Chapter Twenty Six

Brian proceeded to tail Soifon and Erin as he became aware that they were a short distance away. He maintained a distance from the two females, using this opportunity to strategize on how best to intercept them.

Brian had already sent a text to Thomas, notifying him about the location of the two women. He instructed Thomas to proceed ahead and impede their progress, while also sending a message to Ace informing him of their discovery and the plan to regroup at the hideout once they were apprehended.

"In spite of your attempts to escape, elusion will prove futile," Brian murmured to himself, as the rain intensified once again.

While observing Soifon and Erin from afar, Brian spotted Thomas positioned a few feet away, effectively blocking their path. A mischievous smile formed on Brian's face at the sight.

Soifon and Erin strolled through the woods, engaging in a hushed conversation. 'I am eager to depart this location,' Soifon remarked, expressing her discomfort with the sensation of mud between her toes. Erin couldn't help but laugh at Soifon's predicament and teasingly referred to her as a 'poor baby.'

Soifon, feeling slightly indignant, looked at Erin with a disapproving huff and pout. 'I am not a baby,' she asserted defensively, 'I simply dislike the sensation of mud between my toes.' Erin responded playfully by rolling her eyes. 'I share your sentiment,' she admitted, 'but it is preferable to walking in these accursed heels.' A smirk adorned Erin's face as she made her point. 'You are correct,' Soifon acknowledged with a laugh, walking alongside Erin.

Engrossed in their conversation, both women failed to notice Thomas obstructing their path until they drew closer to him.

'Cease your progress at once, you two troublesome women,' Thomas commanded abruptly, causing Soifon and Erin to stop in surprise and look at him.

'How?'" was the only word that escaped Soifon's lips as she gazed at Thomas in bewilderment, while Erin fixed him with an intense glare. "Move," firmly commanded the brunette, stepping forward towards the resolute man who stood his ground. "Or we will compel you."

Thomas shook his head and maintained his position, arms crossed. "I do not believe so. Why do not the two of you accompany me, and perchance Ace will exhibit mercy towards you," he calmly suggested.

Soifon glared at him and vehemently replied, "There is no conceivable way that Ace would demonstrate leniency towards us. I am well acquainted with his ways." She glanced behind her to check if anyone was approaching, only to widen her eyes upon realizing that Brian had caught up to them and blocked their path.

Soifon beckoned to Tom. "Allow us passage, Thomas," she pleaded, attempting to discern any speck of compassion within his emerald eyes, as she recalled his thoughtful contemplation during their journey to the dining room. "I perceive that you possess a benevolent nature and are genuinely disinclined to engage in this confrontation. It is evident in your gaze."

Thomas observed Soifon and Erin attentively as he listened to Soifon's remark: 'Believe me, Ace is merely manipulating you for his own benefit.' Soifon proceeded to express her concerns, her blue eyes softening as she said, 'If he has made promises of money or any similar incentives, Ace will not uphold his word. Trust me, I am familiar with his character.' She maintained a calm demeanor while addressing Thomas.

Just as Thomas was about to interject, Brian rudely interrupted, asserting, 'Shut your vulgar mouth, woman! You have no understanding of what you are talking about.' Brian advanced toward the two women, adding, 'Don't just stand there, Thomas. Seize one of them. Disregard that impudent girl; she is spouting nonsense.' He retorted sharply.

Soifon silently watched as Thomas hesitated, shifting his gaze between her, Erin, and Brian. Erin's voice broke the silence, urging, 'Come on, make a choice. Either help us escape this treacherous situation or assist Brian in bringing us back to the hideout.' An owl's hoot resonated above their heads as Thomas contemplated the options before him. He pondered whether he should aid the women and face the ensuing consequences or assist Brian and heed the echoes of Soifon's words regarding Ace.

Soifon appeared unsettled in her current position as the rain intensified. 'What is your decision, Thomas?' she inquired assertively. 'You must make a choice promptly since we will remain here indefinitely, enduring the rain,' she warned, crossing her arms tightly over her chest. Her hair became adhesive against her face, and she exchanged hopeful glances with Erin, who mirrored her gesture.

"Brian emitted a menacing growl, expressing his frustration. 'If you are unwilling to take action, Tom, I suggest that you allow me to perform my duty and apprehend these troublesome women,' he declared, advancing a few steps closer to Erin.

Thomas shot back, his voice resonating above the sound of the raindrops trickling from his bangs. 'Do not take another step towards them, Brian!' he commanded. Soifon and Erin gazed at Thomas with hopefulness, turning to face Brian, who halted abruptly and directed a scornful gaze towards Thomas."

