DEADLY DECEPTION

CHAPTER 16

Rick's POV

The car's engine hummed a steady rhythm, a stark contrast to the turbulence of recent events. Avery sat in the passenger seat, her gaze fixed on the passing city lights. The silence between us held a weight, a reflection of the unspoken emotions lingering in the air. The orphanage, left behind in the rearview mirror, had etched a sorrowful expression on Avery's face—a silent farewell to a place that had shaped her.

I couldn't ignore the melancholy that clung to her, but I knew it was a necessary sacrifice for everyone's safety. The lead we had on the man who targeted her demanded my attention. The pieces of Maria's case were slowly falling into place, and this was a crucial juncture.

Lost in my thoughts, the sudden break in silence came as Avery's voice cut through the air. "Where are we heading?"

Glancing at her, I noted the lingering sadness in her eyes. She was grappling with the abrupt departure from the orphanage, a place that held a significant part of her past. I sighed inwardly, understanding the complexity of her emotions.

"To my apartment," I replied, my eyes back on the road.

"It's the safest place for you right now. Plus, it makes it easier for me to keep an eye on you."

Avery's initial protest hung in the air, a palpable resistance to the idea. I could sense her weariness, the exhaustion from the night's ordeal evident in the lines on her face. She withdrew her objections, perhaps recognizing the practicality of the decision.

The silence settled again, but it didn't take long before Avery's frustration surfaced.

"And what about work?" she questioned, her tone a mix of defiance and annoyance.

I anticipated this. Keeping my composure, I glanced at her briefly.

"You're not going to the bookstore for a while," I asserted, my voice firm.

Avery's reaction was as expected—indignant and fiery.

"Excuse me? You can't just dictate whether I work or not. I need to, Rick. I have plans for the orphanage, and I need the money."

Her resistance fuelled a mild irritation within me. This wasn't the time for her to assert independence, not when danger loomed around.

"Avery," I said, my tone steady, "I'll take care of the orphanage issue. You don't need to worry about it."

She scoffed, her eyes narrowing. "And how can I trust that you'll do that?"

A hint of exasperation slipped into my voice. "Because, Avery, when I say something, I make it happen. I'll ensure the property is solely for the orphanage, and no one, absolutely NO ONE, can strip it away from you. You should know better than to doubt my word."

Avery, though visibly convinced, couldn't resist a parting shot. "You know, Rick, you have this way of making it sound like you control everything in my life."

I raised an eyebrow, unfazed by her attempt at rebellion. "Sometimes control is necessary for safety."

The tension simmered beneath the surface, but Avery acquiesced, albeit with a grumble.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

As we stepped out of the elevator, I reached into my pocket for the keys, unlocking the door, revealing my apartment nestled in the pulsating heart of New York City. Avery entered, her eyes sweeping across the opulent darkness of the interiors—a reflection of my reserved nature. The living room, adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows, showcased the dazzling city lights in a breathtaking display. The room's minimalistic design, sleek furniture, and the faint scent of whiskey lingering in the air spoke volumes about me.