Page 35 of Hostage of the Bratva

“There are enough people to assist them,” he replied flatly, not glancing my way.

Studying the bright morning, I couldn’t understand why Mathieu would get involved with the kind of people he currently worked for. I had to find out what happened, and how he got caught up in all of this. We weren’t raised violently, our mother was most likely fuming in her grave, rest her dear soul.

Our father, well, who knew what he would have thought. He didn’t even bother sticking around for us, so his reaction wouldn’t matter. Feeling my mood dropping further, I shook my head to clear these evil thoughts.

Now that we were married, I wondered if Luder would let me leave the docks. I needed to collect some of my things, but I also had to see Mathieu. Somehow, I needed to put a stop to this insanity. Once Mathieu knew we were married, he could stop this war.

Pulling into the docks, I noticed there were more men than usual. “Do you think they will come back?” I asked as Luderstopped the car. The place was crawling with guards, it made me a little uncomfortable.

“Not sure, but they know where we are and after today…” He looked out over the ocean as he spoke and then went silent. He seemed far away in a world of his own for a moment as his eyes appeared to go blank.

“Luder,” I whispered, gently touching his hand.

“Yes, sorry,” he replied, glancing my way. “Let’s get inside, okay?” he added as he got out.

Bunny and I followed him back inside. He put the kettle on and took out two cups. “You want something to drink, some tea, water, juice?” he asked politely, trying his best to give me a comforting smile, but I could see through the plastered-on joy.

“No, I’m fine, but…” I said and waited for a reaction.

Luder looked straight at me. “But?” he questioned.

Swinging from side to side, glancing at my feet, I asked him straight out. “Will it be possible for me to collect some of my things from my home?”

He was quiet for a while as he prepared some coffee for himself. Once it was made, he sat down at the table, staring into the mug. I sat down opposite him and waited patiently.

I knew I was asking a lot. Yet, considering all things, it wasn’t that big of an ask, was it? After an awkward silence, he nodded but didn’t look at me. I wished I knew what he was thinking.

Excited to get home, I jumped up. “Thank you, may I take the car?” I asked.

Luder looked up, “No, I’ll have someone drive you. You know it’s not safe.”

I wasn’t pleased but accepted it. At least he wasn’t accompanying me, and I was being allowed out. I would find a way to slip the guard to see Mathieu. Nodding, I turned andheaded for the door. “Can I leave Bunny?” I asked as I stopped and looked back at him.

Luder held his mug in both hands, lifting it and blowing steam from the top. He was far away in thought, and I couldn’t help but feel my heart aching for him. He nodded slowly. I walked back and kissed him on the cheek before leaving.

Outside, a driver was standing ready by the car and a guard. I wondered if Luder somehow knew I would want to visit my home. They appeared to have been waiting for me.

However, this wasn’t important. I gave the driver my address and got in the car. Driving into my neighborhood, I noticed many of the homes still looked the same, nothing had changed.

I haven’t been gone that long, but it felt like an eternity. It was comforting being back. I asked the driver to pull around back as I needed to pack and collect some of my things. Spotting behind the house was easier, yes, but it also gave me an opportunity.

Once we stopped, I told the driver and guard they could wait outside. Entering the house, the kitchen was a mess. “How did Luder get in?” I spoke to the room as I looked around.

Checking my watch, I knew that there wouldn’t be time to fuss around. Grabbing a suitcase from the bedroom closet, I threw some of my favorite clothes in and dragged them to the back door.

The driver took everything I brought out and loaded it in the boot. I collected my old cell phone from the bedside table and sent Mathieu a message. I asked him to meet me in the park in about half an hour. This ought to give me enough time to slip out and get to the park, as it wasn’t far.

Once everything I wanted to take was loaded, I stood looking at my small house. Carefully, I walked through each room. I am going to miss the evenings with Bunny, watchingmovies, and having hot chocolate with marshmallows. I didn’t know Luder’s plans, but we had to discuss it. I wasn’t about to raise a child on a yacht, and I felt sure he wasn’t going to move in with me. In time, I would probably sell the house or rent it out.

Glancing through the kitchen window, I saw the guard pacing up and down the backyard. The driver was leaning against the car. I quickly walked to the front door and softly unlocked it. Walking down the short footpath, I stopped on the sidewalk and glanced back. There was no alarm or movement, which was good.

Feeling panicked, I quickly walked to the corner of the block. There was still no sign of the guard or anyone for that matter. Feeling confident I was out of sight, I strolled quickly to the park a couple of blocks away.

Entering the park, I checked my watch. It was a little early, but not much. I walked to the middle and sat on the bench where we typically met up. The park was quiet, not the usual busy hive of people and dogs. “It is a weekday,” I said as I looked around.

Shivering as something crawled up my pine, I wondered if this was a good idea. Standing, I saw Mathieu appearing to the west of me, cautiously looking around as he came closer. “I’m alone,” I called out as I stood waiting. “Did you really think I would bring someone else here?” I continued as he pulled me into a light hug.

I felt hurt that he would even consider such a thing. He was my brother, and no matter who I was with, I would never allow anyone to harm him. Mathieu gave me a small grin and sat down. His attention seemed to be somewhere else as he kept glancing around.

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