7. Chapter 7

Chapter 7

-Jared-

To say I was going slightly crazy would be an understatement, yet I concealed the tempest brewing within me as I gathered the individuals that I had coerced into assisting in my search for Alison. They consisted of people of the underworld and those masquerading as upstanding citizens, yet I held sway over them all, privy to their secrets. They either collaborated with me willingly or owed me a debt that demanded repayment.

Surveying the room, I scrutinized each man I had assembled, pondering if any might have worked together with Louis. It mattered little. Anyone aiding him in any capacity would meet the same fate as Louis himself. Yet, I recognized the necessity of baring my own vulnerabilities to achieve my objectives.

"I'm certain you all understand why I've convened this gathering. It wouldn't surprise me if my enemy had boasted of his achievements to the world," I began, observing the uneasy shifting among the men. Seated with two guards flanking me, I projected an aura of authority.

"Over the years, I've made one thing abundantly clear: every attempt to harm my wife will be met with a quick death. Whether motivated by a desire for her or a desire to leverage her against me, the outcome has been the same. Now, since I'm here and my wife technically still walks on this earth, we all know the fate of those traitors," I declared, my words making the tension rise in the room. "However, I'm aware that despite every precaution I might take, someone can still outsmart me. I own up to my mistakes because trying to defend them won't help me. But when you betray my trust, expect severe consequences. I want my wife BACK!"

"We played no role in her abduction," one of them interjected, drawing my gaze. I observed as he recoiled slightly under my scrutiny.

"No? None of you?" I queried, observing their collective head shakes. "We shall see. However, that doesn't alter the fact that I still want her back, and you will assist me in achieving that."

"Have you reached out to his family?" someone proposed.

"He's not particularly close with his family."

"True. But they may have insights into his whereabouts."

I pondered the suggestion, contemplating its potential value, though my relationship with his family was strained.

"Does anyone have any idea where he might be hiding with my wife?" I inquired, yet I was met with silence from the group.

"Very well. Does anyone possess any information about Louis?" I probed, sensing my anger approaching a boiling point.

"I believe he lost his wife about three years ago," someone offered.

"He had a wife?" I exclaimed.

The man nodded.

"And he lost her? How?" I pressed, noticing the exchanged glances among them. However, details about Louis were scarce. He was akin to a ghost, a quality I almost admired.

"What?" I insisted.

"There are rumors suggesting... it wasn't an accident," another replied.

"He killed her?"

They exchanged glances once more, prompting me to lean to the side, running my finger over my chin as I pondered this entire kidnapping. A wife killer was not someone I wanted anywhere near Alison.

"Are there any pictures of her?" I inquired.

"His family might have some, but like you with your wife, they preferred to keep her out of the spotlight," one responded.

"Is this all the information you have for me?" I pressed.

Their discomfort grew, signaling that Louis was a more formidable opponent than I had anticipated. I would need to reach out to his family. Perhaps we could strike a deal. Although I wasn't thrilled about the idea, I knew I needed to retrieve Alison before Louis's patience with her wore thin.

"How unfortunate," I remarked, rising to my feet and scanning the room. "Should I discover any of you have any ties to Louis, you will meet your end."

"We have nothing to do with her kidnapping!" one of them defended.

"I don't care. If you collaborate with him, you're still his accomplice. So don't let me find out you had anything to do with him," I cautioned.

Although this meeting didn't go as planned, I would call them again once I had an idea of Louis's whereabouts.

"If you learn anything, you come to me," I instructed. "If you withhold information, expect the same kind of torture I'm going to subject Louis to."

They all exchanged terrified glances, but I had worked for many years to reach this point. Strangely, as I departed from the room, all I could think about was how proud Vince would be. Not only did I lead his empire, but I was also the leader of the wolves.

"Shall we reach out to Louis's family?" one of my guards asked as we walked toward my office.

"No, I will handle that personally."

"Will you bring them here? Should we enhance security?"

"I think I might pay them a visit," I admitted.

"Is that wise?"

I smiled slightly. "No, but I need insight into who Louis truly is. I need to know who his wife was and if he really killed her."

"And if he did?"

"Then my Alison won't have long," I whispered.