Chapter 9

When night fell, that's when Jason and Luke hit the streets. They were hoping for a lucky break with little leads. They started in the area where Maria had been shot, then went from there.

As Jason and Luke walked around the city, Jason was surprised by random memories that popped up in his mind. Maps of the layout of the city. Places circled and notes pinned next to locations.

It was as if he had searched for the human trafficking ring before.

But why was I even looking for it before? He thought to himself, but instead, the image of a warehouse flashed in his mind.

"Hey, Luke?"

"Yeah?"

What do you know about the old Lantern's Warehouse?" he inquired, and Luke pondered it for a moment.

"It's fairly quiet, near the waterfront, but since it's closed down it's been a place for squatters. It tends to smell since it got flooded a while back. At least that's what it's known for. Most people don't go around it," Luke's eyes widened as he thought more about it. "Making it the perfect place to hold kidnapped people and ship them out."

"Let's get moving then," Jason nodded, and the two men swiftly made their way to the old Lantern's Warehouse.

As they approached the building, Jason's nose scrunched in disgust.

"You weren't kidding about the smell."

"Honestly, this place should have been torn down years ago. There has to be black mold still growing from back when it was flooded," Luke said, also clearly bothered by the stench of the building.

"Let's make this quick, then," Jason said, and the two approached the building closer. Jason pinpointed a window where the glass has been broken and jumped into the building, then turned to help Luke inside.

Luke turned on his metal flashlight and frowned.

"This place looks pretty deserted. Think it's a dead end?" Luke questioned, but Jason shook his head.

"No." he pointed down to a footprint in mud. "Someone's been walking around here."

Luke and Jason continued walking through the dark musky building when they came across a door that looked to lead to the basement. However, on this door was a high fancy looking lock system.

"Well that looks new," Luke whispered.

"Yeah, new, but easily hotwired," Jason smirked as he knelt down, popping off a panel revealing wires.

"You know how to hotwire?" Luke questioned in surprise. Jason chuckled.

"I suppose I do. Not a bad skill to have." With that, a beep sound came from the lock system and the locks clicked, opening the door.

Jason and Luke looked and each other and nodded.

"Let's do this," Luke whispered, and the two slowly made their way through the door and down a flight of stairs.

Jason's eyes widened at the site that lay before him at the bottom of the stairs. Hundred of men and women in cages. They were motionless, some asleep and some looking at Jason and Luke with a sad fear.

"Jesus," Luke whispered, horrified.

Jason felt hatred boiling in the pit of his stomach.

Just then, they heard footsteps upstairs.

"Quick behind the staircase," Jason whispered, and Luke followed him. Jason gestured for Luke's flashlight, and the other man handed it over. Jason turned off the light and the two sat in silence.

"The lock's open!" one of the men from upstairs exclaimed.

"Shit," grunted another voice and hurried footsteps walked down the stairs and a light was flicked on.

"Most of the cargo looks like it's still here," said one of the men. The two were standing right in front of Luke and Jason, oblivious to their presence.

Without hesitation, Jason rose up Luke's metal flashlight and brought it down on the head of one of the men, instantly knocking him out. He looked over at the next man and drove the flashlight into his gut and then smacked it across his face.

Teeth and blood flew.

Broken nose. Jason though. The man wasn't unconscious though and his hand went towards his gun. Swiftly Jason was able to grab the man's hand before it reached the weapon and he bent it back, feeling bones crack under the pressure. While he had a grip on the man's hand, Jason flung the flashlight up, cracking it against the man's skull.

At this point both men were unconscious, and Jason felt that that wasn't good enough. His eyes glanced at the man's gun.

He thought about reaching for it, but then he pushed the thought out of his mind.

No. Not in front of Luke.

It scared him how if it wasn't for Luke's presence, he would have killed the two men without hesitation.

"Jason, were you a super spy or something?" Luke questioned and Jason shrugged.

"I wish I knew. Now, let's call 9-1-1."

Luke quickly dialed the number and explained the situation. The two left the scene before the police could arrive. Jason felt like he shouldn't be seen by law enforcement, which alarmed him with what implications that might allude to about his past. Luke went with him, calling in as anonymous anyway. He said he wanted to be the one to write about the story, not be the one interviewed.

The two made it back home and Luke quickly went to his room to write up about his experience.

"You have a satisfied look on your face," Maria said from the couch. Jason was surprised to see her awake.

"Luke and I just got payback on the two guys who attacked you," he said with a small smile as he sat down next to the young woman.

Maria shook her head.

"You two are crazy, and I'm afraid to ask for details."

"Trust me, you can read all about it once Luke it done typing it up," Jason grinned. "But for now, you should rest. Do you need any more medicine? I can ask Carla if she has more pain medication."

"No, it's alright Jason, you're the one who looks like they could use some rest," she smirked, cupping his face and tracing the dark circles underneath his eyes.

"Alright, alright. I'll get some sleep," Jason sighed and stood to leave the room.

"Goodnight, Maria."

"Goodnight, Jason. And thank you for everything," Maria said quietly. Jason smiled at her, then headed up the stairs to his room.