"After passing through these hills, we'll reach the last known location of Bella," Eland informed. The coordinates sent by Anne indicated that they were getting closer. As per Sam's orders, Eland was in Ferdi's car. There wasn't much conversation between them. For Eland, despite Ferdi having a place by Sam's side, he was still a police officer. Who knew how long Ferdi would remain on the Twin Dragons' side.
"My team is ready, and yours?" Eland asked.
"No need to ask if a wolf is ready to prey on its opponent," Eland replied with a displeased expression. He tightened his grip on the sword in his hand. His eyes remained fixed on the completely empty road. Rarely did they encounter other vehicles coming from the opposite direction.
The area was considered both dangerous and safe for hiding—Savannah. Eland only had a fleeting knowledge of the mostly arid and barren region. Trees like the ones surrounding them were rarely seen. According to the directions Eland had been observing, this road was the only one that could be considered somewhat lush.
"You don't know this area, Eland," Ferdi chuckled softly. "I personally don't know either, but there's one thing to be wary of. If their gang flees into the heart of the region, we might get caught in a sandstorm."
"We can't let that happen," Eland grinned.
"We don't know how many of Gerald's men there are. You know yourself, right? Gerald is the ruler of the Eagle Wing."
Eland didn't deny that, but he also didn't care how many people would stand in his way. His goal was AnaBella. And also to bring Gerald, the mastermind behind the attack on Flown that injured Jack.
"But I'm curious, who would dare attack the headquarters when everyone was focused on Gerald?"
That question also lingered in Eland's mind, accompanied by many other uncertainties. It was evident that it had been planned—the attack on Flown, the simultaneous assault on the headquarters and the hospital where Jack was being treated. If that person knew Sam's plans, why didn't they attack directly and confront the leader?
Eland could only stay silent, leaning back as he observed the road ahead.
"I'm sure Sam won't be easily fooled."
"I'm more curious why your mouth can't shut up," Eland glanced cynically at the man next to him, who responded with laughter as if Eland's words were amusing.
"You're so uptight, Eland."
Eland sighed in frustration. Sometimes he wondered why he had to work with the annoying police officer Ferdi. Instead of dealing with Ferdi's noise, he chose to focus on his mobile screen. "Up ahead, we take a turn into... the forest?"
Ferdi, who hadn't paid much attention to the directions given by Eland, immediately looked at the phone handed to him.
"This is a wooded area, right?" Eland confirmed.
"Yes," Ferdi furrowed his brow. "A perfect place to hide, indeed." He himself made sure that the direction shown on the screen was accurate. Then he slightly rolled down his car window, observing the surroundings as their journey entered the forested area. "This is the border region between Savannah and the Eagle Wing, Eland."
"If Gerald is hiding in Savannah's territory, we can't be careless."
"That's where I come in, Eland," Ferdi proudly said. "Gerald and Jimmy are on the Level One Most Wanted List. All eyes are on them. No one can forbid any territory from protecting them."
Eland grinned. "That's good. Finally, there's a use for the police here."
"Damn you," Ferdi closed his window again. "Get ready, we'll reach our destination soon."
***
From the second-floor balcony of the partially wooden cottage, Bella surveyed her surroundings. Like the day before, nothing had changed. Everything was still the same—quiet, peaceful, devoid of human life except for the sounds of chirping birds and nocturnal creatures.
"We're leaving now, Bella," Gerald said, causing the woman to turn around. "Are you okay?"
Bella sneered. Despite that, she should be grateful that Gerald was willing to take her out of Flown, right? Unfortunately, her words were stifled at the tip of her tongue due to Gerald's irritating attitude that often surfaced and annoyed Bella. And that was not to mention Jimmy's childish behavior, according to Bella.
Why did she end up trapped with these two idiots?
"Boss," Paul called out.
"Any news from Savannah?"
"They rejected our offer," Paul grumbled in frustration. His attempt to return to the Northern Division was not as easy as he had thought. There were many guard posts everywhere, including the announcement that both Gerald and Jimmy were the number one wanted individuals due to their involvement with Alfred's case.
