“We don’t know that yet, but it is definitely part of the Diverprop/Trevainne war.”
That’s right. I suddenly feel self-absorbed. This war has been going on for way longer than I’ve been a part of it. “So, you’ll question him, find out why he was there, and then what?”
“Figure out how much trouble Sylvie is in, and how long she’s been involved. See if there’s a way we can use Craven to our advantage. Keep you safe…” Aiden ticks the steps off on his fingers like a mundane to-do list. Something about the everyday nature of my being hunted feels permanent.
“This isn’t ever going to be done, is it?”
“Jules, we’re doing everything we can to keep you free of this,” Dax promises.
“That’s not actually a long list, is it? Of the things you can do? Short of taking Franz down permanently, I’ve got no chance.”
Neither man speaks, and I have my answer. I knew it anyway. Either I disappear permanently or I stay at risk in Harrison City. I don’t like either choice.
“Okay, let’s take this day by day. You both have work to do, and I’d really like to get started on my coursework.” I might as well make the most out of an unpleasant situation while I still can. Eventually the winds will change, and I’ll be forced to make a new plan for myself, but for now I can focus on learning while the opportunities present themselves to me.
Chapter Nineteen
Silence drowns the car on the way back to the compound. All of us holding our tongues in front of Frank. Aiden insisted he could drive the both of us back, tailing Frank and Dax, but Ben arrived while we were all still upstairs and took Aiden’s car back to the garages. Dax’s determination to have me‘home,’as he put it, means escorting me himself. Seems he isn’t foolish enough to believe I’ve entirely forgiven him for hurting me at the hotel. If I have to guess, I think keeping me in sight is his way of ensuring I don’t cut him out.
“Straight back to the compound, then? You’re sure?” Frank grumbles.
“Do you have somewhere else you think we need to go first?” Aiden fires back.
“A train station?” Frank mumbles under his breath.
“Why? You going somewhere, Frank? We could drop you here if you want?” Dax snaps.
“Asshole.”
“Know-nothing bastard.”
The tension in the car is thick, and at this rate I’ll be lucky to get back to the compound at all. Frank seems to be the bigger arsehole today, but he also knows more than he is saying. Whether he’s protecting Dax or himself, he has a legitimate point to make. My thinking is, if he makes it, maybe he’ll feel better or at the very least shut up. I clear my throat and capture his gaze in the rear-view mirror as soon as he raises his eyes to look my way.
“Do you know what? Say what you want to say, Frank. Get it off your chest, but this time, say it to me. Dax has already told you where he stands. Aiden seems to feel the same way. So, say what you need to say and then no more of this bullshit. You’re supposed to be a team. You have bigger problems out there, and you’re too busy biting at each other to see it. I can’t face enemies on all fronts or be watching my back in a place I’m supposed to be safe. So, say it.”
He doesn’t hold back. “You’re not safe. You’ll never be safe while you stay in Harrison City. These idiots think they can protect you by hiding you away in a building that’s supposedly untouchable, but they’re wrong. You’re in a dinghy that’s sprung a leak.”
“I’m aware.”
“Then you know you’re also putting everyone else in danger. You’re drawing it all to us,” he continues, as brazen as ever.
“I’m aware of that, too. What do you suggest?”
“Hold up, Tiger!” Aiden interrupts.
“Don’t buy into this shit, little gem. He’s a self-serving prick,” Dax adds.
“I might be a self-serving prick, you little fucker, but I’m still standing. I was the one who picked you up after what happened to your mother and put you on your feet. You think you’d be where you are right now if not for me?”
I swear, these men just enjoy arguing. “What. Do. You. Suggest?” I snap.
Frank takes a deep breath and appears to think for a moment.I see Dax ready to intervene, but I shake my head, wanting to hear what Frank has to say in its entirety.
“Leave. Get free of Harrison. Keep your mouth shut. Get on with a normal life and hope no one slips up to give you away.” It makes sense. It’s nothing I haven’t already said to myself.
But what’s his reward in all this? “Where does that get you?”
My question catches him off guard. His brows cave in confusion. “What?”
