Chapter 408

Francis's terrified scream pissed off the gunmen. They didn't just drag people here for the truth; they got a kick out of torturing them too.

"Hold up, if I remember right, you just started this illegal emigration gig, didn't you? How the hell do you know this guy? You trying to pull one over on me?" The gunman eyed Francis suspiciously.

'You know I just started this, and you still nabbed me. You guys are total psychos,' Francis thought, but he kept a friendly look on his face.

"Sir, yeah, I just got into the illegal emigration game. After Joe disbanded the gang, I got my old crew back together to take over his business." No sooner had Francis finished talking than he got a punch to the gut.

The gunman glared at him, cursing, "You piece of crap, rot in hell! You think I'm an idiot? Joe only showed up after Ms. Brown got hurt - you really think you can pin this on him?"

Francis felt a sharp pain in his stomach, like he was about to puke up his breakfast. He shook his head frantically. "Please, believe me. Even though Joe didn't bring Marshall into the country, he got the old boss's diary when he took over. It listed everyone he helped with illegal emigration. Marshall's name was in there, and I've seen it."

The gunmen paused, considering what Francis said.

Francis used to be in Joe's gang, but when Joe disbanded it to dodge John's pursuit, Francis, being ambitious, reassembled his crew and took over Joe's business.

Tears streaming down his face, Francis pleaded with the gunmen, "I swear I'm telling the truth. Just find that diary. It has all the contact info for everyone involved in illegal emigration. Once you get your hands on it, you'll know who brought that murderer into the country."

The gunmen's faces turned serious. If Francis was telling the truth, they couldn't keep torturing him; they had to find Joe.

"I hope you're not lying, or I'll make you wish for hell," one gunman sneered before heading off to report to Paxton's butler, Jonah.

They let Francis out of the electric chair.

'Phew, they bought it. I'm safe for now. Sorry, Joe. Stay hidden and don't let these guys find you, so we both stay safe,' Francis thought. In reality, there was no diary; he made it up to save his skin.

When Paxton heard about the diary, he immediately ordered a search for Joe.

Meanwhile, Joe was hiding out in Mike's apartment, dodging John's pursuit.

With Jasper back in his own country, John had more of his anger to vent on Jasper. He was less pissed about Joe's past actions, and the hunt for Joe started to die down.

Joe was lounging on the sofa, playing video games. He'd beaten the game a bunch of times already, but he still couldn't leave the apartment.

"Mike, can I get out of here already? Damn, it's been ages since I chatted up those gorgeous women! I hope they haven't moved on to other guys while I've been stuck here." Joe shot Mike a resentful look.

Mike rolled his eyes. "What's the rush? John's guys haven't come sniffing around for a week. If they don't show up by the end of today, you're probably in the clear for now. I'll get you out of the country ASAP. You can party all you want once you're abroad."

Joe put down the game controller, clearly annoyed. "I like it here. The women are more passionate and wild."

Mike gave Joe a cold stare.

Joe met his gaze but eventually threw up his hands in surrender.

"Alright, Mike, I'll do what you say. I'll leave the country." Joe flopped back onto the sofa, defeated.

Mike was about to smile when his phone rang.

"What? Paxton's looking for Joe? Got it." Mike hung up.

Joe sat up straight when he heard his name.

"Did you just say my name? What's going on? Why is Paxton looking for me?" Joe asked, confused.

Mike shrugged and patted Joe's shoulder as he walked over to the sofa. "Looks like you'll be staying here a bit longer, Joe."

"Wait, explain what's happening. Why is Paxton after me?" Joe stood up, staring at Mike.

Mike sighed. "Remember Paxton's daughter, Pearl? And that psycho killer?"

Joe nodded. Only Michael, Jerry, Mike, Joe, and Tim knew the truth about that.

"The truth about the killer's out, and Paxton's desperate to find who brought the killer back, hoping to trace Mr. Williams through them," Mike explained.

Joe immediately shouted, "Is Paxton an idiot? When his daughter got hurt, I wasn't even running the illegal emigration gig."

Joe was fuming, feeling unjustly targeted.

Mike looked at Joe sympathetically. "Do you have a guy named Francis working for you?"

Joe furrowed his brow, trying to remember. He vaguely recalled a subordinate by that name.

When Joe was about to become the new gang leader, Francis had been a pain, mouthing off, and Joe had given him a harsh reprimand.

"After you disbanded the gang, Francis took over and now Paxton's after him too. But he mentioned you have the old leader's diary with all the contact info for the illegal emigration folks," Mike explained.

"Francis, you damn bastard! I swear, I want to shove your foul mouth up your own ass," Joe shouted angrily.