Disclaimer: Neither Now You See Me, the characters, or the lyrics that appear at the beginning of each chapter belong to me.

Chapter 4: Abandoned

Well there's no getting out. and you got to wonder
Who will dig you out when you're six feet under?
And the only thing to save
Is the banner that you wave
To be wrapped around your grave.
~This Means War by Nickelback

The Eye was a secretive organization, even to the members, but over the years Dylan had steadily rose toward the top until he learned who was in charge of the Eye. Or, at least, the spokesman for the leader. Not many reached that point, but those who did were granted the freedom to find potential members and set their tasks. When he had been allowed to enact his revenge, Dylan had been given a number with the warning to use it only in emergencies. Up until now he hadn't used it, and as he put the phone to his ear, he honestly had no idea who would be on the other end, and that worried him, but he had to trust the Eye.

"Ah, Mr. Shrike—or is it Rhodes now?" the voice on the other end was undoubtedly male, but it wasn't a voice he recognized.

"Who is this?" In his panic, the question slipped out before he could stop it.

There was one major rule in the Eye: never ask another's identity. It was how the Eye had lasted all the way from Ancient Egypt to present times. New members only knew the identity of the one who recruited them, and sometimes even that was a lie. The lack of names kept the organization secret and protected should any member be caught by the law and interrogated.

"You must be calling about Mr. Bradley's announcement." The man didn't reprimand his slip.

"Yes." Dylan replied quickly.

"You made a mistake when you went to him after the final task, Mr. Shrike." The man spoke slowly and calmly, unaffected by the panic Dylan couldn't keep from his voice. "And all mistakes must have consequences. It is the nature of the world."

For the second time in only a few minutes, Dylan felt himself freeze again. Did this really mean what he thought it meant? His mouth was dry as he replied.

"He's going to expose us."

"You, Mr. Shrike." The voice corrected in that same slow, calm voice. "He is going to expose you. If you move swiftly, you may be able to slow him down, but your time with the FBI is coming to an end. The Eyes has done what it can, but the pieces are already in motion and there is nothing else we can do. All actions have consequences, even actions years in the making."

There was a slight pause.

"We will do all we can, Mr. Shrike, but the rest is up to you."

There was a click and then the connection was lost. Dylan moved slowly, his mind racing a mile a minute. He had planned everything so carefully. He had spent years planning, but not once did he consider this, that the Eye would abandon him and his Horsemen. He had believed the evidence planted would be enough to ensure that Thaddeus Bradley would spend several years behind bars at the least, but even if it didn't, he had never believed the Eye would let Bradley go after them.

For the first time in a long time, Dylan was at a loss of what to do.

He needed to warn the Horsemen. If they weren't already aware of Bradley's release, then it was his job to warn them. They had to escape and escape fast. If Bradley were to go after him, it would only be a matter of time before he could find the Horsemen. He started to dial Danny's number once more, but he forced himself to stop. As much as he needed to warn the Horsemen, he needed to stall Bradley first. If he could just get the man brought in for questioning, then he could stop the filming of the show, he could buy some time. Scrambling for his work phone, Dylan hurriedly dialed the number.

"Fuller, it's Rhodes. Send someone to arrest Thaddeus Bradley on the charges of the obstruction of justice and withholding evidence."