Diabolus: The Lost Phoenix

Chapter Eleven

BEVERLY GREENE

All my fears and anger come flooding back again, the same feelings I felt a year ago, the day I saw Leonardo the last time; as if my body just sent them a blanket invitation. I feel the soft panic that can grow or fade depending on what I do next. But I know I have to listen to Kai. His ideas are sober, logical, smart; and I would just do something stupid, driven by anger and craving for vengeance.

We watched how Leonardo opened the rusty steel door, getting inside of one of those old buildings. We need to follow him, we need to find out what he's up to and why did Brent always ended up finding him, instead of Avery.

As soon as the street falls down in silence, we make our move. Slowly, silently, not to be noticed. To be able to see every move Leonardo makes, and every word he says.

"We don't know what is behind that door, so be prepared for anything that can happen."

I see everyone pulling their guns, knives, daggers out; every weapon they're the best at using. But no one tries to mask their fear, anxiety. None of us knows where we're going, and what we'll see in there.

I just hope to find Avery.

"We need someone to stay outside, in case someone will come."

"Maybe Kevin and Brooklyn could stay here?"

Kai winks at Kevin and a little devilish smile plays on his lips; but no one seems to notice, except me. If you didn't know Kai you would think he's just trying to keep his brother and my sister out of this, but in reality he just wants them to get some time alone.

"Um... sure."

I know how Brooklyn likes him, and Kevin just tries to find out what he's actually feeling. I saw their longing looks at each other, how they smile, laugh when they're together. And there's Woods blood running down Kevin's veins, which means he'll make a move for a woman that he likes, one way or another.

"But what's the plan? What we'll do after we see what he's up to?"

Kai's eyes lock on me; and I would be lying to myself if I didn't like him when he's so serious and confident, looking like a real leader. He knows how to calm down all of us, even if he feels conflicted on the inside. He knows how to make people fight for him, giving them devotion, protection and real friendship in return.

And that always makes me think what a great father he would be.

"It depends on what we'll see. But I want us to be unnoticed as long as possible. I want him to believe that he's safe. And when the time comes..." Kai draws his finger down the blade; knowing where he can touch not to get himself cut. Being a professional assassin. "We'll remind him what he felt last time."

No one dares to talk back, to oppose and we turn to the big steel door to enter the building. Brent and Aaron gets their guns ready, if someone was right in front of us, trying to get rid of unexpected guests. But as soon as the door opens, no one but a pungent smell meets us.

It's a warehouse, looking as if it was still in use; but it's probably just a place for people like Leonardo to take care of his business. The corrugated iron roof is domed some twenty-five feet above us, like a town cathedral. There's bags of grain, piled high at the far end, lightened up by cheap lightbulbs. And voices, coming from the depth of the warehouse.

With no hesitation we step inside, following Kai's footsteps, trying to be as quiet as possible; but ready for action. But the anger still burns inside me as soon as I recognize Leonardo's voice amongst the others, which I haven't heard ever before.

"Daryl. You're late."

I stop behind Kai, hiding behind bags of grain while the others surround the place in case someone would notice us. And there he is. Leonardo, standing in front of the metal table; looking like the same one he was tortured on. So confident and serious, but in reality, I know he's a fucking coward.