The Cage (Book 2)

Make Your Choice

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Make Your Choice

Schneider's P.O.V

I slowly turned around so that I was facing Cade. His preposterous suggestion had left me speechless for a full minute. The room we stood in had gone dead silent; so silent I could hear Mad Frank raving all sorts of nonsense as he often did all the way from Block B.

My eyes found and locked with Cade's. I stared intently at the bigger, taller man, my face hardening. "You want me to leave Julian in there?" My question was soft-spoken, but there was unmistakable iron and steel underlying my words.

Both my body and mind rebelled against the mere notion.

Never. The possessive, protective part of me growled.

My eyes flashed a warning, You tread on thin ground.

Cade shrugged. "Who knows how long we'll be gone. Solitary is the safest place in this prison after the warden's office, and we both know we can't leave him under the care of that old lecher."

"You know that's where the serial killers are." Some of the worst serial killers known to man were locked away in the Prison From Hell, left to rot for the remainder of their miserable lives.

"Which is why it's the most guarded place. We'll remind the guards he's off limits and to keep watch over him," Cade shot the guard what he probably thought was a threatening look, but looked like a promise of death. The guard swooned. Then, for Schneider's benefit, he added, "You'll rest easy knowing he's safe."

I would have laughed at that if my mood wasn't so thoroughly soured; I hadn't had a day's rest since Julain found his way into my life. Not that I'd lived an easygoing life before, but now everyday held something in store, usually of the dangerous variety. He certainly had a way of attracting trouble; that much I'd already come to terms with.

I was reluctant to admit, nay, even consider the wisdom in his words. But he had a point.

Dammit.

Not going wasn't an option. I had been summoned, and if this really concerned my brother like the letter said and he truly needed me, then I couldn't not go to him.

Taking Julian with me was absolutely not an option. He'd sooner leave Julian in solitary than take him to where they were going.

"Solitary is no place for someone like Julian." His sweet, sophisticated Julian would break if he had to spend more than a week in there. Even hardened criminals went mad in the box. Julian didn't stand a chance.

Cade nodded. "I agree, but not all the cells are boxes. There are bigger cells; I know from firsthand experience. They're built for big guys like me." And then Cade had the nerve to flash me a white-toothed grin.

I stared. "A box is a box, big or small."

"Technically all the cells are boxes, then."

"At least cells have working toilets."

Cade sighed. "You tried leaving him with an escort, but it turns out criminals don't make for trustworthy bodyguards. Surprise, surprise. Look where he ended up. It's your choice, boss. He's your bitch."

I scowled at Cade's sardonic attitude. He wasn't usually so forthcoming with his opinions, but he was quite vocal today. It was surprising seeing how adamant he was about keeping Julain locked away while we were gone. Keep him out of trouble, and keep trouble away from him. I could see the appeal. But to keep Julian in godforsaken solitary imprisonment was also punishment he didn't deserve. And I had my doubts about him withstanding the complete isolation without losing his mind.

The alternative wasn't much better either.

Allowing Julian to roam freely with a target on his back and every friend and sympathizer of that lowlife Kevin vying to get him was also out of the question. And clearly my men couldn't be trusted with his protection.

This was an impossible decision I was faced with. Frustrated, I combed my fingers through my hair.

Was this how my brother felt having to keep Aiden safe here?

My right hand man eyed me sympathetically; he could probably read the internal debate I was having on my face.

"Make your choice now." Cade nodded to Stephan once he appeared in the doorway. He'd undoubtedly come to let us know the boat to the mainland was ready.

"The coast is clear. We gotta go now, boss; before the drones circle back." Said Stephen, oblivious to my internal struggle.

I closed my eyes and inhaled sharply. "I better not regret this."

*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*

Do you think Schneider and Cade are making the right choice? And what choice do they have? 

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