The Tragedy Of The Thumbs Down Pin

Chapter 16: Misconceptions and Confrontations

Edgar paced through the forest, replaying the events of the night in his mind. The heist,Byron's involvement, and Mortis' suspicions all swirled together, forming a confusing web ofdeceit and 

treachery. He was certain of one thing: Byron had tried to use Barley to steal the X-Spray, intending to frame Barley while somehow benefiting Edgar. The forgetfulness potion, hebelieved, had worked perfectly, wiping Byron's memory of Edgar's true intentions and leavinghim vulnerable to manipulation.His thoughts turned to Frank. If anyone knew the depths of Mortis' knowledge aboutEdgar's involvement, it would be Frank. Edgar set off towards Frank's usual haunt, determined toget answers.Frank was startled when Edgar appeared, his demeanor dark and threatening. "Frank, weneed to talk," Edgar said, his voice low and menacing.Frank's eyes widened with fear. "What do you want, Edgar?""I need to know what Mortis knows about me," Edgar demanded. "And you better notlie."Frank hesitated, sweat beading on his forehead. "Mortis suspects you're involved, but hedoesn't have proof. He's keeping an eye on you, waiting for you to slip up."Edgar leaned in closer, his gaze piercing. "And what about you, Frank? What do youknow?"Frank swallowed hard. "I know you're playing a dangerous game, Edgar. But I won'tcross Mortis. If you get caught, you're on your own."Satisfied but wary, Edgar nodded and left, his mind set on tracking down Barley andByron. He made his way to Chuck's train station, arriving just as the train was about to depart.Slipping aboard unnoticed, he moved stealthily through the carriages, searching for his targets.As he approached the rear of the train, he heard familiar voices. Edgar crouched low,inching closer to eavesdrop on Barley and Byron's conversation."We need to act fast," Barley was saying. "If we can pull this off, Mortis won't see itcoming."Byron's voice was tense. "I agree, but we have to be careful. This object is well-guarded.One wrong move, and we're finished."Edgar's heart raced. They were planning another heist, and this time, it sounded evenmore dangerous. He couldn't let them succeed, not if it meant further complications in his ownplans."What exactly are we after?" Barley asked, his voice filled with determination.Byron hesitated before answering. "It's something Mortis treasures. If we can get ourhands on it, we might just turn the tide."Edgar decided he had heard enough. Bursting into the cabin, he fixed Barley and Byronwith a cold stare. "What are you two plotting now?" he demanded.The shock on their faces was evident, and for a moment, they were speechless. Thetension in the small cabin was palpable, the air thick with unspoken words and hidden intentions.Barley was the first to recover, his eyes narrowing. "Edgar, what are you doing here?""I heard everything," Edgar replied, his voice dangerously calm. "Now tell me whatyou're planning."But before either of them could respond, the train lurched, throwing them off balance.The sound of footsteps approached, and the three of them turned to see a shadowy figureentering the cabin.The chapter left Edgar, Barley, and Byron in a tense standoff, the mystery of their planshanging in the air, unanswered.