Chapter 75: Chapter Seventy-five

Kacy

Francis had changed a lot in the very short time that we haven't seen him. We all know that he wants to have his own tech company, and his dream finally came true. Good for him. Unlike us, who lost the chance to start a new life. I couldn't blame Bryan either—he only prioritized our safety over the money. I wonder where we would be now if things didn't happen. Perhaps we are currently at the resort, enjoying a slow life rather than running away from the enemies. I couldn't help but sigh. We are so unfortunate that this happened.

"It's dark already. Do you guys have a place to stay for tonight?" Francis asked.

"The truth is, Kacy and I have nowhere else to go now. The enemies already invaded her mansion," Bryan replied.

"You can stay here for the meantime," Francis offered.

"Thank you," I said.

"How about you, Jonas?" Francis asked.

"I'll stay here too. I think you've already prepared rooms for us?" Jonas replied without a hint of shame. "And I don't want to put my family in danger, so I can't go back home until everything is settled."

"Sure." Francis smiled. "My friends are always welcome here. I've prepared everyone's room already. You don't have to pay me anything. Food and internet are also free."

"Woah. Thank you so much, man. I'm so lucky to have a kind and generous friend," Bryan said.

"I guess everyone's hungry. Why won't you guys join me at the restaurant nearby?" Francis suggested.

"Sure, as long as it's your treat," Bryan said.

"What else can I do?" Francis stood up. "Let's go."

The four of us got inside the elevator. Even though I'm the only girl on the team, I've never felt weird or awkward being with these guys. Sometimes I even understand them more than my female friends. They are just so straightforward and honest, unlike those people I knew who'd make others feel bad about themselves.

Us going to the restaurant together made me remember those times when we were investigating Leonardo's case. The only difference is that Denver is gone and Jonas is back on the team. We reached the ground floor and stepped off the elevator. We followed Francis to the front of the building, where his chauffeur was waiting. We got into his black van and headed to a famous restaurant in the city. There was already a reserved table for us. We sat there, and a waitress approached us to get our order.

We looked at Francis. He looked cute when he blushed. He swallowed and said, "You can eat anything you want. I'll pay."

"Yohoo!" Bryan hasn't prevented himself from exclaiming, which gathers people's attention. "Oops. I'm sorry."

"Get a grip, Bryan. We don't want the enemies to find us," I said.

"I know. Thanks for reminding me," Bryan replied.

"Have you guys already decided what to eat?" The waitress asked.

"Um. I want this and this and this," Francis said, pointing at the menu. Jonas, Bryan, and I also did the same. The waitress took her note to write down our orders before going back to the counter.

A few moments later, the waitress and another waiter came back with our orders. They put them on the table one by one. But before they put the last plates, they pulled out guns and shot at us. Fortunately, I've reacted quickly and shielded myself and Bryan from the flying bullets. Jonas shoots them back with his gun that he always brings wherever he goes.

The waitress and waiter fell down on the floor, and the customers were screaming and running outside the restaurant in fear and panic. "Shit! We should get out of this place. The enemies know we're here," Bryan said, leading us toward the door while other waiters and cooks shoot at us.

I shielded everyone. Jonas had to drag Francis out because he wouldn't leave, as he was hungry and wanted to eat his food before leaving. But no time for that. We have to leave if we don't want to eat the bullets of the enemies.

We successfully reached the parking lot without getting shot. But many innocent people were shot, and the police cars arrived immediately. We have to leave soon before we get caught and put in jail. We don't want to stain Francis' reputation either. We got into the van, and let Jonas drive as Francis' chauffeur was gone.

"Where are we going, boss?" Jonas asked.

"Ask Francis. This is his car," Bryan replied.

"But that guy has gotten mad. Look at him; he's acting crazy over his food," Jonas said.

"Alright then. Let's go to my father's house," Bryan said.

"Are you sure?" Jonas asked.

"I'm sure. That's the only safe place I know. Besides, my father is already gone. We can stay there for a while until we figure out what's going on," Bryan said.

"Those guys stole my food," Francis muttered; he's drooling like a little kid.

"Hang in there, Francis. We'll get you food," Bryan comforted him.

Jonas continued driving. A few moments later, we noticed a car tailing us. It must be the enemy. "Down!" Bryan exclaimed as a guy with a long gun sprouted out of the car's window and shot at us.

We dropped down. I covered my ears. All I could hear were gunshots, broken glass, and the lurching of tires. Jonas might be struggling to control the steering wheel, so I used the shield to protect us. Bryan pulled out an M16 and responded by shooting back.

Finally, we heard an explosion as the car behind us blew up. We headed to Bryan's father's mansion.

"That was insane!" Francis exclaimed, slapping the table with his palms. Seems like he has moved on with the food.

"Seems like they already knew we were coming there," Jonas said.

"Are you saying that there's a traitor among us?" I asked.

"That's not what I am saying," Jonas replied. "I'm just confused how those people knew we were eating at the restaurant, and then they also followed us."

"Must be a coincidence," Bryan said.

"Or maybe one of my employees is an enemy," Francis added.

"Come on, guys. Why won't you eat first?" I suggested, putting down bowls of ramen and a plate of loaf bread on the table. Then I took the spoons. "I'm sorry, these are all that I found."

"It's okay. That still looks delicious," Jonas said.

"Woah..." Francis's eyes sparkled. He took the spoons and tasted the ramen. "This is so good!"

"Though I wish I could eat something else," Bryan added. He's probably tired of eating ramen and bread.

We ate together. Francis and Jonas kept talking, while Bryan remained silent, probably thinking about what just happened or maybe about the memories he had when he was living here with his father.