Supernova||Book 1 [Wattys 2024]

Episode 17 - Fade to Black

"What's this?" Jade asked, eyeing the envelope Jorah slid across the desk to him.

When he scanned the documents, he looked at Jorah in confusion. "These are blueprints. Why are you giving them to me?" he smiled. "Building me a house?"

"Should I build you a house?" Jorah teased.

They both laughed, but the lighthearted moment quickly passed as Jade's confusion returned. "So, what's this really about?"

"I need you to take charge of this project," Jorah said, his tone serious. "And when it's done, give it to him."

"Him?" Jade's brow furrowed. "Who's him?"

"To Nine" Jorah replied "Who else?"

Jade blinked, his confusion deepening. "Why don't you give it to him yourself?"

Jorah's silence stretched too long, filling the room with unease. Jade leaned forward, eyes narrowing. "Jorah, what's going on? Why can't you be the one to give it to him yourself?"

Jorah sighed deeply. This was the only way. He needed someone he could trust to handle this part. Someone Nine would listen to, even if he ended up hating him.

"I can't tell you. Not yet." Jorah rubbed the back of his neck.

"Not yet? What the hell, Jorah!" Jade shot to his feet, frustration bubbling over. "You drop this on me, and you won't even explain?"

"Look Jade." Jorah sighed again "This is bad enough as it is. I can't get into all the details right now. I just...need you to help me."

Jade's anger didn't relent. "Are you in some kind of trouble? Is someone threatening you? Is it your father?"

"Dammit Jade" Jorah snapped. "Just drop it" He scowled. "I came to you because I need your help. Are you going to help me or should I find some other way to do this?"

Jade forced himself to calm down. "Ok. No. Sorry. I'll help you."

Relief washed over Jorah's face as he sat down again. "Everything's arranged—the plans, the contractor. I'll wire the money to cover the costs."

Jade nodded, but the urge to press for answers gnawed at him. Whatever was happening, Jorah wasn't going to tell him. Not now.

"Ok." Jade gave in.

"When it's done, give him the keys," Jorah added softly. "No matter what happens, wait until it's finished.

"Ok." Jade agreed again.

There was silence between the two friends. All the questions in Jade's mind surrounded the word "Why?"

"I might not be able to do anything for him for a while." Jorah said.

Jade frowned. "Why are you speaking with such ominous words 'if something happens'. Is something going to happen? What's going on?"

It only took a single look from Jorah to quell Jade's queries.

"Fine," Jade conceded. "Even if you can't tell me about it. Even if you think this is the only thing I can do for you, just remember that you're not alone." Jade paused. "You have Zhuzhi...and Avalon..You have me..and Nine.."

"I know." Jorah replied with a half smile. "Why are you looking at me as if I'm going to die or something?"

"I don't know." Jade sighed helplessly. "You're the one giving me house plans and asking me not to take Nine there until it's finished, as though you won't be around."

Jorah chuckled "What? Would you miss me if I died?"

At his friend's tease Jade frowned. "That's not funny."