The Vixen's Protégé

Chapter 7

As Jack recuperates and gets ready to execute their plan, he can't resist asking Elvira about her relationship with Bob, who he has known since they were kids.

"Bob and I are practically like brothers, and he hasn't mentioned anything about getting married." Jack confides in Elvira.

"Are you suggesting that I made everything up? Will you believe it when I show you this? It's the only picture I have of him." Elvira smirks as she hands Jack a small photograph of Bob and herself. "Then why did you choose to align with Juarez? I almost killed you on different occasions." Jack chuckles in amazement.

"But you never managed to, until now, Jack. We all coexist in the same world, and a world filled with various crimes, it's not unlikely for Bob and I to cross paths." Elvira reminisces.

"And despite that, you still chose to support the wrong side. And Bob, most likely, rectified those injustices for you." Jack remains proud of his friend Bob.

Elvira was completely impressed by Jack's open and honest conversation with her. The sincerity and authenticity in his words left a deep impact on her. However, she couldn't help but feel uncertain about the situation at hand due to Bob's instructions. The weight of the mistakes she needed to correct weighed heavily on her mind. After Jack woke up from his nap, he sensed the urgency in her voice as she alerted him, "Prepare yourself, and we will go to Los Dantes."

Confused, Jack shook his head and countered, "We're not going to Los Dantes. We're going back to Zion City."

Curiosity piqued, Elvira furrowed her brows and wondered why Jack was so insistent. In an attempt to understand his intentions, she took the phone he offered, expecting to see evidence of the problems they would encounter if they left Zion City. However, as she glanced at the screen, she couldn't care less about the troubles displayed.

"They blame you for Bob's death?" Elvira feigned shock, trying to grasp the gravity of the problem.

Jack's eyes shifted, a mix of sadness and resilience within them. "It seems that's the case, so I can't leave this place until I talk to Director Watson," he convinced her.

Sighing, Elvira couldn't ignore the uncertainty that clouded her thoughts. "You think that person can help you? We're not even sure what will happen to us when we get back." Engulfed in deep contemplation, the room fell silent as the weight of their decisions pressed upon their shoulders.

"I need to talk to someone who can help with these events, especially when it comes to Juarez," Jack firmly stated, tidying up his things.

With reluctance, Elvira agreed to accompany Jack in secretly meeting a junior agent who was still working at the Bureau. They were eager to uncover the disturbing trends happening within their office. As they settled down at a table in a local diner, Jack greeted his ally, James. "James?" he called out as the young agent sat down across from them.

"Sir? You really shouldn't have come to the city. There are police officers everywhere, and someone might spot you," James anxiously warned.

"Don't worry, I've taken precautions to ensure I won't be recognized. Now, how is the job I asked of you?" Jack inquired, his eyes fixed on James while Elvira listened intently. Nervously, James handed over an Intelligence report to Jack, containing crucial details about the case involving Victor Juarez. As he scanned the report, their shock grew, realizing the sinister plans Juarez seemed to have been plotting all along.

"Do you know about this, Elvira?" Jack asked, his voice filled with disbelief and astonishment.

Elvira shook her head and replied, "I don't know. He doesn't mention any plans, let alone surrender. This is completely unexpected." Jack sighed, realizing the earnestness of their status. "In that case, this is connected to the auction that will take place tonight. We need to get ahead of him before he surrenders and is acquitted of his charges."

As Jack closed the folder containing the report against Victor Juarez, he glanced around the room, his eyes searching for any signs of danger. Turning towards his ally, he expressed his gratitude, "Thanks for your help, James. We need to work swiftly to ensure Juarez doesn't slip through our fingers."

A few hours later, just before the auction at the Weston Museum was about to begin, the news of Victor Juarez's submission spread like wildfire through the media and law enforcement agencies.

"Finally!" Director Watson exclaimed with excitement. "Victor Juarez, one of the most notorious syndicate leaders in all of Zion City, has voluntarily surrendered to the hands of the law! This is a significant breakthrough for us." As Director Watson welcomed Juarez into his office, handcuffed and surrounded by his team, he couldn't hide his pridefulness.