"'If you refuse to assist me, then remain out of my path,' Brian retorted with disdain, brandishing a firearm and aiming it at Soifon, Erin, and Thomas.

"Lower your weapon, Brian, or I will take action," Thomas asserted, his jaw clenched. As he maneuvered around Soifon and Erin, who quickly stepped aside, Brian's finger began to tighten on the trigger.

"Why don't you step aside, Thomas, and allow me to fulfill my duty? Otherwise, I will not hesitate to shoot you in this very spot. Ace is awaiting their arrival, and he is likely becoming increasingly impatient due to the extended wait," Brian retorted, directing the gun towards Thomas.

Observing this exchange, Soifon and Erin exchanged glances. "Perhaps we should leave them here and proceed with our plans," Erin murmured. Noting that Thomas had successfully distracted Brian, the brunette further remarked, prompting a nod of agreement from Soifon. However, before they could depart, Thomas shouted urgently, "Both of you must run and escape this predicament immediately."

Erin firmly grasped Soifon's hand and proceeded to lead her in a decisive manner, stating 'Let us proceed.' While Thomas was momentarily distracted by Brian, they managed to utilize this opportunity to escape their pursuers.

A short distance away, Soifon glanced over her shoulder upon hearing the sound of a gunshot. Her eyes widened as she caught a glimpse of Thomas collapsing to the ground. Reacting swiftly, Erin swiftly tugged Soifon towards the cover of a nearby tree, knowing that Brian would be soon approaching their location.

Brian, with an intense glare, observed Thomas's unfortunate fall. He condescendingly commanded him to remain in his position, promising to spare his life.

Stepping over Thomas's wounded form, lingering in pain on the muddy ground, Brian proceeded determinedly towards Soifon and Erin's hiding place with his firearm in hand. He called out to them, urging them to make themselves known.

Soifon cautiously peered out of her hiding place, her blue eyes widening at the sight of Brian standing in the same spot she had just vacated. 'Come out, you two wretched women,' he taunted, 'I know you're hiding around here somewhere. If you don't want your new friend to bleed to death, you come with me, and I'll spare his life,' he called out with a narrowing of his brown eyes.

Erin bit her lip, pulling Soifon back behind the tree. 'What should we do?' she asked, as the sun slowly began to rise in the sky. Soifon looked at her and whispered, 'We need to escape from here, but we must find a way to rescue Thomas and bring him with us.' Soifon suggested, 'Perhaps if we split up and go our separate ways, we may be able to throw Brian off our trail.'

Erin considered this thoughtfully. 'I don't like the idea, but it might be our only option. How do you propose we do this?' she asked, looking at Soifon, who surveyed their surroundings and replied, 'It appears we are close to exiting the woods. Let's proceed, keeping an eye on the remaining trees ahead.'

"May I suggest that I distract Brian while you go retrieve Thomas? Your longer legs would enable you to move faster and remove Tom from this location. I will join you once I have successfully diverted Brian's attention. Furthermore, why don't you check if Thomas has a phone on him and use it to contact Voight for assistance?" Soifon recommended.

Erin's expression turned solemn as she considered Soifon's plan and gave her approval. "Very well, but please exercise caution and make sure not to take too long. If you do, I will return and retrieve you myself." Erin stated firmly, cupping Soifon's face gently in her hands. "Do not worry, I will stay close behind you." Soifon assured, ending their interaction with a tender kiss on Erin's lips.

As they separated from each other, Erin whispered, "Let us proceed." Soifon nodded and began to exit their hiding spot. "Wait until I have successfully led Brian away, then go and rescue Thomas." Soifon instructed, receiving a nod from Erin as she began to retreat from the tree while Soifon emerged from the tree line.

"Brian, would you like me to accompany you back to Ace?" inquired Soifon, capturing Brian's attention. "That is precisely why I am here. However, Ace desires both of you. Where is the individual with brown hair?" Brian questioned, taking a step forward to meet Soifon halfway. "I am unsure of her whereabouts. We became separated, but I am certain that Ace will be pleased to have me. Besides, Ace's primary interest lies in my presence," she asserted.

Brian examined Soifon from head to toe, contemplating her words. "You may be correct. Additionally, I do not believe he will be angered if I only bring one person back," he agreed.

In the midst of the woods, Soifon met Brian and stated, "Then I will voluntarily return." She nodded, indicating Brian to lead the way. She understood her plan: she wanted to provide Erin with more time to retrieve Thomas and depart from the woods. Therefore, she decided to play along.