Fearless (discontiuned)

Chapter thirteen

Henry Grover
Parallel Pass Hotel
Chasetown, Washington

In a situation where tension had brought brothers to a different state for one to warn the other, I would do the same to protect my family, even if it meant facing government threats or terrorists. I could not just sit idly by and watch. As a hacker, there are many consequences to my actions, but I felt compelled to assist nonetheless.

Throughout my life, I have found myself constantly trapped in the shadow of Cody—a predicament that has plagued me for as long as I can remember and has left me feeling as though I am constantly living in his shadow, never able to break free and forge my own path in life.

Despite my best efforts, I have always felt as though Cody's presence looms over me, his voice echoing in my mind and his opinions weighing heavily on my own decisions and actions. But even though his influence has been a constant presence in my life, I have found solace in the fact that I have always been able to turn to my other brother, Owen.

I would always protect my brothers, especially Owen. Now, I'm in Washington, helping Cody out, if he will ever let me.

Cody looks at me as if he wants to hear everything coming out of my lips.

"I uh..I was at home. I was doing some research, using my...hacking skills. Then, someone was calling me on my laptop. I declined it, thinking it was a scam call. I finally answered the call. It was not a scam call. But it was..." I trailed off.

"It was who?" Cody asked, worried. He saw that I was pale.

"It was Blackthorn Society. They told me to give their 'regards' to you. Because they are after you, and they also threatened to kill Mom and others," I said as I let out a sigh. "My computer may have been hacked,"

"Now they know who you are," Cody says, fisting his hair with both hands. "FUCK!" Anger was apparent in his face.

"Henry, I brought this on everyone, even you," Cody said.

I make eye contact with Max. Max looks equally worried about Cody. He looks back at me with a sad expression on his face.

"Cody, it's ok. I came here to help. I want to help you. I can't just stay in your bloody shadow forever," I said.

"No, you have to go back."

"Actually, he can't."

I look at Max, surprised. How long has he been standing there? Cody looked at Max with as much surprise as I did.

"Why can't he go back? Can't you see that Henry has to protect my mom and my brothers?!" Cody yelled with impatiently.

"Because they might know that he is bloody here. If he goes back, they might kill him," Max reasoned. I gaze at the ground, wishing Cody would allow me to remain with him.

"I can go back if you wish me to," I offered. "I get that my presence isn't wanted." My eyes narrowed at him as if I were waiting for his answer. I know that he is mad at me for coming here without telling him. I could see the fire in his eyes of anger and fury.

Cody sighed and walked up to me calmly. "You can stay. But does anyone else know about your disappearance?"

"Well, Owen knows. However, he will not tell anyone—I hope," I replied. "It looks like I'm stuck with you, brother." I went to the elevator.

Cody said, "Whatever," which made me chuckle. I immediately made myself at home. I was able to get the room close to where Cody and his friends were.

As I entered my room, I felt a sense of relief. The day had been quite hectic, and I was glad to finally be with Cody. I looked around the room, which was still in disarray from someone's stay. I decided to start unpacking and organizing everything.

As I was putting away some clothes, I noticed my dad's laptop sitting on my desk. More could be on the laptop. Curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to log in and explore. As I sat on my bed, I started to go through some of the files and folders on the laptop.

As I was sorting through some old files, I stumbled upon a folder that caught my attention. It seemed like it had been hidden away for years. So I opened the folder and found a photograph of a briefcase. The picture was taken from an angle that made it difficult to discern any distinguishing features. However, I couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something significant about it.

I paused for a moment, wondering if the briefcase had any connection to the contents of the folder. Perhaps it was a clue to something that I had overlooked before. However, I couldn't be sure. That's when I decided to speak to Cody, who might have some insight into the matter.

Cody, the well-known secret agent, makes me envious. I wish it was me stuck in London instead of him. Sir Cody Grover. That's what people called him.

Fate can be cruel.

Cody's pov

I'm feeling a mix of emotions about Henry's arrival here. On one hand, I'm relieved that he made it safely, but on the other hand, I'm worried about his impulsive nature and the risks he may have taken to get here. I can't help but feel a tinge of anger towards him for putting himself in danger like that, but at the same time, I'm glad he's here with us now.

I'm just glad he's here. I really need to talk to someone, and I trust him enough to confide in him. I want to tell him everything that happened, starting from the moment Clay hit me. It's strange, though, because he didn't seem to notice the black eye I have. I wonder if he's just being polite or if he genuinely didn't see it. 

"Is that really your brother, who has a reputation for hacking into people's computers?" Max questioned me, his tone laced with disbelief. As I heard his words, I felt a sudden tension in my body and narrowed my eyes, unsure of how to respond.

"Yes, that's him," I declared, turning to Max. "I'll go talk to Henry now, and you can head home. Bye for now!" I rushed towards the elevator and hit the button. The doors slid open, and I stepped inside. 

As the doors closed behind me, I was enveloped in a calm atmosphere. The only sound that could be heard was the gentle tune of the music playing in the elevator, which seemed to lull me into a state of serenity. I felt my heart rate slow down, and I let out a deep breath. It was a welcome moment of peace amidst the chaos of the day.

As I reach for the door handle, my heart is racing. I can feel my palms getting sweaty. As the door opens, I take a deep breath and step out. Suddenly, I hear a loud bang and past me, missing me by mere inches. 

In that split second, I turn around and see the shattered glass of the window. My mind is racing as I try to process what just happened. My heart is pounding in my chest as the bullet whizzes  I realize how close I came to danger.

At the top of my lungs, I scream, "Who is there?! Show yourself!" I wonder if it could be Clay or Aaron. Without much thought, I proceed to enter Henry's room. However, what I witness fills me with revulsion.

A voice, filled with menace, greeted me with a simple "Hello."