Chapter 121 Into the Unknown
DAVID
“You can’t just leave us at home and go alone, David,” Janet said, her tone sharp, almost cutting through the heavy silence in the room.
I leaned back against the wall, crossing my arms as I faced her. Her jaw was clenched, her brows furrowed in defiance. "I can’t risk you getting hurt," I replied evenly, my voice firm.
Janet scoffed, throwing her hands in the air. "We’re talking about my parents here!" she snapped, pacing the length of the room like a caged lion.
"And we’re also talking about my parents!" Bella chimed in, her voice calm but no less resolute as she stood from the couch, one hand instinctively resting on her rounded belly.
I exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of my nose. They were both determined, but my mind was made up. Bella was too far along in her pregnancy, and Janet... she was fierce, but she wasn’t trained for this. Not for him.
“You’re both staying here," I said, my tone leaving no room for argument. "I’ll bring him back. Once he’s here, you can ask him anything you want. But you’re not coming. That’s final.”
Janet let out an angry hiss, kicking the corner of the sofa. “You’re unbelievable!” she spat, before storming toward her room, slamming the door behind her so hard the walls seemed to shake.
I turned to Bella, who stood watching me, her lips pressed into a thin line. She wasn’t yelling, but her disappointment was clear.
“I need you to rest,” I said softly, stepping closer to her. "When I come back, I promise you’ll get the answers you deserve. But right now, I need to keep you safe."
Bella sighed, her eyes searching mine. I knew she wanted to argue, but instead, she nodded reluctantly. “Just be careful,” she murmured.
I leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead, lingering for a moment longer than usual. “I will,” I said before pulling away and heading toward the door.
The living room was silent when I called John. The weight of what lay ahead was heavy, but there was no room for hesitation.
"John," I said the moment he picked up. "Assemble the guards. Now."
"Understood, sir," came his immediate reply.
Within minutes, they arrived, filing into the room with disciplined precision. Fifteen stood at attention before me, their eyes alert and focused.
“We’re heading to Austin Village,” I began, pacing slowly in front of them. “The target is a man named Matthew. He’s old, but don’t let that fool you he’s dangerous. We’ll need to approach with caution.”
I held up a sketch of Matthew, his face etched with years of hard living and something darker beneath. “This is him. I’ve sent the image to each of your phones. Study it carefully.”
John stepped forward. “Sir, what’s the plan once we locate him?”
I stopped pacing, meeting his gaze. “We take him alive. He has information we need. But I want everyone in bulletproof vests and armed. No exceptions.”
"Yes, sir," they responded in unison, their voices steady.
“John,” I added, lowering my tone. “I want five of the best with me. The other ten will stay back to protect the house. Make sure they’re armed and ready for anything.”
John nodded, turning to select the team. As he worked, I glanced toward the hallway where Bella and Janet had retreated. I knew they were angry, but I couldn’t let emotion cloud my judgment. I had too much to lose.
The drive to Austin Village was silent, the tension palpable. The convoy of armored SUVs moved like shadows under the evening sky, the hum of the engines the only sound.
Inside my vehicle, I glanced at the photo of Matthew on my phone. If he truly worked for Western, this could spiral out of control quickly. The memory of the assassin Western had sent after me resurfaced, sharp and vivid. I’d sent that assassin’s lifeless body back to Western as a warning. But this... this felt different. Matthew might not be just another pawn.
“Sir, we’re approaching the area,” John’s voice crackled through the radio.
“Keep your eyes open,” I replied.
As we neared the house, I caught sight of it a small, weathered structure painted a dull blue. It stood out like an odd relic among the newer buildings nearby.
“This is it,” I said, the words heavy in the air.
The vehicles came to a halt a short distance away, the guards dispersing into formation. I stepped out, the cool evening breeze brushing against my face.
"Remember, no unnecessary risks," I instructed. "We go in, secure him, and get out."
The guards nodded, their movements silent and efficient as they prepared for what lay ahead.
I adjusted the bulletproof vest beneath my jacket, my hand instinctively brushing the handle of the gun at my side. This mission wasn’t just about finding answers it was about protecting the people I loved. And I wouldn’t fail them.