Chapter 503 - 503: Back-Up Plan

After leaving the Skull Gang Headquarters, Erick followed Phantom's suggestion. He also needed to do another preparation from his end. He called Bryan. He informed him about his plan and asked him for his help.

Erick went to a restaurant to meet Bryan and someone. Upon reaching their meeting place, Erick paused for a moment, taking a deep breath while gathering himself.

'You can do this, Erick. You have to do this. This is for Elle.' Erick reminded himself.

It did not take long when Erick finally entered the hospital. He peered around the restaurant, looking for Bryan and his companion. There were only a few customers inside so Erick spotted them right away.

Erick walked over to approach them. He hadn't eaten any today. He had no time and he didn't have an appetite. Bryan was aware of that so he decided to meet them in a restaurant. Erick needed to eat so that he had enough energy to save Elle.

"Chief Lee, you're finally here," the person beside Bryan spoke up. He was none other than but General Jason, a former captain of Special Task Force Eagle.

"Come, let's eat first. I know you haven't eaten anything yet," Bryan said, looking at Erick worriedly.

Erick was about to refuse when Bryan spoke again to convince him. "You need this, Erick. How can you perform well if you are not a hundred percent recharge? You need to eat."

The food was already served. Bryan already ordered the food ahead even before Erick arrived in the restaurant. He was very thoughtful as a friend, ordering Erick's favorite food.

General Jason darted his gaze back and forth from Erick and Bryan. He still had no idea why they asked his presence here. He could sense that something was wrong. He wondered what was going on right now. Erick didn't look good either. He looked very stressed and restless.

Meanwhile, Erick sat down on the chair opposite Bryan and General Jason. Bryan was right. He needed some energy. Though he had no appetite, he tried his best to eat his food. 

The three men were silent during the entire duration of their meal. When they were done, Erick decided to tell General Jason the reason he asked for his presence tonight. It was Bryan who told General Jason that Erick wanted to speak with him.

"Bryan, can you leave us for a while?" Erick asked Bryan. He wanted to talk with General Jason alone.

General Jason and Bryan looked at him confusedly. But in the end, Bryan just nodded his head before leaving them. He just waited for them outside the restaurant. He didn't know why Erick asked him to leave but he was putting his trust in him.

When Bryan left them, Erick and General Jason started to discuss Erick's concern.

"Chief Lee, how are you? Is there anything wrong?" General Jason asked him curiously.

Erick nodded at him, staring straight into his eyes, "General, I need your help."

"Help? Help about what?" The frown on General Jason's face deepened.

"A powerful underground organization kidnapped Aliyah Ross. I need your help to save her." Erick stated with his serious expression.

Captain Jason's eyes widened in surprise after hearing that. "Did you report it already to the authorities? What organization?"

Erick shook his head. "They warned me not to talk with the authorities or else, Aliyah's life will be in danger."

"Wait, I can't understand. Why Aliyah Ross? And what they want from you? If you are not allowed to tell the authorities then why are you telling me this?" Jason bombarded him with so many questions.

"I'm telling you this because you are the only person I can trust. Did you hear about the Dark Knight Organization? They are powerful. They even planted spies in the different law enforcement departments. Sad to say, I learned that there's a spy in my team."

"S-Spy? In your team? Did you find out who's the spy?" General Jason couldn't believe this.

"Yes. I believe that this spy is also the one who hurt Allen."

Erick was giving Jason one shock after another. He didn't know what to say right now.

"Aliyah and I are in a relationship. They used her to get what they wanted from me. I helped someone. A person that they needed most. I am here to ask for your help. I want to save Aliyah but I can't let them have this person," Erick added.

"Who is the spy in your team? Do you have proof? And who is this person that is important to the Dark Knight Organization?" General Jason threw him more questions. He needed answers so that he would know how he could help him.

"I have no proof yet. But I suspect Carl as the spy. Our last operation was compromised. There was information leakage. General Jason, listen to me. The Dark Knight Organization is operating and managing a bio-weapon facility." 

"We need to stop them. The person in my care is one of the scientists who created the bio-weapon. This is the main reason I can't let them have this man, no matter what. I need your help to protect him during the exchange."

General Jason nodded his head. "Yes, I will do my best. Thank you for trusting me, Erick. This means a lot to me. Aside from me, who knows about this?"

Erick shook his head, "No one. Even Bryan had no idea about this. I just told him that I need your help with something. Please don't tell this to others."

"I promise, I won't tell this to anyone. I will form an elite team to accompany you on this rescue mission. I will also join you personally. We have to be careful. We don't know who the other spies are. So it's a wise move that you didn't inform others about this." Jason tapped Erick's shoulder, commending him.

"Thank you, General Jason. I would really appreciate your help."

Jason gave him a faint smile and said, "No need to mention that. It's our duty and responsibility."

"What are you planning to do with Carl?" Jason asked Erick. There was still a hint of disbelief in his voice.

"I don't know yet. My focus right now is saving Aliyah. I'll think about that after successfully saving her." 

General Jason nodded his head. "Yes, I understand. Don't worry, I will help you. You are like a son to me. I'm so happy that you open up your heart again to someone. We will save her."

"I will count on you, General Jason. You are the only person who has the power to help me and fight this organization. If anything bad happens to me during the operation, can you please at least save Aliyah and the scientist?"

Jason frowned after hearing that, "Why are you saying this? Nothing bad will happen to you. By the way, where's the scientist?"

"I'm sorry, General. I can't tell you for now. But I will introduce you to him on the day of the exchange." He couldn't tell Jason that Mr. Carter was in the Skull Gang right now.

Jason nodded his head. "Where and when the exchange will happen?"

Erick told him the address and the exact time for this exchange. General Jason told him about his plan of forming an elite team, composed of a few people he trusted most. He reassured Erick that they could trust his team. 

They agreed to meet again tomorrow for the final briefing. They would finalize their strategy.