The plan to the plan...

The day everyone worked hard preparing for was finally upon them, hearts were racing and palms were sweating with anticipation. While it was normal to be nervous, excitement was unheard of, and that's what was going through Linda. In a few hours, she would have proof of Tony's involvement in her parents' plane crash, and if not that, they would at least have evidence that would help them take him down - for Jeremy's sake. Finally, she would set him free - that's why she had to do it herself. They booked a hotel room two blocks from Tony's hotel to use as a base - it was also one of the potential venues for their wedding. Linda and Jin Ae were having tea on the couch while Jackie set up a computer station by the corner of the room with a big screen and a laptop. The trio was chatting with Kim on the line, while waiting for Jeremy who was on the phone in the bedroom.

Unlike Jackie, who made peace with Linda's decision to lead the mission, over the past few days - panic, dread, and fear were emotions that had become far too familiar to Kim. One would mistake her for the person fighting in the frontline. 

She sighed anxiously, "Linda, I really don't approve of you doing this- just say the word and I will turn the plane back around. I can have one of my close people go to New Yor-"

Linda chuckled, "Even on a flight out of the city...you are still trying to convince me to leave the mission",

"One word...I will be ther-"

"No.", Linda said sternly, "I am choosing to trust you with New York. We don't want any raised eyebrows. If the two cases are connected, we need to take care of it silently before more people catch on, besides, you will draw too much attention if you enter the hotel - you have the aura of a spy", Jackie burst out laughing, "True", she snickered,

"Fine... but be careful.", Kim retorted. 

"Don't focus on me...focus on New York. Be very discreet Kim.", Linda said, and just then Jeremy came running anxiously, 

"Guys...we have a problem....", he said nervously, "That was one of Casey's people at the hotel. It seems my uncle has been on edge - and has not left the hotel. He only does that if he feels unsafe... also because of that, security has doubled...", he slouched next to Linda, "Babe, I hate to say this - but Kim might be right-

"You see Linda! I am coming back right now!", Kim panicked

Linda was pained by Jeremy's sudden doubts, she could handle anyone doubting her but not him. She put the cup of tea on the table. Her mood had soured, "You are staying right where you are. You have a mission and I want results.", she roared authoritatively void of any warmth in her voice, making everyone in the room flinch. She had been able to take everyone's disapprovals and them treating her like an egg because Jeremy was on her side - at least he respected her decision and trusted her - or so she believed.

Her heart clenched in frustration, "Before you all coddle me like a child- shouldn't we first find out why he can't come out? Has Maggie betrayed us? I know we always managed to lose the people he had put on our trails, but could it be that one of them actually found us? If security has doubled - is it security around him or just security in the hotel??"

Everyone could sense the annoyance in her voice and were instantly engulfed with regret. They had forgotten that she was never the type to enter into a situation without full assessment. Kim felt even worse, she's been working with her for some years and she's aware of her capabilities, even now it sounded like she had the situation figured out. Yet, she was the one with the biggest doubts.

"Please forgive me Linda, I was just worried. I spent so much energy focused on your weak points and forgot about your strengths as a planner.", she said in a pleading tone,

Jeremy took both her hands, "I am so ashamed, I am the last person who should doubt you-"

She sighed, "I don't want apologies. I want answers, we are running out of time - we are on a mission.", she pierced at him with eyes reflecting the ache in her heart, "Jeremy, you are supposed to meet Maggie in 3 hours. I wasn't saying what I said to make you feel bad. I know you all were worried about me and I am very grateful...but going forward, please worry in silence. I am tired of hearing it.", she suddenly stood up and went to her bag, "So, is the security guarding him or the hotel??"

Jeremy's face darkened when she yanked her hands out of his grip. With sadness in his voice, he answered, "Most likely him, but even the hotel will be twice as hard to get through - but Casey's contact said they've been following him around."

She smiled mischievously, "Well...that's easy. If your uncle has locked himself in the hotel, we just need to draw him out. We need to give him a reason to leave---and I know just the thing...", with a USB in her hand, she looked at Jin Ae, "What do you think? Can we use it for this situation?", 

Jin Ae's eyes lit up, "Oh! It's perfect! It will work!...", she didn't expect her to carry it everywhere and was impressed that at such a time where everyone was in panic and the plan seemed to have failed, she was able to think calmly and critically. Although she never said to her face, she was also regretting doubting her.

Linda gave the USB to Jackie and she didn't waste time loading it. Her eyes widened in shock and she gasped, "Oh my word! Are you sure about this??"

Linda exhaled heavily, "I hate that we have to resort to such cheap tricks, but we have no choice...we need him out of that hotel. Since he's already so paranoid - it won't be long before he catches a scent of what is happening. We need to hurry and wrap this up.",

She turned to Jin Ae, "but before we use it...Aunt-in-law, would you like to talk to Jeremy in private first, and prepare him?"

He sighed and chuckled softly, "This must be about my uncle and my stepmother..."

"You knew!!", Jin Ae exclaimed.