The Whispers of 4th District

Chapter 29: The Calm Before the Betrayal

The safehouse was everything Teddy could have hoped for—a rundown building on the outskirts of the city, tucked away behind a maze of alleys. It wasn't much, but it was enough to get them off the streets for now. Inside, the air was thick with anticipation. The walls were bare, save for a few scattered crates and chairs, but it was a refuge. At least for the time being.

Teddy sat on the floor, his back against the cold wall as he tried to focus. Lena was busy on the phone, making arrangements to get the story out, while Kane kept watch at the window, his sharp eyes scanning for any sign of danger. Jax had disappeared into one of the back rooms, and Teddy couldn't help but wonder what his true intentions were. He had saved them, sure—but Teddy knew better than to trust anyone completely in this world.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Jax's voice coming from the hallway, low and urgent. Teddy stood, instinctively reaching for his gun, but he hesitated. Something didn't sit right with him.

He followed the sound of the conversation, making his way to the back room. He paused just outside the door, listening closely.

"I don't care if it's your mother," Jax was saying, his tone cold. "If they get their hands on that file, everything we've worked for is over."

Teddy's heart skipped a beat. His mother?

He pushed open the door, his eyes narrowing as he saw Jax standing by the window, speaking to someone on the phone.

"I'll do whatever it takes," Jax was saying, his voice low but edged with something Teddy couldn't place. "No one's getting out of this alive. Not even Teddy."

Teddy's blood ran cold. He had known something was off about Jax. But this... this was worse than he ever could have imagined. Betrayal had come from within his own ranks. Now, he was truly alone.