Found Obsession

Chapter 94: Defending Wyatt

December 12, 2005

Jonathan, Rose, Sasha, and Mark walked into the elite room, the weight of their purpose pressing down on them. As the door clicked shut, they stood in silence, their gazes distant, lifeless, as if they were caught in an unending loop of despair.

"I have my proposal for justice," Mark whispered, breaking the heavy stillness. His voice wavered slightly, but he pressed on. "I've been thinking... and you all remember when I told you about my parents' drug operations?"

They nodded silently, their expressions grim.

"I found the main location," he said, swallowing hard. "It's in an orphanage."

The room grew colder, the weight of his words sinking in.

"I'll try to gather evidence and turn it into the police," Mark continued, his voice quieter now. "But... considering there are about seven victims before me..." He hesitated, his lips pressing together as he struggled to finish. "I don't think I'll have enough time to bring justice before my time is up."

The room remained silent, the unspoken truth hanging heavily between them.

"So I was wondering..." Mark began, his eyes lifting to meet theirs. "Would you join me on a mission? One of my dreams has been for the four of us to go on a mission together. You know—adrenaline and guns."

Rose tried to smile, but the weight of the moment crushed any hope of lightness. "What do we have to do?" she asked softly.

Mark withdrew a folded map and held it up. "I searched my father's office while he was gone," he said, pointing to a specific spot. "I found this. The drugs are stored underneath this orphanage."

Sasha's voice wavered as she asked, "But the children?"

Mark's lips trembled. "I made some calls yesterday. I found out all the children were sent on a field trip."

Rose paled, the implication striking her like a blow. She closed her eyes, blinking back tears. Jonathan and Sasha looked equally horrified.

"Father Dawson mentioned the distribution of children was complete," Mark added, his voice breaking. "I guess the remaining ones are coming back. I... I never thought—" He cut himself off, unable to finish.

If Rose had known, she would have done anything—followed her father, risked everything to save them.

Mark seemed to sense her thoughts. "Rose," he whispered, his voice heavy with regret, "we can't save everyone."

Rose turned away, blinking rapidly to keep any tears from falling.

"So... you want us to somehow intercept the children on their way back?" Sasha asked, her voice barely audible.

Mark nodded. "We could do something afterward—like Riley and his team did. Start a campaign for adoptions. Ensure those kids get homes," Jonathan said.

"Yes," Mark agreed. "I was thinking we could announce something at a Christmas concert or event, saying the orphanage burned down."

"You want to set it on fire?" Rose asked, her voice sharp.

They hesitated before Jonathan spoke. "That's what happened to the orphanage Bruce Jones handled. Didn't you know?"

Rose's gasp cut through the air. She had forgotten to track everything afterwards and did not ask Riley or Teresa.

"It wasn't made public," Jonathan continued. "But it burned down... and the staff....Their throats were slit, just like recently."

Rose shivered at the chilling revelation.