can I get you?"
With a casual yet forceful tone, Ethan stated, "We’re looking for Marcus."
The bartender’s gaze grew strained. "I’m not familiar with that na."
Ethan lowered his voice and leaned in a little. Inform him that Ethan Blake has arrived. He will want to speak with .
The bartender paused, looking from Lily to Ethan and back again. He nodded curtly after a ti and vanished via a door behind the bar.
As they waited, the minutes seed to drag on forever, and Lily’s heart raced. At last, the door opened, revealing a tall man with sharp gray eyes and dark hair that was slicked back. He was wearing a fancy suit, and he had a confident, dangerous air about him.
The man’s lips ford a sneer as he responded, "Well, well." "If Ethan Blake isn’t involved. It’s been a while.
"Marcus," said Ethan calmly.
Marcus’s grin widened as he turned to face Lily. "And who is this beautiful woman?"
With an unarguable tone, Ethan declared, "She’s with ."
Marcus laughed and gestured for them to co after him. "Co on, let’s have a more private conversation."
He ushered them into a little, opulent salon at the rear of the club. As soon as they were seated, Marcus leaned back in his chair and looked at them curiously.
He steepled his fingers and murmured, "So." "Why have you two co to my house?"
Ethan stated frankly, "We need your help."
Marcus’s eyebrow went up. "My assistance? It’s a first. What’s the catch?
Despite the butterflies in her stomach, Lily’s voice remained firm as she stated, "We’re trying to take down Jack Monroe."
Marcus’s countenance hardened and his smirk vanished. "Jack Monroe? It takes guts to co here with that na. Don’t you know what he’s capable of?
"Yes," Ethan replied. We need you because of this. He used to employ you. You are aware of his thods.
Marcus squinted his eyes. "You believe I’m just going to give you that information? Even though Jack and I may not agree, pursuing him is a death sentence. I have enough enemies already. He doesn’t need to be added to the list again.
Lily blurted out, "We’re not asking you to fight him." All we need is information. Anything that can assist us in determining his next course of action.
Marcus leaned forward, looking intently. "And what can I gain from it?"
Ethan and Lily looked at one another, then at each other. "His entire enterprise will fall apart if we take Jack down. His shade will be lifted from you. Put an end to peering over your shoulder.
Marcus thought about this, his face unreadable. He paused for a long mont before gently nodding. "All right. I’ll assist you. However, there is a requirent.
"What is it?" Ethan inquired.
There was a deadly glow in Marcus’s eyes. "I want Jack to be alive when this is all over. I want to be the one to bring him to a close.
Marcus’s demand weighed heavily on Lily’s shoulders as she hesitated. It was risky enough to align with him, but vowing him retribution seed like stepping over a boundary she wasn’t sure she was prepared to.
Ethan responded, "Deal," before Lily could reply.
Marcus leaned back in his chair and smiled. "All right. Then let’s get going.
Lily couldn’t get rid of the impression that they had just struck a bargain with the devil as he started outlining Jack’s operations. But she was prepared to accept the chance if it ant stopping Jack Monroe.
For the ti being.
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