Chapter 16: WARNING

Ryan's POV

“Was that drama necessary?” I asked as Ellie walked into the ward.

I knew she ran after Allis, but I don't know why she wants to make a big deal out of the visit.

She took a seat, heaving a huge sigh as she folded her arms. “I know you have something with her.”

“Here we go again,” I exhaled heavily. “I thought we were done with this conversation.”

“I keep on having a bad feeling when I see her close to you.”

“Ellie, I am in no mood for all this drama. Who told you I was here in the first place?”

She smiled. “Interesting. You weren't even interested in telling me about your whereabouts.”

The door pushed open, and Bright walked in.

That's when I realised that it was Bright that told her I was here.

He really made a huge mistake there because I am not in the mood for all of this drama now.

“Can you please be quiet? I don't like the fact that you're putting up a scene.”

“You know what?” She stood up. “I think I might as well just leave.”

I watched her storm right out through the door, slamming it on her way out.

I took my eyes towards Bright. “Are you aware that this is all your fault?”

“How's it supposed to be my fault? I never knew you called Allis.”

He sat down, dropping a bunch of things he had gotten on his way down here.

I took a deep breath. “I was going to tell Ellie later anyway.”

Bright smiled. I could tell what he had in his mind with that smile on his face.

“What do you have going on in your head with that smile on your face?”

“How is it that Allis got here faster than me?”

I shrugged slightly. “Who knows? Maybe she was around the area.”

“You must have called her before you even passed out.” Bright predicted as he read through my expression.

I know he can tell if I'm lying. It makes me feel like a sitting duck before him.

I smirked. “Fine. I did call her immediately and I was shot.”

He chuckled softly. “What's with this sudden obsession with her?”

I quirked my mouth. “Who told you I was obsessed?”

“Come on, Ryan. I've known you since high school,” He highlighted. “You've never been this much interested in any lady…not even Ellie.”

“She's my boss, Bright. I was just doing what was necessary.”

He scoffed. “Since when did you start working under somebody? You have your own company, and you're even the highest shareholder in her company. Have you forgotten that's the reason you got to have your own office space in her father's company.”

I waved my hand in the air. “Alright! Alright! I think I get your point now. She isn't my boss.”

“That's not the point I was trying to make?”

“Bright, let's not talk about her,” I replied. “I was attacked. I need to find out who did it.”

“Go ahead and report to the police.”

“Why the hell should I have the police do it for me when I have a CIA agent as my best friend?”

He shook his head while kissing his teeth. “You're not asking me to help you with the investigation, are you?”

I leaned my head to the side, a little to my left shoulder as I shrugged. “You're the best at what you do, man.”

“Nah!! I can't do this. This has nothing to do with the CIA in any way possible.”

“Come on, man. Just do this for me.”

He groaned. “What makes you feel that this case is so important that I would have to get in on it?”

“I helped Allis escape a kidnap today. There's every possibility that they are the same people who tried to have me killed.”

Bright nodded like he was already getting amused.

“Interesting,” That comment pushed a soft smile to my face, having my hopes set on edge. “But you're going to let the police do their job.”

I arched my brows. “Are you being serious right now?”

“Of course I am, man. What does it look like?” He snapped. “I don't want to get you into any trouble at all.”

“What trouble, Bright? Talk to me.”

He folded his arms as he leaned back, throwing his gaze upwards.

“Whoever is doing this has their tracks cleaned up, so the police won't be able to fish them out.”

“That's exactly why I need you.”

“You don't get it. I mean, it's best they aren't found. Maybe this whole thing will just die a natural death and they will let you be.”

I pulled my brows together and arched it. “Is that what you think?”

“That's not what I think, man. I know what I am talking about.”

I took a deep breath, letting silence cloak the room for a little while.

This whole conversation was getting heated up, and I think we should let off some steam.

“Listen up, man. If you don't help me find these fuckers, I'm afraid I would have to take matters in my hands.”

“That's suicide, Ryan.”

I gritted my teeth. “I guess that's how reckless I can get when I have a lot at stake.”

His eyes narrowed into thin slits. “A lot at stake?”

I nodded. “That's right! I can't have Allis's life in danger.”

“What makes you so sure that they want Allis's life and not you.”

“They don't want her life. They want her alive…maybe until they get what they want from her.”

Bright held his chin softly while he kept his gaze narrowed. “Why do I have a feeling that there's something you know about this whole event?”

I reached into my pocket, pulling out a note that was dropped after they shot me.

“They left this note before they drove off immediately.”

I handed the note to Bright, and he glanced through it before he read it out loud.

“Stop getting in the way or you may end up dead.”