chapter 12: the plan

Ethan's determination was infectious, and Rory found herself feeling more hopeful than she had in weeks. Maybe, just maybe, they could take down Julian and bring an end to the nightmare.

Marcus, however, was more cautious. "We need to be careful," he repeated. "Julian has a lot of resources at his disposal. We can't underestimate him."

Rory nodded, understanding. "I know," she said. "But I'm willing to take that risk. I want to see Julian brought to justice".

Ethan grinned. "That's the spirit," he said. "Now, let's get to work. We need to come up with a plan to track down Sophia and get her to talk."

Marcus nodded. "I'll start digging into Sophia's background," he said. "See if I can find any connections or weaknesses we can exploit."

Ethan stood up, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "And I'll start working on a way to track her down," he said. "Maybe we can use some of our... unconventional resources."

Rory raised an eyebrow, curious. "Unconventional resources?" she repeated.

Ethan winked. "Let's just say we have some friends who are willing to help us out," he said.

Marcus shot Ethan a warning look, but Rory just smiled. She was starting to feel like she was part of a team, a team that was determined to take down Julian and bring her justice.

As they continued to brainstorm and plan, Rory felt a sense of hope that she hadn't felt in a long time.

Ethan's eyes sparkled with excitement as he began to outline his plan. "We'll use a combination of hacking and surveillance to track down Sophia," he said. "Once we find her, we'll need to figure out a way to get her to talk."

Marcus nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I think I can help with that," he said. "I've got some experience with... persuasive techniques."

Rory's eyes widened, unsure of what to make of Marcus's statement. But Ethan just grinned. "I knew I could count on you, Marcus," he said.

As they continued to brainstorm, Rory found herself feeling more and more confident. Maybe, just maybe, they could actually pull this off.

But just as they were starting to finalize their plan, Rory's phone buzzed. She hesitated, unsure of whether to answer it.

"Who is it?" Marcus asked, his eyes narrowing.

Rory checked the screen, her heart sinking. "It's an unknown number," she said.

Ethan's eyes locked onto hers. "Don't answer it," he said. "It could be Julian."

But Rory hesitated, unsure of what to do. Something about the call felt... off.

Rory's hand hovered over the answer button, her heart racing with uncertainty.

Marcus's eyes narrowed. "Don't answer it, Rory," he repeated. "It's not worth the risk."

But Rory hesitated, her curiosity getting the better of her. What if it was someone who could help her? What if it was a friend or family member who had finally tracked her down?

Ethan's voice was firm. "Rory, don't do it. It's not safe."

But Rory had already made up her mind. She took a deep breath and answered the call.

"Hello?" she said, her voice cautious.

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and for a moment, Rory wondered if she had made a mistake.

Then, a low, husky voice spoke up. "Rory, it's Sophia."

Rory's eyes widened in shock. Sophia? Julian's assistant?

Marcus's eyes locked onto hers, his expression warning. "Be careful," he mouthed.

Rory nodded, her heart racing. What did Sophia want?

Rory's mind was racing as she tried to process the unexpected call from Sophia. What did Julian's assistant want?

"Sophia, how did you get this number?" Rory asked, trying to sound calm.

There was a pause on the other end of the line. "Let's just say I have my ways," Sophia said. "Rory, I need to talk to you. In person."

Rory's eyes met Marcus's, and she could see the warning in his eyes. But Sophia's words sparked a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, Sophia was willing to betray Julian.

"Why do you want to meet with me?" Rory asked, trying to keep her voice neutral.

Sophia's response was laced with a hint of desperation. "I need your help, Rory. I'm in trouble."

Rory's curiosity was piqued. What kind of trouble could Sophia be in?

"Where do you want to meet?" Rory asked, trying to sound cautious.

There was a pause, and for a moment, Rory wondered if Sophia had hung up.

Then, Sophia's voice came back on the line. "There's a coffee shop on 5th and Main. Meet me there in an hour."

Rory nodded, even though Sophia couldn't see her. "I'll be there."

As soon as Rory hung up the phone, Marcus's eyes locked onto hers. "What did she say?" he asked.

Rory took a deep breath. "Sophia wants to meet with me. She says she's in trouble."

Ethan's eyes widened. "Do you think it's a trap?" he asked.

Rory hesitated. Feeling confused, i actually don't know what to think anymore She muttered before sighing and slumping on the couch.