A Game Of Cat and Mouse

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.