The Secrets Unleashed

7. Insecurity

AT THE SAFE HOUSE
I just arrived at the safe house, me, Rachael, Ji-Hoon and my uncle settle in. And pack our stuff in different rooms, each of us have our own room, better than my old one.

"Ji-Hoon, I need Cassandra's file, and also her parents'," I requested, my voice firm.

Ji-Hoon's expression turned cautious. "Timothy, are you sure? That information is highly classified."

Rachel nodded curtly. "Very well. But be warned, Timothy, the truth may be more than you can handle."

Ji-Hoon handed me two thick folders marked "Classified." I opened Cassandra's file first.

_Cassandra Kerian's File_

_Age:_ 22

_Family:_ Father - Reginald Kerian (alive)
Mother - Victoria Kerian (imprisoned)

_Psychological Evaluation:_

Cassandra exhibits antisocial personality disorder, narcissistic tendencies, and a lack of empathy. Her actions are driven by a desire for power and control.

_Criminal Record:_

- Kidnapping (multiple counts)
- Extortion
- Assault

_Syndicate Involvement:_

Cassandra's family has ties to the Syndicate's upper echelon. Her father, Reginald, is a key player.

_Personal Notes:_

Cassandra's behavior is calculated and manipulative. She uses her charm and beauty to lure victims into her trap.

_Photographs:_

I flipped through the images, my stomach churning. Cassandra's smile, once familiar, now seemed twisted and sinister.

_Surveillance Footage:_

A DVD was attached to the file. I inserted it into the laptop, and a video played.

Cassandra, standing in a dimly lit room, spoke directly to the camera. "Timothy, you'll never escape me."

I felt a shiver run down my spine.

"Ji-Hoon, what's the plan?" I asked, my voice cold.

Ji-Hoon's expression turned resolute. "We'll take down Cassandra and the Syndicate. Together."

Rachel nodded. "We have reason to believe Cassandra is hiding in Lavender City. We'll track her down."

My uncle placed a hand on my shoulder. "Timothy, stay focused. We'll get through this."

I nodded, determination burning within me.

Now, I opened Reginald Kerian's file.

_Reginald Kerian's File_

_Age:_ 50

_Occupation:_ Businessman (front for Syndicate activities)

_Criminal Record:_

- Money laundering
- Human trafficking
- Murder

_Syndicate Rank:_ High-ranking member

_Personal Notes:_

Reginald is ruthless and cunning. He'll stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

A photograph caught my eye - Reginald standing beside Cassandra, both smiling.

"Ji-Hoon, why is Reginald still alive?" I asked, my voice laced with anger.

Ji-Hoon hesitated. "We've been monitoring him. Taking him down requires careful planning."

I clenched my fists. "I want to be part of that plan."

Rachel's eyes narrowed. "Timothy, you're not ready."

"I am," I countered. "I have a score to settle."
Here's the updated continuation:

_Victoria Kerian's File_

_Age:_ 48

_Occupation:_ Socialite (front for Syndicate activities)

_Criminal Record:_

- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- Accessory to murder

_Syndicate Rank:_ Mid-ranking member

_Personal Notes:_

Victoria is charismatic and manipulative, using her social status to further Syndicate interests.

_Photographs:_

I flipped through the images, noticing Victoria's calculating gaze.

_Surveillance Footage:_

A DVD was attached to the file. I inserted it into the laptop, and a video played.

Victoria, standing in a luxurious living room, spoke directly to the camera. "Cassandra, darling, you must take care of Timothy. He's crucial to our plans."

I felt a chill run down my spine.

"Ji-Hoon, why are they still alive?" I asked, my voice laced with anger.

Ji-Hoon hesitated. "We've been monitoring them. Taking them down requires careful planning."

I clenched my fists. "I want to be part of that plan."

Rachel's eyes narrowed. "Timothy, you're not ready."

"I am," I countered. "I have a score to settle."

My uncle's grip on my shoulder tightened. "Timothy, think clearly. Revenge won't bring justice."

I took a deep breath, my resolve firm.

"It's not just revenge. It's stopping the Syndicate."

The room fell silent.

Suddenly, Ji-Hoon's phone beeped.

"Excuse me," he said, answering the call.

His expression turned grave.

"What is it?" Rachel asked.

"It's our source inside the Syndicate," Ji-Hoon replied. "Cassandra's planning something big. We have 48 hours to stop her."