Notice me

CHAPTER X : LINEAGE

Angry bruises littered his coarse skin, the little cuts almost like salt to a fresh wounds. He couldn't look anywhere but at himself. He was his greatest fear. Zoe hadn't answered his calls probably from fearing what he'd do next. His room was trashed from top to bottom, the only thing remaining in one piece being the letter delivered to his house from Jethro.

Was he that weak that he couldn't fight his own battle or was it the fear of them knowing what he really was; a killer. He had lost his motive and vigor long ago but now they had Zoe mixed in, he hated himself more than he ever could Beckham for betraying him so.

They'd gone through way too much for him to completely throw that away. But maybe it was jealousy; he started a life , found someone he loved and was in the midst of creating a future for them both. Beckham was his back in war how could he have ever seen something like this coming. His own family betraying him.

Looking through the mirror at the first ever medal he earned in the corps his mind flashed the gruesome image of himself in the medical ward in Afghanistan drifting in and out of consciousness barely hanging by a thread with lead in his bloodstream and a hole in his heart

He barely even had hope for himself.

A rustling outside got his attention. He blanched back at his own mind  frightening him. He lost his edge. He lost himself.

The shrill ring of the house phone downstairs grabbed his attention. 'Who could that be'
But there still wasn't anyone he could pin to this situation.

Was he that much of a threat? Shame and self disdain engulfed him, turning him a mess admits his destruction. His reputation was ruined completely, he lost respect for himself and so did his men.

He needed a plan a fast one at that that'd save him wholeheartedly. But he wasn't the only one needing salvation. If they knew about him being here then they knew about Zoe. And if they managed to target a man like Jethro his Zo wasn't a problem.

He decided to call an old friend.

"So nice of you to remember an old man like me" he picked up on the first ring, the same sarcastic shrill lingering in his voice.

"I need your help judge" he admitted

"What happened" he felt paranoid, looking over his shoulder every second. His eyes closed and he saw everything he shouldn't. The bodies with gunshot wounds, the pungent smell of smoke and blood. He remembered the sleepless nights thinking about the numerous murder he committed in the name of justice but he had to remember it was all 'for the greater good'.

"Beckham happened. He left a note saying he was coming for me me knocking out nearly a dozen security guards at Dionatti's place. He mentioned Zo judge, I don't know how or when he managed to find me but I know I can't find him myself " this was a risky game he was playing but now he was prey and so was his Zo.

"How are you so sure Beckham was behind this?" Beckham was a clean kill. He didn't like leaving trails behind but when he did it was purely for taunting.

"He left a hand written note and carved a 'B' in there foreheads. Or so I've heard. I can't risk this judge" this wasn't a fucking game , his life was on the line and not only his; Zo's too.

"I'll do what I can , but how do you know he isn't listening to this very conversation with a red dot aimed at either of our heads" he didn't know. Or Did he?

"Beckham's an old fashioned man, he'd rather an old rusty pipe than a new shiny riffle" it hurt him so much to know that the only friend he had would turn on him in a game of life or death.

"I'll help but in the meanwhile it'd be best if you protect your girl under wraps, keep your distance until this is all cleared up"

"I'll do my best"

"Heh! It's your funeral" a deep smokers cough let loose through the phone making him almost relive all the obstacles they went through.

He hung up the phone without another word. He had one tied down, now he just needed a recovery team. He just wasn't too sure how this one would play out.

He didn't bother calling, just took up his fresh clothes from the closet and put on a presentable outfit. He closed the house door not bothering to check his car or the breaks. Beckham wasn't petty enough, if he were to kill him it'd be a fair fight. Blood, guts and cocaine dust.

The drive was enough to get him out of his dirt bubble but not enough to erase the turmoil  created in less than a year of duty. He wasn't the top wrangler for nothing, he would find Beckham and when he did god help the man.

He stopped next to the hotels side and let out a long whistle. She was the same as when he left, her attire may have been different but he was sure she still had that survival mode locked in.

The thin latex dress clung to her body like a second skin, her natural red hair was swapped for a platinum blonde and same ocean blue orbs now a dark brown. He noticed she stood taller than her 5'10 now 6'0. Her face was caked in makeup discarding her naturally clear skin and wide spread freckles.

"Well don't you look handsome" she leaned over the car door peering into the vehicle.

"I need a favor Danny"

"I'm on the clock, but it'll cost ya" he chuckled at her dry humor. The smirk remained on her face showing off her thin lips.

"Not that type of favor. I'm in a bit of a trench and I need a hand" she looked at his turned head raising a suspicious brow.

"And this trench happens to lead where?"

"Beckham turned on me, and I can't have any loose ends"

Thanks for reading💝. Word count 1044