Passions Uncovered

Chapter 29

Raindrops hammered against my body like sharp icy blades as I weaved through traffic on my way to the place where Bai was currently being held hostage. I stumbled upon an abandoned, gloomy gray stone factory with countless shattered windows. Simultaneously with my family. Guided by my uncle, I entered the ominous building, questioning our chances of reaching her in time.

Step by step, we descended the stairs into the dark and unsettling basement. The sickly smell of blood and gore filled my nose. It brought back memories of a secret structure on my late uncle's farm—the location where his cattle vanished without a trace. Taking precautions, we confirmed the presence of all guards on this floor through a thorough inspection of the area. My number one guard, Kaden, tossed a smoke bomb into the room, allowing us enough time and the coverage needed to sneak inside and rescue Bai.

A face covered in a blend of copper red, dirt, and tear-filled eyes turned towards me, making eye contact. Our footsteps were quiet in this dark, musty room. As we approached, we heard the faint sounds of ticking coming from a black box attached with wires to Bai's chest. Quietly, she pleaded for us to hurry. Seeing her helpless state was heartbreaking for me. Thankfully, my Uncle Vince was calmer than I was and took control of the situation. As he guided me to examine the wires I identified the red, blue, and yellow wires we needed to cut. Every clip of the scissors was a punch in the gut for me. Bai's whimpering tore at my heart. After I defused the bomb, the three of us took off running. Me in the front and my uncle in the back protecting Bai as we ran for safety. Strange footsteps followed us out to the waiting cars. The deafening sounds of gunshots rang out behind us. The look of sheer terror on my father's face as he screamed out my uncle's name.

I stopped in my tracks and turned around with my gun raised. Saw my dad's brother's chest burst wide as a bullet pierced him behind. With gun raised, I pushed Bai toward my father and shot at the men standing behind my uncle. Shooting them dead where they stood. With my dad in the back seat with Uncle Vince, we sped to the hospital. Where they performed emergency surgery on him to get the bullet out. One life saved while another hangs at death's door.

In this outer hallway, fluorescent lights bathe everyone in a harsh light, making them pale and ghastly. The smell of antiseptic was choking. Everything was quiet except for the sounds of my parents' muffled sobs and sniffles. It was a tense time as we huddled together outside the emergency room waiting for news of my uncle. With bated breath, time seemed to drone on. There was still one more job I had to finish. That was calling Mia and telling her what happened to Vince. This was a call I really dreaded making, especially with her being pregnant with my little cousin.

I quickly dialed my aunt's number and shared the hard news. "Hi Aunt Mia, I wanted to let you know Vince was shot in the back during the rescue. And is now in the emergency room at Mount Sinai Hospital. I don't have all the details yet, but I'm here for you and will do whatever I can to help during this tough time." She said only five words before the phone went dead. 'Aries, I'm on my way.' I walked over to my mother and lightly tapped her on the shoulder. Kneeling beside her, I wrapped my arms around her and told her that Mia was on her way here.

As Vince was wheeled out of the Operating Room, Mia stepped through the door. Luckily, Dante was standing close beside her, or she would have hit the floor. As they wheeled an unconscious Vince past Mia, she suddenly felt a gush of fluid between her legs. Her eyes widened in shock as she quickly grabbed Dante's hand and glanced at my mother.

My mother rushed over to where Dante was standing with my aunt, her voice trembling as she yelled for a nurse to come help. Mia was wheeled into the delivery room with my mother hot on her tail, her face etched with worry and fear. Peering through the window, I saw my mom and brother standing on opposite sides of the room, their hands clasped tightly around Mia's. My brother looked pale and sick; his eyes fixed on my aunt as she brought our baby cousin into the world. The air was thick with tension and anticipation, as we waited for the sound of a newborn's first cry.

When the nurse moved Aunt Mia and her new baby into a private ward, we all gathered in the room to gaze at the new cherry rose addition to the family. As I looked at the small head with a tiny face yawning and eyes blinking with ten small perfect fingers and toes, my heart swelled with love and joy. I couldn't help but smile as I strolled over and picked her up, holding her against my chest. With my eyes moist and heart tight in that moment, I knew that I would do anything to protect her and keep her safe. She was a precious gift, a symbol of hope and new beginnings, and I felt honored to be a part of her life.

"Dad, why don't you see if Uncle Vince can be placed in the same room as Aunt Mia and the baby? It'll be easier for us to protect all of them this way."

After my father left to speak with the nurse, he returned with Vince and placed him beside his wife and child. Smiling with the baby in my arms, I went over to Uncle Vince's bed and placed her on his chest. As I watched them together, my heart filled with a sense of hope and love. I hoped that the close contact would stimulate Vince's recovery and bring him back to our family. I prayed that we wouldn't lose him. With phone in hand, I took several pictures of Uncle Vince with the baby. It was a moment of pure joy and love. Every picture captured a memory that will last a lifetime. As I took pictures of all of us and my baby cousin, I felt a sense of warmth and happiness tugging in my heart. Here this little bundle of joy was surrounded by the people who loved her the most in this world, and it was a moment of pure bliss.

When it came time to feed her, I picked her up and cuddled her into my arms with a bottle. As she wrapped her little hand around my finger, your heart swelled with love and tenderness. A sense of responsibility and protectiveness towards her hit me, knowing that I would do anything to keep her safe and happy. I vowed to her this very day I would kill anyone to protect her. And my brother is no different. You could see it in his eyes as he looked at her. The cold, hard stone face actually cracked and showed a smile on his face with eyes filling with tears.

While we were absorbed in watching this little girl capture our hearts, Mom and dad were taking this time to get the first picture of the three of us cousins. The first of many to come. I knew we must look like a mess. Two grown teens standing here with moist eyes, crying, but it was worth capturing this memory for a lifetime.