WHISPERS IN THE DARK

Chapter Fourteen

**CALLIE'S POV**

Naomi and I walked along the path through the apple orchard. Birds flitted in and out of the trees, adding to the serene atmosphere. The old gardener’s huts came into view. Naomi glanced at me, concern in her eyes. "Are you sure you want to do this now?"

I shrugged. "Yeah, let’s get it over with."

The two guards at the entrance greeted us and opened the door. Inside, we were met by Steph, Leigh, Cole, Ryan, and Mal, all of whom enveloped me in a group hug. "Finally," Steph said with a laugh.

A dark voice interrupted, causing everyone to step back. Mal appeared by my side, wrapping an arm around my waist. "You okay?" he asked, rubbing circles on my lower back.

I glanced at Naomi, who looked at me curiously as I stepped forward, causing Mal’s arm to fall away. "Yeah, I'm good. Where is he?" I asked, my gaze fixed on the group.

Cole cleared his throat. "He’s in the room at the end of the hall."

I nodded and followed him, stopping when I heard footsteps behind me. "You can all wait here. Naomi, come with me," I said firmly.

Naomi reassured Ryan she’d be fine before following me. At the door, Mal stopped me from unlocking it. "Move," I said, meeting his gaze.

"You’re not going in there alone," Mal replied firmly. "It’s not safe."

I sighed, shaking my head. "I’m really tired of men telling me what’s safe and what’s not. I managed fine before you showed up." I poked him in the chest, frustration evident. Mal scoffed, stepped back, and stormed away. I shook my head at Naomi, who smiled back, and then unlocked the door.

Inside, Luca huddled against the wall, dirty and bloodied, clad only in underwear. His hands and feet were swollen and purple. I gestured for Naomi to close the door slightly and took a seat with her a few feet away from Luca, who was chained near the wall.

I watched him silently, searching for the strength to face him. Luca had once been my closest friend, helping me through my darkest times, but now he had caused me more pain. The betrayal stung deeply.

Luca's groans and the rattling of his chain brought me back to the present. "Callie, please. Listen to me. I’ll tell you everything," he pleaded. I nodded, and his face showed relief.

"Speak," Naomi said tersely.

"I just wanted to keep you safe, Callie. With the warehouses being hit and the attack on the gala, I had to get you out. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I just wanted to protect you," Luca said, his eyes pleading. Naomi scoffed, shifting in her seat.

"I already know this, Luca. Tell me something new," I said, glaring at him. Luca’s eyes darted between Naomi and me.

"I don’t know what else to say. If I knew anything, I’d tell you. I swear it," Luca continued, desperate.

Naomi, grinning, asked, "Why are you so worried about the warehouse hits? Why protect Callie from them?"

I walked closer to Luca and squatted so he could see me clearly. "Are you going to answer her questions?" I asked, smirking.

Fear flashed across Luca's face as he met my gaze. I stood up and walked back to Naomi. "The counterfeit money," Luca whispered, defeated. Naomi joined me as I looked back at him.

"What about it?" I asked.

Luca, once a constant in my life, had never broken down like this before. Seeing his tears was heart-wrenching. I moved closer, but Naomi stopped me, shaking her head.