Duskwood: the man behind the mask

22. Sadness

It was very difficult to convince Jessy to stay. We told her everything that had happened, but she didn't think Richy was trying to help and nothing could change her mind. I tried to reason with her for a long time, but every time I thought I had made some progress, she would look at Richy and her face would once again be covered in anger and sadness.

It took Jake to pull her aside and talk to her alone, and only then did I see her expression relax a bit. She returned with a serious look and told us that she would only stay on the condition that Richy did not approach her, to which he accepted with a downcast expression.

It was time then to plan our next steps, we had to find a way to free the guys, find Hannah, and give Alan Bloomgate what he deserved.

Jake: I'll go with Richy to the shelter where the others are, you find a safe place in the meantime and stay there until I contact you.

Jessy: No, we're all going to the shelter.

Jake: Five people would be too conspicuous, Jessica.

Jessy: What if this guy hurts you? Haven't you thought this might be a trap, Jake?

Richy: I won't do anything to him, Jessy, he knows that. I also want to free my friends.

Jessy: Your friends? You don't know what that word means.

Richy lowered his eyes and walked away quietly as Jake addressed us, especially Jessy:

Jake: I have to go to the house now, I need you to wait here and stay calm. Understood, Jessica?

Jessy: What? Are you crazy? Alan may still be there.

Jake: His plan didn't go well and he must be on his way to the shelter to check that no one has escaped, he won't be back for now.

MC: There's no way you can be sure of that, Jake. What can be so important that you take such a risk? You have your laptop with you, I saw you grab it before we left, and I know the rest of your equipment is in your backpack.

Jake: I need something else that was left there, it's essential.

He didn't say anything else or wait for us to respond and just started walking in the direction of the house, stopping next to Phil when he was at his side. He said something to him in a low voice and the other nodded reluctantly, whereupon Jake continued on his way and disappeared into the trees.

Phil came to us, still angry, and sat on a log saying:

Phil: The hacker wants me to look after you while he's gone.

He then turned to Richy and said sharply:

Phil: You, if I see you move even an inch I'm going to give you the beating I promised you, understand?

Richy didn't seem to hear him and kept his eyes on the ground.

Seeing him in that state managed to move me a bit, and I thought it was time to find out the reason behind everything he had done. I told myself that we all have the right to explain ourselves and he was no exception, so I walked over and sat next to him.

MC: Hey, do you think we can talk?

Richy: Sure.

MC: Good. I guess you already know what I want to know, right?

He smiled sadly and nodded:

Richy: Yes, I can imagine.

MC: So?