The Unravelling Thread(13)

Ariel's POV

There is unrelenting thumping in my mind. Trying to quiet the fury inside me, I pace the little, poorly lighted room. Victor's treachery strikes right at me. I can't get over it. Every laptop key click echoes in my head as I go over the terrible data. How had I been so blind?

Alan's remarks ring true in my mind, his voice a consistent lighthouse among the turmoil. We are not running right now. We are carrying the battle to her. This finishes right now. Even as his world collapsed, I could see the fire in his eyes and the determination that mirrored mine.

I just glance at the clock. Alan is still out attempting to find Victor past midnight. I should be with him, but the need to know the whole degree of the treachery consumes me. More especially, I need to be ready for what lies ahead; I also need answers.

The door creaks open just then, and Alan enters looking exhausted and dirt-covered. His eyes are harsh; behind them is a storm building. He stops when he sees me; his countenance softens just a touch.

"We have a problem," he says as he settles across from me. "Victor's vanished." Nobody had seen him; he hurried out of his apartment. He seemed to know that we were arriving.

I nod, trying to control irritation. Stella is dragging all the cords. Victor is fleeing terrified right now. But there is more. On the USB device I also came onto something else.

I give Alan a hardcopy of the docs. His brows wrinkle with focus as his gaze sweep the pages. "This is a lot. But what is this regarding Marie's family?

Alan reads and his face turns white. It goes beyond Marie as well. Stella has been using her relationships to control many individuals. She is more engaged in your father's death than we would have imagined.

I start to nod. This is why I had to face Marie. She is the missing component. She may have more knowledge than Stella wants us to discover.

Alan's eyes catch me, will blazing in them. "We must proceed with caution. Stella is a superb manipulator, not only a criminal. Should Marie have been compelled into this, we must approach this gently.

We choose to hide for a little while, working on our next action. More I consider it, the more I see how complex this web of lies is. I haven't really given the wider consequences any thought since I have been so preoccupied with retribution. This is about finding the truth and exposing it, not only about the death of my father or even Stella.

Alan and I drove to Marie's old house first thing in the morning. This is a modest, neat house in a peaceful area. Alan gently lays a soothing hand on my shoulder as we draw up. "We stick together no matter what comes of course. We resist letting our feelings rule us.

I nod and then inhale deeply. "I'm aware. I'm just... anxious.

Alan's smile is real yet fleeting. "We have this. Let's leave.

We knock on the door here. Marie responds, her face a combination of resignation and anxiety. "Ariel, Alan," says What are you working on here?

"We need to talk," I say, my voice firm despite the inner turbulence. "I know about the blackmail, about Stella using you to keep us off-target. The truth has to be heard.

Marie crosses between us, tears flooding her eyes. "You are not understanding. I had nothing to choose from. Stella assured me she would destroy all I love should I refuse to help. I was supposed to be shielding you.

" Protecting us?" Alan speaks in a low, nearly threatening manner. She has been getting to us using you. How can we be sure you are not still working for her?

Marie's eyes get wide. "I'm not here. Stella has eyes everywhere while I have been looking for a way out. I had been sheltering in a safe home. I could drive you there and show you everything I know.

I look at Alan just briefly. Though it's dangerous, it might be our only opportunity to find the necessary data. " alright. Guide the others.

Marie drives us to a little, unassuming house outside of town. Inside she guides us to a room bursting with papers, pictures, and records. "This covers all Stella's operations. I looked for a means of exposing her.

My pulse thumping as I sort through the paperwork, I find names and dates linking Stella's crimes. Though intimidating, it's only starting. Alan keeps a tight eye on me, his face a mixture of hope and anxiety.

Marie watches us, shame mixed with drive in her eyes. "One more thing exists." Stella is preparing something significant. She has been accumulating tools; if she is not stopped soon, she will be unstoppable.

I look at Alan; his face is becoming rigid with will. We should learn her intended course of action. We might have a chance to stop her before she attacks.

Marie gives a nod. "I know people that might be of use. I will get in touch with them to see whether they can supply any more details.

Thanking Marie, Alan and I head back to the safe house. Our new understanding of weight descends over me as we drive. Nowadays, the fight is about stopping a tragedy rather than just about us.

Alan calls when we get back. Victor is trying to convey his want to meet. My heart thrashes. Is this another trap or is he returning to assist?

Alan's countenance is tight. "This could present our opportunity to gather responses. But we have to exercise caution.

I nod, clutching the edge of my seat. "We will be ready.

Alan and I get ready for the conference as twilight falls. We have obvious tension between us. Our choices weigh on me, and the strain of our future actions is evident. Though the toughest portion is still to come, we have gone this far.

We go to the isolated park Victor recommended, darkly illuminated and shockingly quiet. I'm on edge, staring about for any indication of threat. Alan is here, poised for anything with his hand just resting on his rifle.

Rising from the shadows, Victor looks frightened yet resolved. "Ariel, Alan," says I doubted you would show up.

"Why should we now trust you?" Alan speaks with clarity and strength.

Victor wears regret on his face. "For I now see the error I committed. Like she did Marie, Stella is using me. I wish to put things right. About the attack she is organizing, I know something.

Victor hands Alan a little gadget and pulls out another one. "This is her most recent idea. She is aiming for a well-publicized event that will generate more anarchy.

Alan grabs the gadget, his eyes narrow. "Why are you working with us?"

Victor looks at me, really regretful. "For I was mistaken." I desire atonement. I can try to stop her even though I know I cannot undo what I have done.

Victor's voice is clearly sincere. I nod, then grab the gadget. "We shall stop her." You are appreciated.

Alan and I stand together as Victor vanishes into the darkness, the weight of our work falling on us. We possess the proof, the supporters, and the will. We now have to put our expertise to use stopping Stella before it's too late.

The stakes are great, hence every decision we take will affect not only our but also the life of many others. Though the battle is far from finished, we are ready to see it through. We carry the truth, and with it we will destroy Stella and her empire.

Right now, all we can do is get ready for the next phase. Though the future is unknown, one thing is certain: we will not back down and we are in this together.