Chapter 45

"Stop it, all of you!" Ileen's voice boomed through their hideout, cutting through the tension like a knife. The heated argument between Loxley and Jaxie came to an abrupt halt as they both turned to look at their usually composed friend. Ileen's eyes blazed with frustration, her clenched fists trembling.

"Are you going to stand by and let Itzy have the upper hand? How do we even begin to strategize if we're constantly at each other's throats? Get a hold of yourselves, for God's sake!" Ileen's frustration seeped into her words as she implored her friends to regain their composure.

Loxley, who had been practically nose-to-nose with Jaxie moments ago, took a step back and released a deep breath. Jaxie, on the other hand, could still feel the sting on her cheek from Loxley's slap, but Ileen's outburst had a way of sobering everyone up.