"How are you? Did you gather any new information, Gerald?" William asked, sipping coffee despite the hot weather. Gerald, busy tracing the call that used Thalia's number, smiled faintly at his brother.
They were in the basement together. Gerald had set his things down and stretched.
"Well, I have, brother," he replied.
"What is it?" Zenne asked, glancing at the faint graze from a bullet on Gerald's arm.
"Vince's premonition was right — they're going to abduct those three."
Gerald fell silent for a moment, his mind drifting. Sorry, Mom… I didn't escape because I need to avenge my younger sibling.
Someone ruffled his hair. "If things get tight, run. I'd rather not risk another sibling," William said, his concern evident.
"I need to help you. And please… stop blaming yourself for back then." Gerald clenched his fists.
William only looked at him, then tapped his shoulder. "Keep me updated on what you find."
Gerald nodded. The guilt never left him. If I'd gone with her to buy school supplies, it wouldn't have happened. I was an irresponsible older brother.
"Gerald," Vince's voice pulled him back.
He looked up, still heavy with regret.
"You okay?" Vince asked, puzzled.
Gerald nodded. "I'm sorry."
"Follow them, Ericka — now," Vince ordered.
"Why?" Gerald asked.
"They're collecting evidence tonight."
William frowned. "Isn't that too risky?"
Vince scratched his head. "Gerald, make a diversion tonight. Someone will help you."
Gerald turned to see the three young women William had helped.
"Wait," Zenne said, stepping toward Vince. "You might betray us trusting them."
"We need to do it," Vince replied with a sigh. "They're good people. Thalia saved them."
William eyed Vince. "What are you thinking?"
"I'll tell you later — if this works."
The women stepped forward. "We're ready to help with whatever it is," one said.
William exhaled. "Whatever happens, it's on you, Vince."
Vince turned to Gerald. "Listen to my plan."
Gerald swallowed hard as Vince laid it out.
"You're the only one who can draw their attention away," Vince said.
Gerald hesitated, thinking of the risk.
"You're the only one I can trust here," Vince pressed. "You know every corner of this place."
You're here to help — don't be a coward now, Gerald told himself. He nodded. Vince smiled, patting his shoulder.
"Don't worry, we'll be there."
Gerald briefed the three women who would act as bait, making sure nothing would go wrong. Night had fallen. The cold wind raised goosebumps on their skin as they left the basement and slipped into the forest.
Though nervous, Gerald adjusted his mini wireless earpiece. He called Ericka quietly, explaining the plan — they would mislead the trackers before the evidence could be secured.
From his hiding spot near the hut, Gerald spotted three shadows emerging. He signaled to the women, who nodded. Moments later, two more figures followed. I hope this works, he prayed.
Moving silently, he whispered, "Follow the plan," into his earpiece.
They drew the pursuers away, forcing one tracker into hesitation, confused about the group's direction. The ruse worked — the two followed as intended.
Gerald kept his group on a separate route from Ericka's, making sure their paths wouldn't cross. But when the trackers stopped, his companions improvised — one paused as if lost, luring them back on track.
Finally, he saw the target digging. Gerald's voice was low and firm in his earpiece: "You have five minutes. Get it now."