Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 1907

Back at the hotel, Theo spat angrily as he glared at the door. "Ugh! What's so great about that bastard?! If it weren't for Ms. Garcia, I would've taught that punk a lesson myself!"

Emily said flatly, "Enough. Finish eating. After this, we're going to arrest Hank."

Theo puffed up with confidence. "Don't worry, Emily. I'll personally take him down and drag him back to Blumedale so Mr. Keller Senior can deal with him. This is the perfect chance for me to make things official between us!"

Emily seemed distracted. "Let's just focus on catching Hank first. Handle that jerk, and then we'll talk. Theo, you know I don't like it when you rush things."

Theo gave her a charming grin. "I get it, Emily. A queen like you isn't easy to win over. But it's fine, I have plenty of patience and ability to win your heart!"

Emily forced a smile. "Theo, you and your guys, plus mine… Are you sure it's enough to take down Hank? If not, I'd like to reach out for outside help."

Theo immediately shut that down with a confident smirk. "No need, Emily. Don't trouble yourself. To be real with you, I alone can handle Hank. That guy might be a martial king, but so am I. For you, I'd fight till I'm broken and bleeding, just to take that dog out."

Emily smiled faintly. "Thank you, Theo. That means a lot."

Theo chuckled, eyes gleaming. "You know what I want in return. Not much. Just once. Deal?"

Emily hesitated, uncomfortable with the idea, but forced herself to nod. "Fine. After this is over… I'll think about it."

…

"Mr. Armstrong, where are you?" Chantelle called while dialing his number from the road.

Still in bed after a steamy night, Hank had not gotten up yet. "Ms. Garcia, I'm tracking a group right now. What's up? If it's nothing urgent, I'll hang up. They're slippery, but they won't escape me."

In truth, Hank was lying in bed with a naked woman, casually talking nonsense.

Chantelle replied, "No, it's just… I found a lead. Thought you'd want in on the action."

Hank sounded heroic. "No need. You go ahead and investigate. Things are dangerous on my end. Once I'm done, I'll find you."

Chantelle ended the call with a scowl.

Andrew was driving, following the directions from Dirk, the scrawny informant.

Chantelle sneered, "Hank said he's tracking suspects. That sleazebag is getting more disgusting by the day."

Dirk scratched his head. "Almost forgot to warn you that Mr. Nielsen's creepy as hell. He's always got bugs crawling out of his sleeves or socks. Some are venomous, some mess with your head. Even local thugs don't like messing with him. Even Big Z keeps his distance."

Chantelle snorted. "People who play with parasites usually spend all day with snakes, rats, and bugs. I'm not worried. Let's go. I'll bring him in myself."

They got out of the car and approached the front door of the villa.

The door was locked, but Andrew grabbed the handle and gave it a solid twist.

A surge of internal force quietly shattered the lock from within. With a gentle push, the door creaked open.

Inside, the first floor was dim and quiet. Chantelle moved in first, gun drawn and steady.

She did not notice a few strands of spiderweb catching on her clothes. As she brushed them off in annoyance, she did not think much of it.

However, Andrew frowned and suddenly muttered, "Something's not right."

Right then, a sound echoed from the second floor.