AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Follow me,” Rory says. “I’ll show you where he is.”
The camera feeds as well as the audio input from the electronic bugs on Rory give us a clear image of what’s happening in Jake’s living room.
Rory helps Cassidy roll Jake’s body inside a rug.
“Rory’s amazingly resourceful in these situations,” Oliver says from beside me. “I’m glad she’s there to help Cassidy carry Jake’s body out like that.”
“Yeah,” Simon agrees. “She’s making sure no one mistakes Cassidy for a serial killer who’s going out to bury his latest victim.”
We watch as Cassidy walks out of the house through the kitchen door with Jake’s body thrown over his shoulder. The thick rolled-up rug looks like a dirty carpet that’s being taken to the dry cleaners.
“Let me know when he’s taken Jake to the car,” Rory’s voice sounds in my ear. “I’ll be able to able to breathe easier when I know we’re done with this part of the mission.”
“I’ll let you know,” I assure her.
It’s a while before I get a confirmation from Cassidy and Cole. They’re both driving away from the neighborhood with Jake in the backseat.
Relief washes over me.
Jake Hudson, a key ally to Senator Vaughn, is in our hands now. Using him, we’ll figure out the web of deceit that he and his companions have built between themselves.
“Rory, love,” I speak into my earpiece. “Jake’s out of the way now.”
Her breath leaves out in a rush. “Thank God,” she sighs. “I can finally go and help that poor girl in the bedroom.”
“Be careful when you approach her,” I command in a grim tone. “Even though she’s tied up like that, we still don’t know who she is. Keep your weapon close and be alert.”
“Okay,” she responds in a quiet voice. “I’ll be careful.”
“Use the same route as Cassidy,” I instruct. “I’ll be waiting in a car outside the Diaz property to take you both home.”
“Sounds great,” she says in an excited tone. “I can’t wait to see you!”
She switches off her earpiece and everything goes quiet.
I look toward the laptop screen that continues to show us the feed from the camera that she’s wearing. Feeling reassured, I walk toward my brothers who are gathered around Julian.
“I’ll take Rory home,” I tell them. “You guys stay here with Julian and keep an eye on things. If any situation arises, don’t hesitate to call for backup.”
“Don’t worry about us,” Oliver says with a grim look on his face. “Just make sure Rory’s safe.”
“I will.” Pulling on my face mask, I walk out of the room.
Dressed in a casual polo t-shirt and loose slacks, I look like one of the residents of this suburban neighborhood. No one would have a clue to my identity as I drive around the streets in a modest SUV.
Hope flares in my chest. With the downloaded material from the servers and Jake Hudson’s confessions, we’ll finally be able to bring down Senator Vaughn and the people who’ve been helping him.
It won’t be long before we eradicate the Black Widow from its roots.
23
Aurora
The house feels awfully quiet. Splashes of blood coat parts of the wooden floor, reminding me of the way Jake thrashed and writhed after being shot.
Looking down at my hands, I wonder whether I’m dreaming. Was it truly me who fought against Jake and shot him to protect myself?
The sight of blood makes everything feel real. Power, like I’d never felt before, surges through my veins. The helplessness I’d felt for months seems to finally lift off me.
