Secret Heart

The Watchful Eye

The poker event was in full swing, the air thick with the tension of high-stakes gambling. Marcus Delaney, the man Billy had been arguing with, sat at a table, his face impassive as he eyed his opponents. Spencer watched from the shadows, his gaze never leaving Delaney.

The hours dragged on, and the game finally came to an end. Delaney pocketed his winnings and made his way out of the building. Spencer slipped out through a side door, positioning himself in a dark alleyway near the parking lot.

Delaney's footsteps echoed as he approached his car. Spencer waited, blending into the shadows until Delaney unlocked his vehicle. Just as Delaney reached for the door handle, Spencer emerged silently, his gaze locked on his target.

Delaney paused, sensing something amiss. He glanced around, but Spencer had already moved, staying out of sight but close enough to follow. Delaney got into his car and drove off, unaware of the silent tail behind him.

Spencer followed at a safe distance, his focus unwavering. Delaney's car weaved through the city streets before pulling into a secluded parking lot next to an upscale bar. Spencer parked a block away and approached on foot, blending into the late-night crowd.

Inside the bar, Delaney met with a man Spencer didn't recognize. They spoke in hushed tones, their conversation lost in the ambient noise. Spencer positioned himself at the bar, within earshot but not attracting attention. He caught fragments of their discussion—something about a deal going down soon, names of people involved, and significant sums of money changing hands.

After an hour, Delaney and his contact parted ways. Spencer followed Delaney back to his car, ensuring he noted every detail of the route and locations Delaney frequented. As Delaney drove away, Spencer's mind raced with the new information. This was bigger than he'd thought, and he needed to tell Billy.

The next day, back at the Baker household, Jordan Baker was in Billy's study, going over some paperwork. As Billy's understudy, Jordan was learning the ropes of the family business, though his heart wasn't fully in it. Olivia walked in, her usual confident demeanor giving way to a more relaxed one in the presence of her brother.

"Hey, Jordan," she greeted, taking a seat across from him. "How's it going?"

Jordan sighed, pushing the papers aside. "It's okay, I guess. Dad's got me handling all this stuff, and honestly, it's not what I want to do."

Olivia frowned, leaning forward. "Then why are you doing it?"

Jordan shrugged. "I don't know. I guess I just want to make him proud. But sometimes it feels like I'm living his life, not mine."

Olivia reached across the table and placed a comforting hand on his arm. "You have to do what makes you happy, Jordan. Dad will understand. You need to have your own path."

Jordan nodded slowly, her words sinking in. "Thanks, Liv. It's just hard, you know?"

"I get it," Olivia replied. "But you've got to take control of your life. You'll be happier for it."

After their conversation, Olivia texted Spencer. "Hey, can you pick me and Jordan up? We need a break."

Spencer, who had been keeping an eye on Delaney from a distance, quickly responded. "On my way."

Spencer arrived at the Baker household and picked up Olivia and Jordan. They drove to a nearby park, the twins chatting in the backseat. Once there, Spencer observed them from a distance, giving them the space to unwind and reconnect.

Jordan and Olivia walked along the park's pathways, their conversation flowing easily. They reminisced about their childhood, shared their dreams, and offered each other advice. Spencer watched, a sense of protectiveness washing over him. He knew how important family was, and seeing the twins bond brought a sense of peace.

As the sun began to set, Spencer drove them back home, the twins' spirits lifted from their time together. He dropped them off and headed to his apartment, his mind still racing with thoughts of Delaney and the potential danger he posed. After taking some time to himself he returned to the Baker's residence.

Later that night, as Spencer lay in bed, he heard a faint noise outside. Instantly alert, he grabbed his gun from the nightstand and pulled on a tank top. Moving silently, he made his way to the front door and stepped outside, his senses on high alert.

The noise grew louder, coming from the roof. Spencer aimed his gun skyward, his finger hovering over the trigger. "Who's up there?" he called out, his voice low and threatening.

A figure stumbled, losing their footing and falling to the ground with a thud. Spencer moved quickly, his gun trained on the intruder. As the man groaned and tried to stand, the moonlight revealed his face.

It was Delaney.

Spencer's eyes narrowed, his grip on the gun tightening. He had been right to be suspicious. Delaney was up to something, and now Spencer had the proof. He approached cautiously, ready for anything. Delaney's eyes met Spencer's, a mixture of fear and defiance in them.