Chapter20

**A Final Decision** 

I had trouble breathing as I was looking at the picture. My entire life, Dominic's guys had been observing, tracking, and stalking my boys without my awareness. I should have been more aware. A new wave of nausea swept over me, and I clutched the back of the closest chair for balance. The corners of my vision were starting to blur, but Jake's steady grip on my arm kept me grounded.

"We're heading out," he declared in a firm yet hushed voice.

I wrenched my arm away, my frightened feeling turning to rage. Jake, where have you gone? What specific location do you believe we might go to where he won't be able to find us? Even though my voice cracked, I didn't mind. "He is constantly keeping an eye on things."

Jake did not recoil. After taking his phone out of his pocket, he dialed a number. Instead, he started talking without waiting for a greeting. It's taking place. We are currently on the move. The sound of silence. "I'm not concerned. Put it into action. Then he turned back to me and hung up.

With a resolute manner, he went on, "I have people." "Those that Dominic does not own." We will be secure.

Secure. The word sounded empty.

I shook my head. "You don't comprehend.

With his patience finally wearing thin, Jake growled, "I understand more than you think." "I am aware of the character of this man. And if we don't take action beforehand, I know what will happen.

I wished to believe him. But I had previously had faith in men. Dominic is my dad. And notice how I ended up there.

“Emma.” Although Jake's voice grew softer, there was still a hint of nervousness in it. He took a step forward me, tilting my chin till I was forced to look him in the eyes. "You no longer have to do this by yourself."

I swallowed forcefully.

I had to make a decision that was both obvious and unachievable.

Believe him, or continue to run.

I took an anxious breath. At last, I gave a nod. “All right.”

Jake let out a sigh of relief, but we were too busy to think about it.

As he reached for the bags he had packed earlier, he whispered, "We have to move now." Take only what you require. The boys as well.

In blissful ignorance of the cyclone that was about to slam into our lives, I put my mind on autopilot and strolled toward the spare room where my sons were sleeping. They looked up at me as I shook them gently awake and tried to smile.

“Mom?” Rubbing his eyes, Ethan muttered. "What is the matter?"

I whispered, "We're going on an adventure, baby," trying to sound light-hearted despite the fear that was eating away at my chest. Put on your shoes, please.

Along with a few changes of clothes and the essentials, I packed their favorite stuffed animals. With my thoughts racing with worst-case possibilities, my hands trembled as I zipped up the bag.

Jake had a gun at his hip, his stance taut with tension, and he was waiting by the door.

"The car is out back," he stated. "Now we're going out."

I paused only a moment before taking my sons' hands and venturing into the unknown.

As Jake drove, the night air was heavy with nervousness. I kept checking the rearview mirror, half expecting Dominic's goons to be following us, but there were no cars on the road.

"Where should we go?" When I eventually did inquire, I hardly raised my voice beyond a whisper.

Jake had a taut jaw. "Safe haven. It's not connected to the grid.

I glanced in his direction. "How can we be sure we can trust the person assisting you?"

His hands tightened around the steering wheel. "Because their hatred of Dominic is equal to mine."

I wanted to ask more, but I was hesitant because of the way he said it. There was history there, something deep and ominous. But before I could ask, headlights came into view behind us.

An automobile.

Next, another.

My stomach dropped.

Jake also spotted them. Every muscle in his body tensed.

He whispered, "Hold on," and then pressed his foot into the throttle.

We sped down the pitch-black road as the machine roared. As the lads in the backseat gasped, I grabbed their hands, my heart pounding.

The car in front of us picked up speed. To prevent any possible turn-off, the second retreated.

“Jake—”

"They're there," he growled. He jerked the wheel and abruptly turned right onto an unmarked road. Behind us, gravel kicked up, but the car chasing us didn't pause. We were being followed.

As I turned in my seat, I saw the driver, and my whole being froze.

A man in a black suit, with an unreadable face. However, in the passenger seat...

For Dominic.

Here he was.

Looking on.

Hunting.

Under his breath, Jake swore. "Remain calm."

Before I could reply, he grabbed a handgun from behind his seat. It was put into my hands by him.

"You have to safeguard the lads in case something goes wrong, Emma. Can you understand me?

I was filled with panic. “Jake, I—”

With an uncompromising tone that left no room for discussion, he asked, "Do you understand?"

I nodded and chewed hard.

A gunshot was heard.

The rear windshield was shattered.

The boys let out a shriek.

Jake barely kept control of the car when he swerved.

"We will not reach the safe house," he snarled. "A shift in plans."

He twisted the wheel once more and veered in the direction of a thick forest line.

“Wait a minute!”

The car crashed into the trees, splintering branches against the windows. Jake did not slow down despite tires skidding on stones and gravel.

Dominic's car pulled up to the edge of the forest behind us. He wouldn't risk coming after us.

Right now.

After we came to a clearing, Jake went on driving and finally applied the brakes.

The only sound in its silence between us was the ragged sound of our breaths.

Jake turned to face me. We must relocate. Now.

I nodded, grabbed the bag, and unbuckled the boys. However, I had one final glimpse of the road behind us as I opened the door.

Dominic was still present.

Standing on the tree line's edge.

Looking on.

Holding out.

Then, as though sensing my gaze, he grinned.

A slow, pensive smile.

An assurance.

It wasn't over yet.

Not.