Fear

45 • Difficult decision

The walls of the institution felt like they were closing in on me. Every shadow seemed to hide a threat, every unfamiliar face was a potential enemy. My fear for Emily's safety had grown into an obsession, one that I could no longer ignore.

I sat alone in my office once again, the cool light from the desk lamp casting shadows on the walls. My hands trembled slightly as I brought them in front of my face and clenched them into fists, trying to stave off the panic rising in my chest.

A horrifying scenario was playing out in vivid detail in my mind. Emily, bound and terrified, and his cold eyes gleaming with triumph as he tightened his grip on her.

I shook my head vigorously, forcing the image away. I couldn't let myself go there. Not now. Not ever. But the fear gnawed at me, a constant, unrelenting presence. I had to protect her, no matter what dangers I had to put myself in.

I'd take a bullet for her in a heartbeat.

Taking a deep breath, I tried to steady myself. I had to be prepared for the unexpected.

X was no ordinary adversary. He was ruthless, cunning, and dangerously patient. I knew he wouldn't stop until he had what he wanted, but I couldn't let him win. And now, with Emily in the picture, he'd found his most powerful leverage yet. I could almost see him scheming, waiting for the perfect moment.

My thoughts raced as I considered the options. The institution's security measures were extensive, but I couldn't shake the feeling that it wasn't enough. X had ways of getting to people, of slipping through the cracks unnoticed. I'd seen it before with my father, and he wasn't willing to take any chances.

I stood up, pacing the room as I tried to think clearly. I'd always known that someday I'd have to face this threat head-on, but I hadn't anticipated the stakes being so high. Emily's safety was non-negotiable.

My mind went back to the last few weeks, to the weight I'd seen in her eyes when she looked at me, the unspoken fear that lingered in them. She trusted me implicitly, I knew, but she was relying on me to keep her safe. And I couldn't let her down.

I sighed heavily and reached for my phone. I had an idea. It was my riskiest and most dangerous idea yet, but what option did I have?

I dialled Jack first. The phone rang twice before he picked up. "Boss?"

"Meeting in my office in five," I said tersely. "Bring Nate."

"Got it," he replied, sensing the urgency in my tone.

I hung up and paced around the room, trying to gather my thoughts. The next few minutes felt like an eternity as I waited. Finally, there was a knock at the door, and they both walked in.

"Boss? What's going on?" Jack asked, concern etched on his face as he closed the door.

I motioned for them to sit.
"We need to make a decision," I began, my voice tight as I spoke against my knuckles. "I don't think Emily's safe here anymore."

Jack and Nate exchanged worried glances at each other but remained silent, waiting for me to continue.

"I know we have security measures in place, but... X is too dangerous, too unpredictable. I can't shake the feeling that we're not doing enough to keep her safe," I continued. They stared at me, concerned and skeptical. I could see it on their faces. They thought I was going crazy.
"I think we need to move her - somewhere he can't reach her."

"Move her?" Jack echoed, his brow furrowing. "You mean like... relocate her entirely?"
He glanced at Nate who mirrored his expression.

I nodded and looked down at the map on my desk. "I know a place. There's a safe house in Vancouver. It's risky, I know, but hear me out. It's the only way to ensure her safety, I'm convinced. I can't keep her as safe here. They're going to infiltrate, I know it." I became almost desperate as I went on, and they both noticed the panic rising in my voice.

Nate leaned forward, his expression serious as he tried to reassure me. "Boss. I think you're overthinking it. This place is like a maximum security prison right now. There's no way they're getting in. I think she's safer here."

I shot a warning at him and he sat back again, but his expression remained.

"You're right about the risks," Jack said, folding his arms, "Moving her could expose her to more danger, especially if X is already watching us."

"I know," I admitted, getting frustrated. "But keeping her here feels like a ticking time bomb. X is planning something, I can feel it. We need to act now, before it's too late."

Jack nodded slowly. "Alright, let's think this through. We need to plan every detail, make sure there's no room for error. How soon can we make this happen?"

"Quickly," I said, urgency in every word. "We need to get her out as soon as possible. We'll use the old corridors. It's the safest route."

"Are we gonna sedate her, or...?" Nate asked, raising an eyebrow.

"No. She'll be blindfolded," I replied. "The less she knows, the safer she'll be. We can't afford any mistakes."

Jack and Nate exchanged another glance, then nodded. "Alright," Jack said. "We're with you. Let's do it."

I felt a small sense of relief wash over me. We had a plan. It was dangerous, but it was our best shot. I only hoped it would be enough to keep Emily safe. I would do everything in my power to protect her.

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