Chapter 80 Declaration of War
A chuckle came from the other end of the line. "Now, it's up to you. You have twelve hours. I'll send my account details shortly. Don't try to involve the police or anyone else. If I feel threatened, you know what will happen."
"If you lay a finger on her, I swear you'll pay with your life!" Elliot threatened, his voice filled with deadly serious anger.
"Aw, so the girl was telling the truth," the man chuckled again, and Elliot was slightly confused by what he heard.
"Let's hope we don't need to go there, Mr. Harrington. So just do what I ask." The man hung up without giving Elliot a chance to respond.
Elliot gritted his teeth, a volatile mix of fury and fear churning inside him.
Finn, who had just re-entered the room, saw the drastic change in his brother's expression. "What's wrong?"
Elliot lifted his gaze, locking eyes with Finn with a storm of chaotic emotion flashing in his own. "Audrey is in danger."
Finn's eyes widened, looking nervous and anxious. "Audrey? Did that number call you again?"
Elliot furrowed his brow, his eyes narrowing sharply. "You knew about that number?" he asked, his tone suspicious.
Finn swallowed hard, clearly uncomfortable under his brother's intense stare. "Uh... that...," the young man paused briefly. "That number called your phone earlier, while you were still unconscious."
Elliot leaned in, his gaze growing even sharper. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I was going to tell you, Bro, but you just woke up! Besides, I immediately asked Marcus to look into it," Finn replied quickly, trying to defend himself.
"And what did he find?" Elliot demanded, his voice starting to rise.
Finn placed a calming hand on Elliot's shoulder. "Marcus is tracing the location. He said he needed time, and I just got a message from him. He's narrowed it down to an area, though not a specific address yet."
Elliot let out a long sigh, blinking restlessly. "Then why didn't you tell me from the start? We've been wasting time here!"
Finn sighed, feeling a bit cornered. "I wasn't trying to hide it. I just wanted to have something solid before worrying you more. And you weren't exactly in good shape."
Elliot massaged his temples, trying to dampen his rising anger. "Tell Marcus to speed it up. I need that information now."
Finn nodded quickly. "Okay, I'll call him again."
The young man immediately became busy with his phone.
Meanwhile, Elliot leaned back against the bed, trying to calm his increasingly chaotic thoughts. But the image of Audrey haunted his mind, making true calm impossible.
"Marcus says he's close to getting the specific location. He just needs a few more minutes," Finn said, sounding tense.
Elliot looked at his brother with an expression full of both hope and dread. "As soon as we have it, we move."
The man swung his legs off the bed, even though his body still felt weak.
"Elliot, you just woke up. You can't just go!" Finn tried to stop him.
"I don't care!" Elliot shot his brother a sharp look. "I'm not sitting here while Audrey is in danger. She's already suffered enough because of her past. I won't let this continue!"
"What if—"
"She was kidnapped, damn it!" Elliot threw his phone onto the bed in frustration. His emotions surged every time he thought about it.
Finn was stunned for a moment, processing the new information. "Kidnapped?"
"They threatened to hurt her if I don't transfer the money they demanded within twelve hours!" Elliot ran a hand roughly over his face. Finn could see his brother's frustration mounting.
"Who did that?" Finn asked carefully, his own voice laced with worry and anger.
Elliot snorted roughly. "A loan shark. Audrey's stepfather owes them, and now Audrey is paying for it!"
"Alright, I understand," Finn said, finally giving up on trying to persuade Elliot to stay calm. "So what's the plan?"
"Tell Marcus to round up some men. We can't go in with just the two of us. Where are my clothes?" Elliot asked, trying to sound strong even though he still looked a bit weak.
Finn looked at his brother doubtfully, his face full of concern. "Elliot, I'm seriously worried about your condition. Let me—"
A sharp look from Elliot immediately silenced Finn. The man's eyes held an undeniable firmness. "Don't waste time. Get me my clothes."
Finn let out a heavy sigh, knowing arguing would only prolong the debate. Without word, he walked to the small closet to pick Elliot's clothes.
"Here," Finn said, handing the clothes to Elliot, his expression tight. "But if anything happens to you, I'll never forgive myself."
Elliot took the clothes without much comment, but his gaze softened slightly, a faint smile touching his lips. "I know you're worried. But this is about Audrey. I can't just stand by."
Finn sighed again. "Just... don't push yourself too hard."
Elliot ignored the advice, choosing to dress quickly instead.
Soon, Finn's phone vibrated, and he quickly read the incoming message. "Marcus has assembled a team and they're heading to the location now. He also says he's traced more specific coordinates from the last call."
"Where is it?" Elliot asked firmly as he buttoned his shirt.
Finn handed over his phone, showing Marcus's message. "A large house in the suburbs. Marcus says the place seems to belong to someone fairly influential in the underground scene."
Elliot read the message quickly, his jaw hardening further. "Vincent…" he murmured softly, the name almost a hiss. He'd never heard it before, but it sparked an immediate, inexplicable rage.
"Marcus says the place is heavily guarded. He advises caution," Finn added.
"I don't care how many guards are there," Elliot replied flatly and coldly. "I just want Audrey safe."
Finn rubbed his temples, clearly worried about his brother's reckless determination. "Bro, I know this is about Audrey, but we can't act rashly. At least listen to Marcus's advice. We need a plan."
"I have a plan," Elliot retorted sharply, gathering his important belongings. "The plan is I go in, get Audrey, and destroy anyone who gets in my way."
Finn looked at his brother with a mix of frustration and awe. "That sounds more like a declaration of war than a plan. And a stupid one at that."
"If it has to be war, then so be it!" Elliot looked at his brother with eyes blazing with anger. "They dared to touch someone I love, and I won't let them get away with it!"