Phases Eight

Phase 18 Lies and threats

Beware of my silence, I'm at vigil behind the bush. I might pounce when the time is ripe.

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(Morning before the trial)

Apprehension slithered inside Jake's mind whenever he was reminded of Amy. He regretted each and every second of her absence. He should've gone with her. Even if she had resisted, he must've followed her. He was soulless in the ginormous mansion with his heart taken by its mistress.

Did she reach Manhattan without any problem? Did she take her meals properly? Did she have any personality change? Will she prove herself in the trial?

All his questions desperately sought for answers. Adding to his anxiety, Amelia never called him after reaching Manhattan. Jake wasn't senseless to be mad at person who was struggling for her life, but she must've at least attended his call once. It was her responsibility. He was supposed to look after her and she was supposed to report to him. It was how their relationship had been going.

Is she tired of it? Tired of me?

Anger shot up inside Jake and his fists balled up. He thought they had something. Guess it was all his illusion. A pathetic illusion made up of unrequited feelings. He punched his car which was parked in a dark underground parking lot. The dent in its hood was evident where he had punched several times.

Jake's knuckles turned red with practicing boxing on metals. He hoped to land such iron-fist punches on the person whom he was about to seek answers from. Hiding his bruised knuckles in his pockets, Jake took the elevator.

The apartment's elevator doors opened at the third floor. Jake moved like a shadow along the dim-lighted hallway. He knocked at a door inside which his answers were sleeping. After a long wait Jake heard the creaking of a furniture and footsteps made their way to the door.

The door opened, followed by the sound of a yawn. The half-awoke inhabitant's yawn stopped abruptly at the sight of his uninvited guest. His hand trembled on the doorknob as his eye caught Jake's loathing stare. He had a bad feeling that Jake was not at his doorstep for a early morning cup of coffee.

"What do you want Jake?" he groaned, blocking the entrance.

"Where are you manners Hayden? How long you are going to keep your guest waiting?" smirked Jake, raising an eyebrow.

Hayden sluggishly opened the door. His baby blue pajamas evoked humor in the tensed atmosphere. Jake chuckled and bumped his shoulder while entering, which sent Hayden stumbling backwards. Jake slumped on the recliner and crossed his legs, subtly establishing his authority.

Hayden snorted and took a seat opposite to Jake. His limbs stiffened in tiredness as he slept just an hour before on the couch and immediately he was woken up by this unfathomable nuisance. Jake's contours expressed grim which made Hayden shiver.

Had he figured it out?

"Did you get any news from Amelia?" said Jake nonchalantly. Hayden let out a breath of relief as the subject was not directed towards him. Jake glanced at Hayden's self-revealing mannerisms.

"No" lied Hayden. He stayed up all night just because of Amy's stupid act in the flight but he lied to Jake as Ethan requested to not tell until they returned.

Jake scanned Hayden's eyes which had bags underneath due to sleeplessness. It could only mean one thing. He knows something.

"I didn't ask for a planned answer. I asked for the truth" threatened Jake, using his effective cold stare.