Under His Protection

Chapter 19: Dangerous Moves

The safehouse was quiet, too quiet for the storm that was brewing around them. Travis paced the length of the living room, his thoughts moving as fast as his steps. Taylor sat on the couch, watching him, sensing the pressure building inside him. Every passing second felt like a countdown to the next explosion in their lives.

Patrick and Ross had left only moments ago, moving fast to relocate their families to a safer place. Brittany had stayed back, her nerves visible as she sat beside Taylor, trying to mask her worry.

"I can't just sit here," Travis finally said, his voice edged with frustration. "Santino is coming for us, and we're hiding like cowards."

Patrick had told him to stay put, to let the others handle the extraction, but the thought of doing nothing while Santino was out there, tightening the noose around their necks, was eating him alive. He wasn't used to waiting. He was a man of action.

"You're not hiding, Travis," Taylor said softly, standing up and crossing the room to him. "You're making sure you're ready. You're doing what you can."

He looked at her, his frustration softening for a moment. But it wasn't enough to calm the storm inside. "What if this is all just another one of Santino's games? What if he's already two steps ahead of us?"

Taylor stepped closer, placing a hand on his arm. "Then we'll figure it out. Together."

Travis let out a heavy breath, his eyes locking with hers. In that moment, he realized something—she was the only thing that kept him grounded, the only one who could pull him back from the edge when the darkness of his world became too much. She was his anchor, his balance. And that terrified him as much as it comforted him.

Before he could respond, Brittany cleared her throat. "Look, I get that everyone's on edge, but sitting here freaking out isn't helping anyone. We need to stay calm, focus."

Travis turned toward Brittany, nodding. She was right. Losing his cool wouldn't get them anywhere. He needed to stay sharp.

A sudden knock at the door made them all freeze. Travis's instincts flared, his hand moving to his gun. He signaled for Taylor and Brittany to get back, taking a cautious step toward the door.

"Who is it?" Travis called out, his voice low and controlled.

"It's me, Kelce."

Travis exhaled in relief as he recognized Ross's voice. He opened the door, his muscles still tense, as Ross walked in, his expression grim.

"Everything okay?" Travis asked, scanning his friend's face.

Ross shook his head. "We've got a problem. Patrick sent me back to tell you that there's been a change in plans. We were able to get some of the families out, but Santino's men are moving faster than we expected. We're being boxed in."

Travis clenched his jaw, his mind racing. "Where's Patrick?"

"Still at the other safehouse," Ross said. "But it's only a matter of time before they figure out where he is. We need to move fast, or we're going to lose our window."

Taylor stepped forward, her face pale but resolute. "What do we do?"

Travis looked at her, then back at Ross. "We need to take the fight to them. We can't keep reacting to Santino. We have to hit back, hard, before he has a chance to tighten his grip any further."

Ross nodded, his expression dark. "I'm with you."

Travis turned to Taylor and Brittany. "You two stay here. We'll handle this."

"No," Taylor said firmly, her eyes locking with his. "I'm coming with you."

Travis shook his head, his protective instincts flaring up again. "It's too dangerous."

"And what? You think it's safe here?" Taylor shot back. "Travis, I'm already in this. I'm not hiding. I'm standing by your side."

Brittany looked between them, her expression anxious. "I'll stay back. But Taylor's right. If she's coming, you need to trust her."

Travis hated this. He hated the thought of Taylor being in the line of fire, of her getting hurt because of him. But deep down, he knew she was right. She was part of this fight now, whether he liked it or not. He had to trust her.

"Alright," Travis finally said, his voice low. "But you stick close to me. Got it?"

Taylor nodded, her eyes determined. "Got it."

They moved quickly through the night, navigating the dark streets with a mix of stealth and speed. Ross led the way, his sharp instincts keeping them alert as they neared the safehouse where Patrick was holed up. Travis kept his hand on the small of Taylor's back, never letting her out of his sight.

The safehouse came into view, a nondescript building tucked between warehouses on the outskirts of town. But something was wrong. There were no guards, no sign of Patrick's men. The place was eerily quiet.

"Something's off," Ross muttered, scanning the area.

Travis's grip tightened on his gun. His gut screamed that this was a trap. But there was no turning back now.

They approached the entrance, Ross slipping inside first. Travis followed, his body tense, ready for anything.

The inside of the safehouse was dark, empty. But as they moved deeper into the building, they found Patrick, crouched over a table, studying a map.

"Patrick!" Travis called out, relief flooding him.

Patrick looked up, his face drawn and tired. "Took you long enough."

"What's going on?" Travis asked, scanning the room for any signs of danger.

"We've got a lead on Santino," Patrick said, his voice tight with urgency. "But we need to move fast. He's planning to make his next move tonight."

Travis's eyes narrowed. "Where?"

Patrick pointed to the map. "Here. An old factory on the edge of town. It's one of his main hideouts, but he's only using it for one last deal before he vanishes. If we hit him there, we can take him down once and for all."

Taylor stepped forward, her heart pounding. "Then we have to go now."

Patrick glanced at her, then back at Travis, raising an eyebrow. Travis just gave a small nod. Taylor wasn't staying behind.

"Alright," Patrick said. "But this is it. If we don't take him down tonight, he'll disappear, and we'll be back to square one."

Travis's eyes darkened with determination. "Then let's finish this."