Chapter 35

We stood in the kitchen, the weight of the situation hanging heavily in the air.

We both stared at each other for a split second but for some reason it frlo like an eternity

"we've got a lead," I began, my voice steady, "A friend of mine Rodrigo was able to get ahold of their location from their car plate number"I pause to scan her facial expression as she took everything I said in like a sponge then I continued "Rodrigo and I are heading to the location where the car is registered. We need to find out who's behind this, but I need you to stay here."

Her expression changes in a split second faster than I can blink

She looked at me, a determined expression on her face. "Raphael, I can't just sit around while you and Rodrigo deal with this. I want to be a part of it. This involves me"

"No you stay here,where no one can find you"I argue

The tension in the room was palpable, and it seemed that with each passing moment, our perspectives on the situation grew further apart. Julliette's determination was admirable, but her insistence on immediate action was starting to grate on my patience. Her frustration was evident, and as she spoke, I found myself struggling to keep my annoyance in check.

"I need to do something," she asserted, her voice carrying a resolute tone that mirrored her determination.

I stick my hands in my pocket, trying to give her my full attention. "Julliette, I understand that you're worried, but we need to approach this with caution. Your safety is crucial."

A frustrated sigh escaped her, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep my own irritation from showing. "I can't just sit here while my life's falling apart right in front of me . I need answers,what am I supposed to do ?"

"We mustn't rush into things. The people pursuing you are dangerous. We need a well-thought-out plan..Let me handle this"

She stood up, her frustration boiling over, and it felt as if she were a pressure cooker about to explode. "I don't care about a plan right now! I need answers, and I need to go with you "

I fought to keep my own frustration from showing, but her persistence was wearing thin. "Why do you even care? Why does any of this matter to you?"

Her question caught me off guard, and I felt the weight of her skepticism. It wasn't that I didn't have a reason; it was that the complexity of my motivations wasn't easy to put into words. I struggled to find a comeback, but my thoughts were a jumble, and I couldn't articulate the depth of my concern.

She crossed her arms, her unwavering gaze challenging me. "I thought so. You don't have a valid reason, do you? You're just trying to control everything."

My own frustration was rising, and I couldn't help but respond with a touch of exasperation. "It's not about control, Julliette. It's about keeping you safe, keeping anyone safe from harm."

She scoffed, a mix of skepticism and annoyance in her tone. "So you're suddenly my protector, my knight in shining armor?"

A smirk creeps up on my face as a bent forward towards her

"You weren't talking like this when you asked me for help"

She opens her mouth to talk but then closes it

Now it's her turn to be tongue tied as she shrinks a bit

Cute

Just then my phone rings distracting us from my little taunting spree making her jump a little.

That's too bad I was already enjoying this

I glanced at the caller ID, seeing that it was Rodrigo.I answered the call, my voice steady as I greeted him, "Rodrigo."

"Raphael," he replied, his tone serious. "We're ready on this end. My men are in place, and everything is set. We should meet up at the airport."

I exchanged a glance with Julliette, and she must have sensed the urgency in my expression. I nodded slightly, my attention focused on the call. "Understood, Rodrigo. When's the flight?"

There was a brief pause before Rodrigo answered, "You don't need to worry about that. The tickets have already been taken care of. Just come to the airport; we'll handle the rest."

I smirked lightly. Rodrigo always had a way of being a step ahead of everything

"All right," I said, my voice resolute. "I'll be there."

"Good," Rodrigo replied. "Stay safe until then."

The call ended, and I turned my attention back to Julliette. She was watching me closely, her curiosity evident. "What's going on?"

I took a deep breath, trying to convey a sense of calm as I explained. "That was Rodrigo, an ally who has resources we need for this mission. He's gathered his team and is ready. We're meeting up at the airport."

Julliette's eyes narrowed slightly, a mix of concern and determination in her gaze. "What about the details? How are we getting there?"

I hesitated for a moment, debating how much to share. "Rodrigo mentioned that he's taken care of the tickets. We're to just go to the airport, and everything will be handled."

She studied me, her skepticism palpable. "That sounds a bit too convenient, doesn't it?"

"Well what can I say I have trusted people everywhere"I reply making her roll her eyes

She sighed, realizing the truth in my words. "Okay, let's go then. We can sort out the details later."

"Stay here don't leave the house, there's food water and there's tv"I replied going upstairs as I hear her groan.

I quietly made my way up the stairs, the weight of the impending mission still heavy on my mind. I needed to grab something simple and black, a small item that would be inconspicuous but necessary for our next steps. Reaching the top of the stairs, I found what I was looking for—a black leather case sitting on the shelf. I picked it up, its contents known only to me and Rodrigo.

With the case in hand, I headed back downstairs, taking each step with caution. The soft sound of my footsteps was the only thing breaking the silence that hung in the air.

As I reached the bottom of the stairs, I see her standing in the kitchen,she seemed like she was still upset so I just let her be as I was about to head out the door when she stopped me,"Be careful."she says

I turned to face her, a small smile forming on my face then I nodded "sure"

With that, I stepped towards the door, the weight of the mission and the promise of keeping her safe propelling me forward. It was a challenging task, filled with uncertainties, but I was determined to see it through. I gave Julliette one final look, a silent acknowledgment of her presence and our shared understanding, before I stepped out into the world, focused on the mission that lay ahead.

With that, I turned and made my way to the car, my heart heavy with the knowledge that I was leaving her behind, but knowing it was the best decision for both of us. As I drove to the airport, my mind raced with thoughts of the upcoming meeting, the unknown dangers.

As I approached the airport, my eyes scanned the area, searching for Rodrigo and his team. I knew they'd be waiting near the entrance to the private hangar. And sure enough, I spotted him—Rodrigo, tall and commanding, standing at the center of a group of capable-looking individuals.

Rodrigo's appearance hadn't changed much since the last time we met, and that was surprising. Despite the passage of time, he still exuded the same rugged handsomeness, a trait that seemed to be unaffected by the years that had gone by. His dark hair was neatly styled, and his posture exuded confidence. He was dressed in a sleek, black jacket that fit him perfectly, giving him an air of authority.

As I approached, Rodrigo locked eyes with me, his gaze piercing and focused. There was a sense of familiarity in that look, a camaraderie built through shared experiences. We exchanged a nod, a silent acknowledgment of the task at hand.

"Raphael," he greeted me, his voice steady and unwavering. "Glad you made it."

"Wouldn't miss it," I replied, feeling a mixture of relief and anticipation. "Everything's set?"

Rodrigo nodded, a reassuring smile crossing his lips. "Yeah, we're ready. The team's in position, and we're waiting for the signal to move."

I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for Rodrigo's dedication and reliability. He had always been a dependable ally, and it was clear that he was just as committed to seeing this through as I was.

"You're looking good, Rodrigo," I commented, unable to resist a small quip. "Almost like you haven't aged a day since we last met."

He chuckled, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "I like to think I've got a secret fountain of youth somewhere. But in all seriousness, it's good to have you on board, Raphael. We'll get to the bottom of this."

Just then one of his goons whispers something in his ears and he shakes his head turning his attention back to me

"We're ready to move," Rodrigo said, his voice steady. "You got the location?"

I nodded, sharing the information I had with him. As we discussed the plan, I couldn't help but glance back at the entrance, my thoughts on Julliette, waiting anxiously at home. I knew I had to make this quick and ensure her safety while we worked to uncover the truth.

As we prepared to set out, Rodrigo looked at me, a hint of concern in his eyes. "Everything will be fine, Raphael. Let's get this done."

I nodded, steeling myself for what lay ahead. We couldn't afford any mistakes.