Chapter 195: Rescue plan
Gabe nodded thoughtfully.
“That means if Lucas chooses to see Alex…”
“No one will stop him,” Emily finished firmly.
The man rubbed his chin slowly, clearly weighing the risks.
“You know your father won’t like this.”
Emily laughed bitterly. “At this point, I honestly don’t care because right now, he isn't being a good father. Even the law will be against him. Do you know before the wedding he blocked my line so I wouldn't advise my brother against this fucking marriage.”
Gabe stared at her for a second before sighing. “You’ve grown bold, Emily.”
“My brother is suffering,” she replied quietly. “I don’t have the luxury of being obedient right now.”
That answer seemed to settle something inside him.
Finally, Gabe nodded once.
“Alright.”
Emily’s eyes widened slightly.
“I’ll help you as much as I can,” he said. “But we need to move carefully. If your father or Derby suspects anything, they’ll replace the boys immediately.”
Emily nodded quickly. “I understand.”
“And Em…” Gabe added seriously, “Don’t let Alex act recklessly. That man looks one step away from dragging Lucas out of the house himself.”
Despite the tension, Emily almost smiled. “You noticed too?”
“Very clearly.” Gabe shook his head lightly. “Love makes people dangerous.”
Instantly, Gabe pulled his phone out of his pocket and scrolled through his contacts. Then paused and said to Emily. “I’m supposed to arrange for two guards to resume tomorrow morning,” he said while dialing the number. “So I’ll cancel the meeting I scheduled for the men I came here for.”
Emily released a breath of relief, though the worry in her eyes remained.
“Thank you, Gabe. I just… I don’t trust Derby and her aunt.”
“You don’t have to explain,” Gabe replied firmly. “If they’re really using Lucas against Alex, then we can’t take chances.”
The call connected.
“Hello,” Gabe spoke calmly. “Change of plans. Don’t send the men anymore. They already had the job covered.”
He paused briefly, listening. “No, it’s urgent. I’ll settle every other thing later.”
After ending the call, he turned back to Emily.
“So,” he continued, sliding the phone back into his pocket, “The guards you and Alex have in mind… I’d like to meet them here. Even if it’s just for a few minutes.”
Emily nodded immediately.
“Please give me a few minutes,” Emily said softly.
Gabe nodded in understanding. “Take your time.”
She rose from the table and walked back toward Alex and Jason. Both men immediately looked up the moment she sat down, tension written across their faces.
“I've explained everything to Gabe,” she began quietly. “He agreed to help us, but there’s an emergency.”
Alex frowned instantly. “What emergency?”
“Gabe was supposed to arrange for two guards today,” Emily explained. “Actually, he came here to meet the men he contacted, but he had canceled the meeting.” She paused before continuing.
“So the plan now is for you to bring your own trusted men. They’ll stay close to Lucas, keep him safe, and report anything suspicious to us immediately.”
“That’s great,” Jason said with visible relief.
Alex was already pulling out his phone before she even finished speaking.
Emily leaned slightly closer and added carefully, “I suggest you pick smart people… people that Derby, Larrisa, and my father don’t know are connected to you.”
Alex lifted his eyes briefly and nodded. “Understood.”
Without wasting another second, he dialed a number. The line connected almost immediately.
“Hello, Mavis.”
“Yes, boss.”
“I need you and Jerry at Gordon’s Café as quickly as possible.”
There was no hesitation on the other end. “Yes, boss.”
The call ended.
Jason exhaled slowly and leaned back in his seat. “Looks like things are finally moving.”
But Alex’s expression remained cold and focused as he stared at the dark phone screen in his hand.
“No,” he muttered quietly. “This is only the beginning.”
Let's wait for them. Let me talk to Gabe.
“Tell Gabe, I won't forget this.”
On reaching Gabe, Emily slid into a chair beside him.
“Alex sends his thanks,” Emily told him.
“That’s alright, it's for Lucas.”
Alex had already contacted the men. They should be around soon.”
“Good,” Gabe answered. “I need to know exactly who’ll be around Lucas before I leave him in their care.”
Emily’s tense shoulders relaxed slightly for the first time, that afternoon.
“You really believe me, don’t you?” she asked quietly.
Gabe looked at her for a moment before replying, “The fear in your eyes says enough, Em. And if Derby truly tricked Lucas into that marriage while he’s confused and vulnerable, then your brother needs people who genuinely care about him, around.”
Emily lowered her gaze, emotional. Before she could respond, headlights flashed through the window from outside.
Gabe glanced toward the entrance. “I guess your men are here.”
Through the glass walls of the café, they watched as the two men stepped out of a cab, almost immediately, both dressed casually enough not to attract attention.
Alex narrowed his eyes slightly as they paid the driver and headed toward the entrance.
As they stepped inside the cafe, their sharp gazes swept across the room. Then settled on Alex’s table. Without hesitation, they strode toward them.
Gabe silently sized the two men up as they exchanged brief greetings with Alex and Jason. One was tall and broad-shouldered with a calm expression, while the other carried himself with quiet alertness, his eyes constantly observing the surroundings.
“Guys sit,” Alex told them and talked a little about why he called them.
The two nodded in understanding.
Then Alex gestured toward Gabe. “He’ll brief you more.”
Gabe rose from his seat with Emily and directed them to a quieter table by the corner. The two followed immediately.
Emily watched anxiously as Gabe spoke to them in low tones, giving precise instructions. From time to time, the men nodded in understanding while Gabe’s expression remained stern and serious.
“You’re not just bodyguards,” he told them firmly. “You’ll observe everyone around Lucas. Any strange movement, suspicious visitor, or unusual conversation gets reported immediately.”
“Yes, sir,” Jerry answered.
Gabe exchanged numbers with them before giving a final warning. “No mistakes. The people involved here could be very dangerous.”
“We understand.”
A few minutes later, the discussion ended. Gabe left the cafe.
Emily, Mavis, and Jerry also rose and headed back toward Alex’s table.
Once they settled, Emily looked at Mavis and Jerry with grateful but worried eyes.
“One part is done,” she said softly. “So guys… my brother’s safety is in your hands now.”
The two listened attentively.
“Like Gabe said, you’re to follow the lady’s directions,” she continued carefully, “but never forget who you’re truly working for. And whatever happens, this arrangement must remain a secret.”
Mavis nodded confidently. “Understood.”
“You can count on us,” Jerry added firmly.
Emily finally let out a small breath of relief. She picked up her handbag and stood. “I’ll take my leave now.”
Alex immediately rose to his feet as well. “I’ll walk you out.”
But before they could move, Jason’s voice stopped them.
“Be careful from now on,” he warned quietly. “If Derby and your father suspect anything, they may act faster than we expect.”
The tension in the air instantly returned.