Their movements were severely restricted.
The only way out was to cooperate with Savannah. But Gerald had warned them that it wouldn't be easy to form an alliance with the rulers of this predominantly desert territory, especially for an escape mission.
So, this border forest area remained a relatively comfortable place to hide. Perhaps they could still fend off the police if they were pursued. After all, the performance of the police in the South or North was the same. There was no competence or reliability. They only showed up when the chaos was over or even added to the existing turmoil.
What they feared was Alfred's power. Although they hadn't spoken directly, both Gerald and Jimmy knew that Quassano could do anything he desired, including destroying both of them.
"Damn it!" Gerald grumbled in frustration. "We can't stay here for too long."
"Alfred's people have taken over the mansion," Jimmy added, suddenly appearing at the staircase.
"Bastards!" He punched the air in frustration, rubbing his face with frustration. Everything he had once enjoyed with arrogance had disappeared in an instant.
"So... what are we going to do?" Bella asked, looking at each person who had suddenly gathered on the second floor. In such a situation, she felt incredibly stupid for initiating this false collaboration. Instead, she ended up in isolation like this, unable to leave due to the enormous risks involved.
"We're going back to Eagle Wing," Gerald declared. "Gather all the remaining subordinates."
"Understood, Boss," Paul swiftly moved. Although he was aware that many had defected due to Alfred's influence, which undoubtedly affected Gerald's power, he believed that there were still many loyal followers waiting for Gerald's return.
"What are you going to do, huh?" Jimmy sneered sarcastically.
"I'll do what I need to do for my people, Jimmy," Gerald stared sharply at Jimmy. He couldn't let all of this drag on, and he couldn't let the name of Eagle Wing disappear just like that. No, Eagle Wing was established with pride, and he wouldn't let it crumble so easily.
Jimmy laughed. "I'll be waiting for your cunning plan, Gerald."
"Eagle Wing no longer sides with Jimmy Lee, let me make that clear. This is the last time we meet, and from now on, I don't care about your existence, Jimmy. You... who I thought shared the same goals, turned out to be nothing but a greedy fool."
"GERALD!" Jimmy protested.
"For heaven's sake, all of you," Bella spoke wearily. "We're facing an equally dire situation. Can we think about what needs to be done?"
Gerald sighed, "Are you coming back, Bella?"
The woman blinked slowly. "To Sam?" Then she laughed, finding it amusing that she desired Sam to be near her at this moment. It was because of her reckless actions that she had awakened the vengeful lion, who never played around when seeking retribution. "No, it's impossible," she said softly.
"You can come with me if you want." Gerald left Jimmy standing frozen in his spot. However, Paul suddenly rushed up the stairs, his face pale, and his phone in his hand, seemingly connected to someone.
"Boss..." Paul breathed heavily.
"What is it?"
"The sacred house where Jack was being treated was attacked."
Gerald remembered what he had done to Jack, Sam's trusted subordinate. He fired a single shot, seemingly piercing through his abdomen. But he was confident that Jack wouldn't die easily. Apart from his massive, giant-like physique, Gerald was certain that Sam's thousands of subordinates were well-trained and not easily brought down.
Although Gerald was certain that the day would come when Sam sought revenge for what he had done.
"By whom?" Jimmy asked curiously.
"Rumors suggest it was orchestrated by you," Paul said, looking at Gerald with an incredulous gaze.
"Nonsense!" Gerald laughed. "What other news do you bring?"
"Twin Dragon's headquarters was attacked."
Suddenly, Paul's statement was met with numerous disbelieving stares. Even Bella was left speechless, unable to believe the recent news.
"Everyone is pointing their fingers at us, Boss."
"What?" Gerald was surprised by this. "I didn't plan anything. We still need a lot of preparation just to return to Eagle Wing, don't we?"
Paul nodded understandingly. "That's why... there's a phone call for you, sir."
Gerald frowned. He repeatedly stared at the phone that Paul offered. He was hesitant to accept it, but it seemed to be an urgent situation.
"Next time you want to attack my subordinates, be smarter. Understood?"
"Sam?"