Chapter 207 Chris in Danger
"B plus," Professor Smith announced, handing back the economics test papers. "Mr. Murphy, significant improvement."
Jade watched Silas take his test paper, his face completely devoid of emotion despite the 82% written in red at the top. Three weeks of intensive tutoring had brought his grade up from a D minus, but there wasn't even a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes.
When class ended, Jade caught up with him in the hallway. "Hey, B plus. Not bad for someone who couldn't explain a basic recursion algorithm a few weeks ago."
Silas shrugged, dark circles prominent under his eyes. "Thanks for the help."
"You look like shit," she said bluntly. "When's the last time you slept?"
He ran a hand through his disheveled hair. "I'm fine."
"I could get you some prescription sleep aids if—"
"No," he cut her off sharply. "No drugs. I'm fine."
Jade studied him carefully. Since his mother's sudden deterioration that night at the hospital, Silas had been spiraling. The combination of hospital visits, his night shifts at the garage, and their tutoring sessions was taking its obvious toll.
Before she could say anything else, Silas's phone vibrated. He glanced at the screen, and his face went pale. Without another word, he bolted down the hallway, nearly knocking over a group of freshmen.
Jade followed.
---
"I need to see Ethan Haxton," Jade told Connor over the phone as she drove. "Now."
Twenty minutes later, Jade parked her black Mercedes Maybach outside the Haxton Investment Group headquarters. Ethan was already walking out the front doors, his expression concerned. Several executives peered out the glass doors behind him, their faces a mixture of confusion and annoyance at the abrupt end to their meeting.
"That was fast," she said as he slid into the passenger seat.
Ethan studied her face. "You wouldn't call if it wasn't important." His gaze lingered on her lips for a fraction of a second, no doubt remembering their kiss from a few nights ago. The memory tugged at the corner of his mouth.
Jade pulled away from the curb without another word.
"Where are we going?" he finally asked.
Jade didn't answer.
---
The beach was deserted this time of year, the sharp ocean breeze carrying the scent of salt and seaweed. Jade parked near the boardwalk and got out, walking toward the water without checking if Ethan was following. The sound of his footsteps in the sand behind her was all the confirmation she needed.
They stood side by side, watching the waves crash against the shore. The gray-blue water matched the overcast sky, creating a seamless horizon where ocean met clouds.
"Silas's mother died this morning," she said, her voice even.
Ethan turned to look at her, his expression difficult to read. "Sorry to hear that."
She kicked at the sand. "She'd been hiding her medications, not taking them. The nurses found a stockpile in her nightstand. She didn't want to be a financial burden on Silas anymore."
Ethan was quiet for a long moment. "How's Silas taking it?"
"Not well."
The wind picked up, sending Jade's hair across her face. Ethan reached out hesitantly, then brushed the strands away with gentle fingers. His touch lingered on her cheek.
"And how are you taking it?" he asked softly.
She met his eyes. "I've seen death before. This isn't about me."
"It's affecting you, though." It wasn't a question.
Jade didn't answer. Instead, she turned back to face the ocean. After a moment, she felt Ethan's arm wrap around her shoulders, pulling her against his side. The warmth of his body contrasted with the cool air, and she found herself leaning into him slightly.
They stood like that for several minutes, until her phone rang. The caller ID read "Night."
"I need to take this," she said, stepping away from Ethan's embrace.
Night's voice was tense. "We have a situation. Chris Jensen has been taken by the Scorpio family."
Jade's blood ran cold. "Where?"
"Guyana. He went dark about two weeks ago. I can't extract him myself—I'm handling something in Russia."
"When do I leave?"
"Tonight if possible. I've already arranged transportation."
"I'll be ready."
She hung up and turned to find Ethan watching her, his brow furrowed with concern.
"Chris is in trouble," she said. "I need to go out of the country for a while."
"How long?"
"I don't know. Could be a few days, could be longer."
Ethan nodded slowly. "What do you need from me?"
"I need you to look after Max while I'm gone. His SAT is tomorrow, and I was supposed to be there." She hesitated. "And Silas too, if you can. He doesn't have anyone else now."
Ethan's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly at the mention of Silas, but he nodded. "I'll take care of them both."
"Thank you." She meant it.
---
The night before Max's SAT, Ethan booked a suite at the Grand Princeton Hotel, just five minutes from the testing center.
Zach and Ryan had rooms on the same floor—Ryan across the hall and Zach next door.
"Nervous?" Ethan asked, noticing Max fidgeting with his admission ticket on the edge of the king-sized bed.
"A little," Max admitted. "But I've been preparing for this all year with Jade. She's pretty much drilled every possible question type into my head by now."
Ethan smiled, loosening his tie. "She mentioned you've been scoring really well on the practice tests."
"Yeah," Max nodded with growing confidence. "I know she had to leave for something important. It's fine—she's already taught me everything I need to know." He straightened his shoulders. "I've got this."
"That's the attitude," Ethan said. "Get some rest. Tomorrow's your day to shine."
---
The next morning, Ethan drove Max to the test center in his Maybach, drawing stares from other students being dropped off in more modest vehicles.
"I'll be right here when you finish," Ethan said as Max got out of the car.
"You don't have to wait the whole time," Max protested. "It's like four hours."
"I've got emails to catch up on," Ethan replied, holding up his phone. "Go ace that test."
Max nodded and headed toward the building, his limp more pronounced than usual due to his nervousness.
Four hours later, Ethan was still in the car, having dealt with over a hundred emails and three conference calls. He watched as students began pouring out of the building, many looking relieved that the ordeal was over.
Max emerged, looking tired but not defeated.
"How was the test?" Ethan asked.
"Fine, I think. The math section felt easy, actually." Max looked surprised to see they weren't heading back toward the hotel. "Aren't we going back to get my stuff?"
"Already taken care of. Your bag is in the trunk."
"So...where are we going?"
"My place," Ethan replied. "You'll be staying with me until Jade gets back."
When they turned onto a private road lined with ancient oak trees, Max pressed his face against the window. "Where are we?"
The trees parted to reveal a sprawling estate with manicured gardens and a mansion that looked like it belonged in a period drama. Max's jaw dropped as they pulled up to the front entrance, where a uniformed staff member was already waiting to open their doors.
"Welcome to the Haxton family estate," Ethan said, enjoying the look of shock on Max's face. "I think you'll find it has everything you need for an interesting summer vacation."
Max stepped out of the car, his eyes wide as he took in the grandeur of the place. "Holy shit," he whispered.