Volume 9: Showdown on Wall Street
Synopsis: Jack has gathered enough evidence to launch his final strike against Richard's true mastermind. He will use every resource at his disposal to drag the hidden sins into the light of day.
Chapter 6: The Wisdom of Old John
New York awoke beneath a veil of gray mist. The air carried the mingled scents of coffee and exhaust fumes, signaling the start of another day in the city that never slept. Jack stood at a rundown corner in Lower Manhattan, taking a deep breath, letting the morning chill chase away the fatigue of the night before.
He was going to see Old John.
Old John wasn't family—wasn't even really a friend. They had met when Jack was at his lowest, standing in line at a soup kitchen. A man in his seventies, ragged and bearded, with eyes so clear they seemed to pierce through walls. Jack once overheard him discussing stock market trends with another homeless man, using financial jargon more precise than many Wall Street analysts.
Curious, Jack struck up a conversation about finance. The depth of Old John's knowledge—the way he understood markets, risk, and strategy—left Jack stunned. This was no ordinary vagrant. He was a forgotten genius.
Jack knew there was a story behind those weary eyes. One he had yet to uncover.
The soup kitchen was long abandoned now, its doors empty except for janitors sweeping the floors. Jack followed the worn streets, winding through grimy alleys until he reached an old, derelict parking lot. This was where Old John usually rested—in a makeshift "home" built from stacked cardboard boxes.
"Old John?" Jack called softly, not wanting to startle him.
A frail figure emerged from behind the boxes. It was him. His face bore signs of exhaustion, but when he saw Jack, a warm smile spread across it.
"Jack. You came."
"There's something I need your help with," Jack said bluntly.
Old John nodded and pointed to a rusted metal drum nearby. "Sit. It's clean enough."
Jack didn't hesitate. He sat down and relayed everything Emily had told him—the Claus & Smith law firm, Robert Claus, the basement safe room, the mysterious Phoenix Fund, and the cryptic phrase Walden Lakeside.
Old John listened in silence, his gaze intense and thoughtful. When Jack finished, he exhaled slowly, his raspy voice tinged with age and wisdom.
"Claus… the Phoenix Fund… Walden Lakeside… There's something deeply buried here."
"What do you know, Old John?" Jack asked eagerly.
Old John shook his head. "I can't say for sure, Jack. But I have a bad feeling. The name Phoenix Fund alone raises red flags. Phoenixes rise from ashes—rebirth after destruction. That usually means high stakes, and secrets worth dying for."
"As for Walden Lakeside…" He paused, as if recalling distant memories. "When I was young, I worked in Switzerland for a few years. Walden Lakeside is a famous tourist destination there—peaceful, beautiful. But in financial circles, it carries a different meaning…"
"What meaning?" Jack pressed.
"Money laundering," Old John replied solemnly. "Walden Lakeside is often used as a code name for offshore accounts—especially those involved in illegal transactions. Bankers use it to hide the origins and purposes of illicit funds."
Jack felt a chill run down his spine. Now he understood—Richard had likely set up secret Swiss accounts under the Walden Lakeside alias to move illegal money.
"Old John, you're incredible!" Jack exclaimed, admiration in his voice. "Can you help me figure out what to do next?"
Old John remained quiet for a moment before speaking. "Jack, you've found some important leads—but they aren't enough. You need solid proof of Richard's crimes, and his connection to the real puppet master."
"I know," Jack sighed. "But I don't know where to begin."
Old John chuckled, revealing a few missing teeth. "You're moving too fast, boy. Sometimes, stepping back lets you see further."
He pointed at Jack. "What you need most right now isn't brute force—it's clarity. Analyze all the information you have. Find the key breakthrough."
"A breakthrough?" Jack echoed, puzzled.
"Exactly," Old John confirmed. "Whoever controls Richard is cautious. They won't leave direct evidence. You must find their weakness—the moment they're forced to expose themselves."
"Weakness… opportunity…" Jack muttered, turning the words over in his mind.
"Think, Jack," Old John continued. "Who did Richard trust the most? Who had access to his deepest secrets? Who could provide the evidence you need?"
Names flickered in Jack's mind—Robert Claus, Richard's lawyer; Bell Group executives involved in illegal deals; even Emily, who might remember overlooked details.
"And one more thing," Old John added. "Don't forget your own strengths. You were once a Wall Street insider. You understand how the markets work. You know how financial fraud operates. Use that knowledge to find Richard's blind spots."
Jack's eyes lit up. He realized then that Old John's words were like a beacon, guiding him forward. He had been chasing direct evidence, overlooking the hidden resources around him—and his own expertise.
"Old John, I get it now!" Jack said excitedly. "I should start by analyzing Richard Bell's transaction records—trace the flow of money, uncover his connections to the real mastermind."
Old John smiled approvingly. "Now you're thinking straight. Remember this, Jack—patience, wisdom, and courage are your greatest weapons."
"Courage has never been my problem," Jack said with a determined smirk.
As Jack walked away from the abandoned lot, a sense of clarity washed over him. Old John's wisdom had lifted the fog, showing him the path ahead. He knew the road would be harder, more dangerous—but he was ready.
With his mind, his courage, and his strength, he would shine light into the darkest corners of corruption.
He pulled out his phone and dialed Kevin.
"Kevin, dig up every transaction record of Richard Bell—every account overseas. I want to know where every penny went. I want to know who he was doing business with. This time, we're pulling the rot out by the roots."