Chapter 516 - 516: For the Sake of Friendship

Brother Yan, Brother Yu, Spike, and Sherlock were still tailing Alfonso without his knowledge. Erick's team was following them. 

Skull Gang and Phantom's Henchmen were able to catch up with Alfonso's team since they were doing a stop-over once in a while because most of them were still not feeling well and needed CR-break.

It did not take long when Erick's team was able to join them. Erick immediately informed the other team that they were just behind them.

Erick: "Team Alpha, Team Beta… We are right behind you. We will proceed according to our plan. There will be a checkpoint 1 Kilometers away from here. If Alfonso's team will change their route then it will go according to our plan A."

Brother Yu: "Noted, Chief Lee. Are we going to do the ambush the moment they change their route?"

Phantom: "Yes. That's our plan. We can block their way and stop their movement once they venture to the road that was less traveled by civilians. If there will be a shootout, no civilians will be caught in it."

Erick: "What's the situation on your end, Rose and April?"

Rose: "Chief Lee, we received a call from Officer Kim. As per your instruction, he will bring General Jason here at XXX Crime Investigation Headquarters for us to interrogate him."

April: "They will be here in 20 minutes. Don't worry, Chief Lee. We will do our best to convince him to cooperate with us"

Erick: "Okay. I will leave that to both of you. Update me as soon as possible. General Jason's help will play a vital role here in order to catch the Dark Lord."

Erick: "By the way, did you check Allen's condition?"

Rose: "He's doing well now. Agent Jane and Marie will visit him today. His parents informed us that Allen is sleeping most of the time to regain his strength."

April: "Dr. Gomez said that we can get his statement once he becomes more stable after getting enough rest."

Elle remembered something at the mention of Dr. Gomez. They could hear the whole conversation through the communication device. 

She didn't tell anyone yet about his relationship with the Dark Lord. But she was grateful to him. He helped them by drugging the members of the Dark Knight who were assigned to this mission.

Elle: "Erick, there's something I haven't told everyone yet."

Erick: "It's okay. You can tell us now."

Elle fell silent for a moment. She didn't know how she would tell him about Dr. Gomez. What if Erick would be sad again knowing that his doctor friend was related to the Dark Lord?

Everyone was wondering why Elle suddenly became quiet. Phantom urged Erick to ask her again. It seemed that something was bothering Elle, that's why she fell silent for a moment.

Erick: "Wifey??? Is there something wrong? You can tell me anything. Your hubby is willing to listen."

Now, it was everyone's turn to be silent when Erick called Elle using their endearment.

Who would have thought that simple endearment from Erick was enough to feed them dog's food? 

For goodness' sake, they were still on the mission and everyone was listening to them through the communication device.

James: "..."

Charles: 'Public Display of Affection? Damn, Erick. Did he forget that we are still on the mission?'

Brother Lu: 'Aww. Brother Erick is so sweet toward Sister Elle. What a cute couple?!'

Black Shadow: 'Does he have to call my kitten that and let us all hear it? And what's with that sweet gentle voice of him?'

Then Black Shadow turned to James. He wanted to see his reaction. He wondered if James would be jealous of Erick.

The moment he moved his gaze on James, he was already looking in his direction so their eyes met.

James was expressionless so Black Shadow couldn't figure out what he was thinking. But James raised his eyebrow when he noticed that Black Shadow was assessing him.

"What? What are you looking at?" James said to Black Shadow with his stern cold voice.

Black Shadow just smiled at him sheepishly while shaking his head. 

"Nothing." 

He immediately looked away.

Meanwhile, Elle had decided to tell Erick about Dr. Gomez.

Elle: "Hubby… it's about Dr. Gomez. He knew the Dark Lord and we saw each other in the Dark Knight Organization Main Headquarters."

There was a moment of silence before Erick spoke up.

Erick: "Yes, I already know. Dr. Gomez told me just a few hours ago when we met at the hospital."

Elle was surprised when she heard that. Dr. Gomez didn't mention anything to her.

Elle: "What did he tell you?"

Erick: "He told me that he saw you being held captive in one of the Dark Knight Organization Headquarters. He also gave us an update when you and Alfonso's team left the headquarters."

Erick paused for a moment, reminiscing the moment when Dr. Gomez told him about Elle's situation.

~ Flashback ~

"Erick, there's something I need to tell you. Please listen to me first. I hope you won't judge me right away." Dr. Gomez said, feeling anxious. It looked like he was bothered by something.

After checking Allen's condition, Dr. Gomez asked Erick to come with him to his office.

"What is it?" Erick asked him curiously. He could feel the anxiety of Dr. Gomez from his expression alone.

"Erick, I know where Aliyah Ross is right now. She is being held captive in the Dark Knight Organization Headquarters."

Erick was stunned for a moment after hearing that.

"I'm sorry, Erick. It took me a lot of time before telling you this. My conscience is haunting me every hour… I can't let anything bad happen to Aliyah and to your child."

"Yes, Erick. She told me that she's pregnant with your child. The Dark Knight is using her to attack you. She asked my help to protect you."

"How is she? Where is she?! I have to go and save her!! Tell me!" Erick grabbed Dr. Gomez on his shoulders, shaking him as he continued asking him about Elle's whereabouts.

"Erick, calm down. I promise I will help you. But saving her inside the main headquarters of the Dark Knight is a bad idea. It was highly guarded. You can't enter unnoticed. It would be easy to save her once she's out of the headquarters." Dr. Gomez suggested to Erick.

"Go with the plan and do the exchange. I will help you sabotage the members of this mission. I will go back to the headquarters after this."

After hearing that, Erick finally calmed down.

"Is she alright?" His voice was filled with worries and concerns for Elle.

"Yes. She's fine. So don't worry. They didn't hurt her. She is just locked in one room." Dr. Gomez reassured Erick.

"Erick, be careful. During this mission, the Dark Lord had ordered to kill you… not only you but also Aliyah." Dr. Gomez warned him.

"I know. But what are you doing there? Are you a member of the Dark Knight Organization?" Erick asked him inquisitively. Complex emotions flashed on his face.

Dr. Gomez smiled faintly before shaking his head.

"No, I am not a member of that organization. But I am a personal doctor of their Leader. Erick, I am indebted to that person. But I don't want you to die. You are my friend. I can't let that happen."