Chapter 121: Plans In Motion

Peter, Chris, and Jinx huddled in the warehouse, its fluorescent lights buzzing like trapped flies. The blueprint of Addicus’s mansion lay spread across a crate, its lines a maze of danger. Peter’s eyes burned from hours of study, his fingers tracing possible routes to Sharon. “We’ve been at this too long,” Chris said, circling an underground section. “She’s likely here.”

“It’s too big,” Peter said, frustration tight in his voice. “We need her exact location, or we’re walking into a trap.”

Jinx lounged nearby, flipping through a crossword book, her boots propped on a chair. The warehouse smelled of rust and gunpowder, a radio faintly playing Every Breath You Take. “You’re not helping,” Peter snapped, glaring at her.

Jinx smirked, tossing the book aside. “Staring won’t magic up her room. We need gear—real firepower, not your army surplus junk.”

“Like what?” Chris asked, skeptical.

“First-grade weapons,” Jinx said, eyes gleaming. “I know a guy—Kane, black-market dealer. Runs a record store at Goldbergs Supermarket, ‘Spinning.’ It’s a front. He owes me. Take this card, tell him Jinx sent you.” She flicked a card with a bird logo at Peter.

“You’re not coming?” Peter asked, catching it.

“Got my own toys,” Jinx said, patting her knife. “Plus, other business. Meet back here in three hours. Oh, and don’t stare at Kane—he hates it.”

“What’s that mean?” Chris called, but Jinx was already gone, her motorcycle roaring outside.

“No clue,” Peter said. “Let’s move.”

At Goldbergs Supermarket, the air was thick with chatter and the clink of coins. Shoppers bustled, a jukebox blaring Billie Jean. Peter and Chris wove through aisles, hunting for ‘Spinning.’ Peter froze, spotting a familiar figure—Martha, flanked by maids and two burly guards, her arms full of grocery bags.

“That’s her,” Peter whispered, ducking behind a counter.

Chris nodded. “Go talk. I’ll watch.”

Martha directed the maids, her voice calm but strained. The guards loitered, eyes scanning. Peter waited until they turned, then slipped closer. Martha lagged behind, her steps slowing as if planning her escape. She’d promised Sharon answers, but fear gnawed at her—Addicus’s wrath, even sick, was a specter.

She edged backward, checking the guards, and gasped as a hand pulled her into an aisle. Peter clapped a hand over her mouth, her eyes wide until she recognized him. He released her, grinning. “Sneaking off?”

“Peter!” Martha gasped, touching his arms. “You’re alive—thank God.”

“Didn’t think I’d go down easy, did you?” he teased.

“Sharon thinks you’re dead,” Martha said, voice low. “She’s desperate.”

“She’s in the mansion?” Peter asked, tense.

“Yes. I was heading to find you, tell you where she is. Fate brought us together.”

“Has he hurt her?” Peter’s voice hardened, fists clenching.

Martha hesitated, unable to voice the rapes. “Not yet,” she lied. “But you need to hurry.”

“Where is she?” he pressed.

“Underground tunnels, west gate entrance. Down the stairwell, a few doors in,” Martha said. “I’ll help more—be your eyes inside. You’re coming in two days?”

“Yes,” Peter said. “Tell Sharon I love her. I’m coming soon.”

Martha nodded, hurrying back to the car. Peter rejoined Chris, watching the group drive off.

“She give you anything?” Chris asked.

“Sharon’s location—underground tunnels,” Peter said. “Martha’s with us.”

“Can we trust her?” Chris asked, brow raised. “She’s still with Addicus.”

“She’s known him forever,” Peter said. “Doesn’t mean she’s loyal. She’s good.”

Chris shrugged, unconvinced. “Let’s find Kane.”

\---

Back at the mansion, Martha directed maids to unpack groceries, her pulse still racing. She slipped away, knocking on Sharon’s door. “Sharon?” she called, entering. Sharon slept, her face peaceful, an angel in a cage. Martha hated to wake her but couldn’t wait.

“Sharon, dear,” she said, gently shaking her.

Sharon stirred, blinking. “Martha?”

“Good news,” Martha said, smiling. “Peter’s alive. I saw him at the market.”

Sharon sat up, tears welling. “Really?”

“Yes,” Martha said. “He’s coming in two days to rescue you. He says he loves you.”

Sharon hugged her, joy mixing with vengeance. She imagined Peter’s arms, his kiss—and Addicus’s end. She’d make him pay for every bruise, every violation. Closure was near.