WHO TO TRUST

WHO TO TRUST
Damien’s pov

Today we would be expecting Gid and his gang; today was the date he had threatened to attack.

I knew it was definitely a lie, but we still needed to keep things in check and anticipate his coming.

The door creaked open as Anderson stepped in.

“Any news?” I asked immediately, meeting his gaze and studying his expression.

I hoped we weren't attacked, I can't stand losing more men.

“Perimeters secured. No movement yet,” his voice came through.

I felt relieved hearing that as I exhaled deeply.

“Make sure to watch every movement. Let everyone be prepared ahead; this operation must go as planned,” I said firmly.

“Yes, boss,” he answered.

“Though it seems he’s only fooling us,” I muttered.

“You think it’s a bluff?” Anderson asked, arching a brow.

“It’s a ploy. He wants us anxious and our men restless,” I said.

I rose to my feet.

“But still, get the men ready.”

“Even if he’s not coming?” he asked calmly.

“Especially if he’s not coming, we need to be prepared” I answered.

“Get me the captive,” I instructed as he turned to leave.

I hope he won’t kill the captive like he killed those men.

“Anderson,” I called back.

He stopped and turned.

“Get him here alive,” I added.

“Sure, boss,” he said, then opened the door and left.

“Gid…” I exhaled, sitting back down to wait.

The door creaked open again as Anderson entered with the captive.

“Here he is, boss,” Anderson said, pulling the man to the ground.

I stood up and walked toward them, lowering myself just enough to meet the captive’s gaze. His face was swollen.

“You!” I thundered.

“Please… pardon me,” he said shakily.

My lips curled into a smirk.

“Pardon you? Did you just say I should pardon you?” I asked, my voice deep.

“Please… I’m sorry, pardon me,” he repeated, clamping his palms together.

“Stop this nonsense,” I said as I hit his hands.

“Stop pleading, because it can’t change your fate.”

“I know you are not someone like this. Please, pardon me and let me leave,” he said.

I froze. I’m not someone like this?

“You do know me?” I asked, widening my eyes in mock shock.

He gave no reply, only stared.

“You think you’ve figured me out, you know me more than I know myself, right?” I shot back.

“Please, that wasn’t how I meant it,” he begged.

“How then did you mean it?” I asked, then slapped him across the cheek.

“You know nothing about! Nothing at all”. I added.

“I’ll do whatever you want, but please don’t harm me,” he pleaded.

“Whatever I want? Fine. What do you have to say about your boss who threatened he would attack us here today?” I asked.

“I’m truly not aware of it, please believe me,” he begged.

“Why should I believe you, a captive?” I yelled.

He wiped the tears streaming down his cheeks and met Anderson’s gaze.

“Because I’m far better than some people you trust,” he shot back.

Better than some people I trust? Wait, does he mean Anderson?

“What do you mean?” I asked, just as Anderson punched him in the back.

“It’s enough,” I ordered, and Anderson stepped back to his position.

“What do you mean you’re better than the people I trust?” I asked again.

“Because you don’t know the people surrounding you. Some aren’t what you think they are,” he said, still staring at Anderson.

“Where is all this coming from?” I asked, confused.

Just a few minutes ago, he was begging for freedom, and now suddenly he’s talking about trust, fixing his gaze on Anderson like he’s the one he’s referring to. Or is this one of his silly games? He’s Gid’s man; what else should I expect besides deception and manipulation?

“I don’t understand you. Don’t you want to leave anymore?” I asked.

“I do want to leave alive, please. But you shouldn’t trust everyone around you,” he said, bowing his head.

“I see, my slap turned you into a motivational speaker all of a sudden,” I said calmly.

“Please, pardon me. I do want to live,” he begged.

Or does he know about the traitors Anderson killed?

“Do you know of anyone feeding your boss information about us?” I asked.

“Oh jeez, you’ve finally noticed,” he said, still clamping his palms together.

He seemed different today. He was no longer scared of me.

“Answer me,” I demanded, giving him another slap.

“Of course, there are people from your empire giving information to Lorenzo,” he said.

I walked back toward my table.

“Take him back!” I ordered Anderson.

He shoved the man out.

I should prepare instead.

I headed out of my office to the training hall.

They greeted me as I walked in. I nodded in response and stood watching as some trained while others sharpened their weapons.

Preparation wasn’t just about weapons, it was about control. Gid wanted to make me question my own footing, and that, I would never allow it. He thought we’d be restless after his threats, but he had no idea who he was dealing with.

I turned to Anderson.

He’d been loyal since he was recruited, but after what the captive said today, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. The way he’d killed those two men without hesitation, it didn’t sit right.

He approached me, helmet under his arm. “Perimeters secured. No movement yet.”

“Good. And the western watchtower?” I asked, studying him.

“Cleared. Two men posted.”

I held his gaze a moment longer. He didn’t flinch.

“You’ve been acting differently lately,” I said.

“Trying not to die tends to do that,” he said with a small smile.

“Hmm.” I murmured, my voice low.

He turned to leave, but I spoke again.

“Anderson.”

He froze.

“I need you to be careful and take things cautiously. You’re human and you have human feelings,” I said.

He turned. “I have human feelings, boss.”

“No… I don’t think so,” I said quietly.

Just then, we heard a gunshot.

Holy moly, they’re here.