Chapter Seventy-six

Chapter Seventy-six
Bryan
It's been so long since the last time I was here. A lot of memories came back to my mind, looking at the picture frames and paintings on the walls, especially my father's portrait, which looked so domineering. I wonder if the artist painted it with his own blood or maybe while my father was pointing a gun at his head. That was a great muse.
I remembered those times when I was just a kid, every time I'd have a fight with my father, whenever he'd blame me for my mother's death, and the time I stood up against him. Sometimes I even wish I was born in a different family. I wonder how it'd feel to have a normal life, something simple. What would I do with money if safety and peace were something I didn't have?
They said that money could buy everything, that it could buy peace and power, but the truth is, the more money you have, the more you become prone to attackers, thieves, kidnappers, etc. You'll attract them all like a magnet. Sometimes a simple life is something to wish for.
"Bryan." Kacy touched the back of my hand. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine," I stuttered, blushing.
"Come on, guys, it's not a good time for romance," Francis said, chewing his croissant.
Jonas yawned. "I'm tired. I think I should go to bed." He stood up. "Thanks for the food, by the way."
"You can sleep in your usual room," I said.
"Thanks." Jonas waved his hand before going out of the living room.
"Don't you think he's strange?" Francis asked.
"You mean Jonas?" Kacy asked.
"I don't think so. He's always weird. I know him better than anyone else," I said.
"I just find him more awkward. It's like he's hiding something," Francis said.
"He's always hiding something. That's why he's speaking less. But everyone of us has their own secrets. We shouldn't talk about him behind his back. That's not good," I said.
"Sorry, boss," Francis said. "I'm just confused why he'd go back to the team after leaving for a long time. He's not even ashamed of himself."
"Aren't you the one who reconnected with him?" I asked.
"Nope. I don't remember doing that," Francis replied.
"Shit!" I cursed. "He said you're the one who told him to come and help us."
"Seems like we got a traitor among us," Kacy said.
"We've got to be careful then," Francis said. "We don't know who's a friend and who's a foe."
"You're right. We can't let our guards down. Better keep our distance away from him," Kacy said.
"I'm sorry, guys, but I can't let this slip through. I'm not someone who can fake being good around a traitor. It's better to confront him about his actions before it's too late. We won't like being stabbed in the back by someone close to us. There must be a reason why he's doing this. For now, let's not make conclusions," I said.
"You're so understanding with your friends. But sometimes it's better to stab someone first, or you'll get stabbed instead," Francis reminded.
"Thanks for the reminder, Francis," I said. "Let me handle this. Jonas is my close friend. I'll talk him out of it."
"Bryan, wait!" Kacy held my hand. She looked so worried. "Let me come with you, please."
I sighed. "Okay, let's go."
"Good luck, guys. I hope he'll listen to you," Francis said.
Kacy and I went to Jonas's room. No guns. I didn't want to scare or surprise him, or he'll shoot back. Peace and talk. That's what I want. I turned the knob and opened the door, but then we realized that Jonas wasn't there anymore and the window was broken. It seems like he knew that we already found out his lies.
"Shit!" I couldn't help but curse. With so many people in the world, I don't know why I have to fight a friend. I've been betrayed many times, but this is the worst betrayal ever.
"This only means one thing. He's an enemy. A threat. He wouldn't have escaped if he didn't have intentions towards us," I said, looking out through the open window. The moon's shining brightly in the sky.
"What if he's not actually Jonas, but an imposter?" Kacy asked.
"And he's just using Jonas to trick us?" I touched my chin, thinking about what Kacy just said. "That's possible, just like magic and witches. There might be people who can't shapeshift too."
"It only made it more dangerous," Kacy said.
"Don't worry. I'll never let him touch you. Even if he's my friend, I won't hesitate to pull the trigger if required by the situation," I said.
"What's up, guys?" Francis asked.
"He had escaped," I said.
"Too bad. I'd have treated him to his favorite food if we didn't talk about him," Francis replied.
"I think we should just go to sleep and recharge our energy so that we can get ready and be more aware and vigilant of our surroundings," Kacy advised.
"You're right. But I think it's safer to stick together," Francis suggested.
"Not with you. Kacy and I can sleep on one bed together, but you'll have to stay in the other room. Don't worry, I don't think Jonas will come back and suffocate you in your sleep," I said.
"You're sending shivers down my spine, boss," Francis said. "But okay, fine. I'll sleep alone."
"Let's go, darling." I held Kacy's hand and led her to my room.
Francis faked a cough. "So sweet."
We entered my room. It's been a while since someone occupied this space, so it's a little dusty. Kacy helped me clean first. We changed the bedsheets, wiped the dust off the window, and swept the floor before going to the bathroom. We had a shower together before going to bed in our bathrobes.
It's late already, and I'm exhausted. I wish I could find some time to have fun with Kacy. I know she doesn't like what's been going on recently. She's already pregnant, and I don't want her to worry about anything. She should live a peaceful life. I felt bad about myself for not being able to give her the life she deserves.
"Good night, Kacy." I kissed her forehead before lying on my back and closing my eyes.