Chapter 38 38

Chapter 38 38

GEORGIA

The gunshots continued and with every second, it became harder for me to remain in my seat. Rhys had gotten my text and he responded, saying he was already on his way. Finally, the truth about Vanya's murder would be revealed and the allegations against us would be dropped. I could not wait.

"I hope we'll be able to write this and have it published." Tiana said.

"I don't think so. I was told the matter had to be handed by the underground council before members of the public can hear about it."

"But all this shooting would have attracted attention or don't you think?"

"I am not thinking Tiana, I only want Emily to be out of there and for those two bastards to face the consequences of their crime. I have always had an inkling that Dimitri was a bad man, but for him to pin his crime on Rhys after killing his family, that is the worse."

"That is not all." Tiana chirped in. "He got close to Vanya, pretending to be in support of his plan to take over the entire underground. And then he pulled the rug, just after the poor guy had trusted him. Dimitri is worse than the devil."

"Of course he is, hell is not hot enough for him."

"When we finally put this news out there, the police will come after Dimitri and the black market will be dismantled. That's said, I've discovered their hideout."

My eyes went wide.

"What hideout are you talking about,"

Tiana shrugged and looked away. "I have been making findings, trying to locate the operation base of the kidnappers. I'm glad to say my plans have yielded. I now know where the black market is situated and how to get there."

I felt a sharp pang in the middle of my chest and I sank into the nearest seat. In all my years as a reporter, this was the craziest adventure anyone could embark on. The mafia was strict about their location and the truth of the black market dealings. This discovery was a life-threatening one. I threw a glance at Tiana, but she didn't seem bothered, my anger rose to my throat.

"You are going to get us killed Tiana, the location of the black market is off limits."

"And what is that supposed to mean," she fired back. "All we have to do is to inform the police, free the girls and have the preparators arrested. It's that easy."

"No." I shook my head "I will not allow you to continue with that adventure. Why are you so desperate to prove yourself."

"Excuse me? What did I just hear you say? You are the one who gave up your career for a man and a stupid Donna title. Ever since you got married, you've neglected your duty to the kidnapped girls. I could not sit back and watch these people continue to ruin women. So, I pulled my wits together and set out to find the truth. You have no right to criticize me Georgia, we used to be in this together. But look at you, your hands chained to your back."

Those words felt like a slap across my face, but instead of pain I was filled with a stronger surge anger.

"I am the better reporter here." I screeched. "I have given stories to you without taking any credits. I have made sacrifices for you, I gave you this career."

"But that was before, and even at that I have stood for you in many ways. I go around, scouting for news and putting myself in trouble, all so you could rise to the top."

"Fine! Do whatever you want, put yourself in trouble get killed. Involve the police and let the corrupt ones have a hint. You'll be swimming with the fishes before you know you're drowning, or even buried!"

With that, I pushed the door open and stepped out of the aircraft. The atmosphere was thick with the smell of gunpowder, a thick cloud of smoke perched over the mansion. I placed my right hand on my nose to surpress the odour of the chemical, and then I went to the back of the building.

I'd promised the guard to stay put, but I had to search for Emily. Rhys's men had the place surrounded, but I was able to sneak past the giant cars and head to the back of the house where a secret hatch was located. And how did I know this? I googled this mansion on the web, pretended to be a buyer, and got free video tour.

Just as I opened the door, a shot was fired. With a loud scream, I jumped into a pile of grass, my hand over my head. My bones trembled, my heart threatening to rip out of my chest. After some minutes,I raised my head then I saw it. A pistol, and a black mask.

I didn't think twice, I reached for the gun, placed the mask over my head and headed into the house. As expected, the beautiful mansion was now a pile of rubbles. Dead bodies, blood, bullet cases and broken glass, littered the floor. I threw a gaze at the gazebo I and Dimitri sat earlier in the day, but it was gone, nothing but a pile of stones and ashes.

Dimitri's men were weak, our attack took them by surprise and they were unable to counter appropriately. Still, they continue to fire at our soldiers and I saw as bodies dropped to the ground lifeless, broken.

I figured that I would get hit by a stray bullets if I walked, so I fell flat on the ground and began to crawl on my stomach. Just then, a bullet grazed my shoulder, tearing the flesh open. But I couldn't stop, or scream.

I continued moving, determined and decided. Perhaps Tiana had a point, death was inevitable, so it might as well happen for the greater good.

At last, I was in Dimitri's apartment and trust me it was no different from the horrifying sight outside. The living room had been blown to bits. The furnitures were ripped out, the television and every other appliance were on the ground. Dimitri's man ensured that our men were unable to breach the walls and enter the house. They stood outside the gate and every other entrance.

I went off the stairs and started opening the rooms one after the other. I expected to meet Dimitri, but the bastard was nowhere to be found. The house was surrounded , there was no way he could have left, but he wasn't in any of the rooms or the kitchen.

"Emily!" I called out after my frantic search. "Emily, can you hear me! Are you still alive! Please, speak to me!"

I waited for some seconds, hoping to hear a response but there was nothing. So, I descended the staircase and headed into the basement. Our men had begun to fire canon balls at the mansion, soon it would collapse.

"Emily," I called out again, struggling to steady myself as the building rattled and shook. "Where are you!"

"Georgia, I'm in here, further down the basement. Save me!"

With the gun in my hand, I burst one of the windows open. Instantly, a gust of light flooded the dark basement, and I heaved a sigh of relief.

"I can see now Emily," I shouted. "Tell me where you are."

"Look before you."

I followed the direction of the voice and my eyes landed on Emily. She was on the floor, a bullet wound in her shoulder. Someone had tied a chain around her neck, and with each movement she made, it strangled her.

"Just hang on!" I fell to my knees and started untangling the chains. " We will get out of here and get home."

"Thank you!" She mumbled, "I knew I could count on you."

After a while, I removed the chains. Then I hurled Emily to her feet and balanced her on my shoulder.

"Hang on, we are going to get help."

"Oh no you don't, you die here."

With a gasp, I turned around and was shocked to find Janette pointing a gun at me.

"I tried to warn you Georgia," she said. "Some matters are just beyond, you but you refused to listen always trying to save the day and be the hero. Of course, I killed my son. He was more than a stranger and an oppressor than a blood relation. I wanted his wealth, and a place in his syndicate, but of course he denied me everyday. Even after I got into an affair with Emily's father and even aided him in assaulting Shania hopes that the grandchildren would provide a leverage. But no, he was selfish and wicked. Dimitri and I are getting married. He helped me bring my dreams to fruition, not to mention is going to make me the donor or the devil's son syndicate after it takes over. So, I want to be congratulated, I mean, I deserve to be. Emily's wealth gave Vanya, the start he needed to be great, but I never got credit or reward oor it. Vanilla would have died anywhere, he led a risky life, I only quickened the process. And I'm sorry, this has to be the end for you Georgia."

She pointed the At me again and fired. A loud scream escaped my throat but I was not on the ground and I didn't feel anything. When I opened my eyes I saw Janet on the ground blood gushing out of the hole in the middle of her forehead.

"Are you okay Georgia?"

My face lit up at the voice. "Rhys, you came in time."

"Yes," he a crossover to me and took Emily in his arms she had now fainted. "We have to get out of here now. The house is about to collapse."

"But what about Dimitri?"

"Dimitri has escaped, he is on the way to Russia as we speak."