The Vixen's Protégé

Chapter 10

Victor remained unmoved by his former confidant's words, his conviction unwavering. He knew that Elvira had only a limited understanding of the truth, unable to truly comprehend the depth of his acts. As the dust settled and the tense atmosphere lingered, Jack approached Victor once more, seeking an arrangement.

"With the multitude of immorality you have committed in this country, you don't even have the right to keep on breathing," Jack argued harshly with disdain and bitterness.

A wry smile tugged at the corner of Victor's lips as he met Jack's gaze. "Ah, I understand exactly what you're saying, but let's not forget that I am not the only one who sins on this earth," Victor rebutted, his tone rich with self-assurance. "Even you, Jack, cannot claim such a record. You too hold the stain of impurity upon your soul."

Jack's eyes narrowed, his irritation palpable. "But know this, Victor, the darkness that shrouds your actions is far darker than any stain I may have. The monstrosities you executed, the lives you doubled cross and took, leave an indelible mark within your very being. So, if I were you, I suggest you tell me the whereabouts of my daughter. Only then can this all end," Jack swore vehemently, his words piercing the air with an intensity that reflected his perseverance.

"It's not within my capacity to reveal what I do not know from the beginning," Victor responded, a smile playing on his lips. "I am not the one you should be directing your attention towards. The true culprit, the one who snared away your child, is lurking just around the corner." Victor's gaze shifted towards the door, where Elvira had recently exited.

Jack gazes at Victor's line of sight, his curiosity piqued. He couldn't help but notice Victor's smug smile, which only intensified his reaction to the enigmatic presence of the silent figure he had believed to be on his side.

Jack delved into an in-depth conversation with Elvira, desperately hoping for some clarity regarding Victor's accusation. However, despite his relentless efforts, Elvira continued to elude him, providing no sensible answer to the whereabouts of his beloved daughter, Emily. Frustration seeping into his voice, Jack proposed, "Are you going to tell me the truth, Elvira, or am I supposed to leave here in complete confusion?"

Elvira's eyes darted nervously, her voice trembling as she answered back, "I honestly don't know what you're talking about, Jack. Victor, he...he took your daughter, Emily."

Jack arched an eyebrow, suspicion etching onto his face. He furrowed his brow and retorted, "How do you know my daughter's name, Elvira? I never confided it to you. So, what is the truth?"

Elvira squeezed her hands together, anxiety gnawing at her conscience. She hesitated for a moment before mustering the courage to explain, "Jack...I...I overheard Victor mentioning Emily's name when I saw him once talking to somebody when I was still working with him. I didn't want to believe it, but it seemed like he knew her too well."

Jack's jaw clenched, his impatient mind boiling over. He paced back and forth, his sanity racing with a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. Finally, he turned to Elvira, his gape piercing into her trembling form. "Elvira, I need you to be honest with me. Did you have any involvement in this? Are you withholding any information that could help me find Emily?"

Elvira's eyes filled with confidence, but her voice choked with discomfort. "Jack, I swear, I have no idea what Victor's intentions were."

As Jack pressed Elvira with questions, she felt her mind grow foggy and her thoughts scatter. The pressure was unbearable until Victor, hearing their heated argument, decided to intervene.

"Say it, Elvira. Tell him!" Victor's voice boomed.

"Shut up!" Elvira snapped, turning to Victor.

"Tell him now, that I don't have Agent Bradley's daughter - I don't have her, you have her," Victor demanded, a smirk playing on his lips as he noticed Elvira's growing guilt.

"Admit it! -admit where my daughter is!" Jack's trembled with anger, exhausted from the mysteries Elvira had been concealing.

"Yes! - I took your daughter, Jack! I took her the night Victor's bomb threats broke out at the concert, to save her," Elvira finally sighed, her regret weighing heavily in her words.

As Jack listened to Elvira's confession, his mind swirled with a mixture of emotions. The knowledge that Victor Juarez was responsible for the bomb explosion had been with him for a time, but what he couldn't fathom was why it happened to them. Especially to his late wife and his daughter.

"Why did you bomb the concert hall?" Jack confronted Victor.

Victor raised an eyebrow, not expecting such an indictment. "I saw your men there myself," Jack continued, his voice full of scorn. Victor felt at ease, the smug expression on his face. "Why should I confess to the sin you charge me of?" Jack clenched his fists not having any more of Victor's lies. "I'm not blaming you, I'm asking you!" he reiterated, his voice filled with desperation. "You can't single me out," Victor responded, his tone dripping with arrogance. "I won't confess something that wasn't my fault. How about Elvira? Aren't you going to be angry with her? She took your child from you," he smirked, clearly enjoying Jack's discomfort.

Jack's eyes widened in a mix of anger and hurt. "If my daughter is really in a safe place," he said through gritted teeth, "I have no reason to be angry with her. Because of you, my wife died. Because of what you did!" His words hung in the air, the weight of his accusation hitting Victor like a physical blow. Jack's emotions threatened to overcome him as he struggled to contain his rage. He lunged at Victor, his hands gripping his neck tightly, not caring about the consequences.

But even before Jack could do any serious harm, a barrage of warning gunshots echoed through the room. Startled, both Jack and Elvira froze, realizing they were not alone. The source of the shots became clear: it was the men who served under Victor who had finally come to his rescue.

Their presence was a reminder that their confrontation was far from over, and more danger lurked just outside the door. Jack released his hands from Victor's neck, his grip loosening as he assessed the sudden turn of events. Elvira, who had been silently watching their exchange of anger, now found herself stumped and concerned.

"Jack! We need to go now!" Elvira cried out frantically, sweat streaming down her face as she hurriedly collected their belongings.

"And just leave this criminal behind? I can't agree to that!" Jack suggested, his voice filled with resolution. "You have nothing to lose! You're as good as dead!" Victor sneered, confidence evident in his voice. "It won't be me or Elvira who will suffer the consequences," Jack reassured their captive, his eyes locked onto Victor's.