The Tail of a Wolff (UNDER MAJOR EDITING)

1. the power of a disguise

Charlie's POV

Tallis Hurley sits in the waiting area of one of my many tailor shops.

His leg bounces up and down while he keeps swiping his forehead every now and then. His nerves are clear through the live video footage. I don't blame him though, having such a massive bounty on your head would cripple even the strongest.

I press the button underneath my desk that sends him the signal for the hidden door. Once he sees that no one is looking his way he slides through the bookshelf. Moments later I take the chance to get a proper look at him and man... If we weren't so close, I wouldn't have recognized him.

His once clean shaved stubble is now grown into a classic full beard and dyed a different colour, one that matches that of his hair. His once brown hair is now blonde, topped off with a cap that covers his eyes. Hair dye, black contact lenses and a few clothing items can go a long way in masking an identity.

I startle when he throws himself onto me, pulling me into an embrace, not used to the welcoming gesture, especially from him. He takes one look at my confused state and elaborates, "I'm living in my last days, Cap."

I nod my head in a mixture of understanding and pity. Although, I do try to hide the latter.

He reeks of exhaustion as he unfolds the fold-in couch and throws himself onto it. The playful man that I used to know is gone, replaced by one striving to survive, but this is a safe place, only a few people know of this location.

"You're welcome to stay as long as you want. No one will find you here." I try to take some weight off his shoulders.

He looks at me and smiles "I know brother."

"Get some rest" I say. 

He makes himself comfortable as he prepares for the best nap that he will have for the rest of his remaining time. 

***

I'm busy signing the last paycheck when Tallis enters looking a lot more relieved, "Can I borrow your laptop?" he asks. I nod and he grabs it, walking off to the storeroom on the right.

"Listen Charlie, I trust you more than anyone on this Earth - " I raise a brow and he chuckles "besides Wynter of course. Since word got out that I have 'access' to the project, the people that I thought were brothers flipped. I guess money is bigger than loyalty."

As he continues, he looks me straight in the eye "I took a video of myself explaining a few things to Wynter - " I'll watch it later "Once the video is played the first time, I added code to the laptop for it to self-destruct" My eyes widen, but he cuts me off before I can say anything.

"It'll just blow up a little, but that's not the point" He takes a deep breath. I lean back in the chair behind my desk and watch him as he runs his hand through his hair while pacing the length of the office.

"I should have never been so interested in that project in the first place, I know that. Things would've been different now but I can't change the past, I can only focus on the present and future. I've already had a few attempted assassinations from God knows who and nearly been kidnapped too. If I am successfully captured, and refuse to cooperate, I will be tortured then killed"

Tallis finally stops pacing, he settles in the chair in front of my desk and leans forward. He practically begs the next part but there is no need, I already know what he is going to say so I say it for him, "Yes, I will look after Wynter. I have and always will"

"How and when do you want me to give her this?" I ask, nodding my head towards the laptop. Ever since their dad died, I have never seen Tallis cry, let alone tear up.