"I want to make it clear, Director Watson, that I am completely innocent of any wrongdoing in the eyes of the law," Victor Juarez stated earnestly.

Watson's face stiffened as he continued to read out Juarez's crimes in front of him, "Don't think you can escape the truth, Mr. Juarez. We have proof of your involvement in various anomalies, including the incidents in Borromeo and the concert bombing."

Juarez remained calm and composed, determined to defend himself, "I will not speak further until there is concrete evidence that can prove my guilt in any of these allegations, Director. I have complete faith in my lawyer, just as you have confidence in your investigator." Director Watson nodded, silently acknowledging Juarez's reluctance, but remained resolute in his pursuit of justice. As they sat in his office, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that they were making progress in unraveling this complex case. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to him, Jack and Elvira stalked near the Bureau's building, deep in thought and strategizing their next move.

"We have to renounce to Watson," Jack argued desperately to Elvira, "He's the only one who can help us in these times." Elvira shook her head, her gaze filled with distrust. "I don't know, Jack. I don't trust the law."

Jack's eyes continued to implore for her insight. "If you believe that I can help you recover the jewelry and stones at the auction, you must believe in me that we can get away with giving in to Watson's desires." Elvira reluctantly consented, her doubt still obvious in her eyes. "If that's what you think will make the plan better, Jack."

As Victor Juarez unexpectedly surrendered, Jack and Elvira felt compelled to follow suit, standing right in front of the imposing Zion Federal Bureau. An array of police officers with their guns pointed at them, a silent proclamation of their imminent capture until Director Watson's voice cut through the tension.

"Oh? What does this mean?" Watson's voice dripped with amusement. "Are you giving up too? Well, it's been a very good day for me."

Jack, his hands now being handcuffed, locked eyes with Watson, determination shining through. "We have something more to tell you. Listen to our proposal." Watson raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Jack's persistence.

"Listen, Jack, I'm here to hear you out, but I have to be honest with you. There's a high chance you'll end up behind bars for what you've done. You killed Bob, your friend, in your own house," Watson stated sternly.

Inside Director Watson's office, the atmosphere was tense as the three of them gathered to discuss the evidence Elvira had against Victor. However, Watson couldn't help but be captivated by Elvira's beauty, his attention wavering from the case at hand. "You know, Miss Galman, it's truly a shame. If only you had chosen a career in the legal field, maybe things would have been different for us," Watson flirtatiously remarked, a charming smile gracing his face.

"Mr. Watson, is it? I do not admire middle-aged men like you who can't even keep their pants properly fitted. Can we please cut to the chase and start discussing the case?" Elvira snapped, her patience wearing thin due to the wasted time.

"Calm down! You're too serious. Sometimes you have to let loose a little, especially when dealing with such a heavy case. And Jack, my boy, you have me in awe right now," Watson said, his eyes now fixated on Jack, still unable to shake off his admiration for him having to surrender to an adversary with such beauty.

"So Juarez has surrendered, but we still don't know why," Jack justified, his voice filled with uncertainty. "I understand if you want to find out to yourself, but unfortunately, Miss Galman won't be able to attend to you," Watson responded in his usual serious tone, his middle-aged charisma momentarily forgotten. Elvira found herself alone in the Director's office, while Jack was ushered away by James, his undercover ally in the Bureau, without anyone taking notice. James discreetly led Jack to where Victor was being held in custody.

"Victor Juarez is currently being detained in the basement facility, sir," James revealed, his voice low. "However, police officers are keeping a close watch on him."

"Don't worry about me. I'll handle it. Thank you for everything," Jack responded gratefully as his junior ally left him. "Okay, Sir. Just make sure to be careful," James cautioned before leaving Jack for his mission.

Silently, Jack managed to evade his former colleagues at the Bureau and made his way to the Detention facility, where a team of police officers was stationed to guard Victor Juarez. Despite his apprehension about getting caught, Jack didn't waste a moment before confronting his wife's murderer and seizing him by the throat.