Page 11 of In God's Name

“How’s The Garden’s new Colorado facility coming along?” he quickly asks, noticing I caught him.

“Fine,” I mutter before continuing on more sternly, “also none of your concern.”

Adam gives me a small chuckle in return before adding, “Just trying to make some friendly conversation.”

The rest of the drive goes by in silence, giving me time to take in the scenery. Greensville is beautiful this time of year. Blurs of orange, red, and deep brown fill my window. September is my favorite time of the year. Cold enough to bring fall’s colors, but warm enough to still enjoy being outside. My fascination for the trees consumes me to the point I hadn’t even realized we had made it to my uncle’s home.

“Would you like help carrying your things in, sir?”

“No,” I answer harsher than I meant to. “Thank you Adam.”

As I begin to reach for the door, the locks click shut. I turn to yell at the driver for being below average on the intelligence scale, but as I look over at him all I can focus on is the fear radiating off of him. “Please be careful Elijah. I’ve been hearing things. You’re not safe here. He’s going to-”

Adam is cut off by a knock on my window and instantly throws himself back into his seat. I roll it down to

see my uncle standing on the other side, his pale features contrasting against his suit so harshly he looks as if he is luminescent. I hear the click of the doors unlocking before I turn back to the driver who won’t meet my eyes.

“Great to have you home Elijah,” Apollyon’s voice filters through the car.

“Great to be home,” I respond as I finally make my way out of the car. I grab my bags and take one more glance at Adam, who still won't look my way, before heading inside.

My uncle’s house is similar to his office. Dark green walls make up the foyer, while pictures of our family’s generations line them. The hardwood floor creaks in certain places, showcasing its age. Right in the middle of the room is a grand staircase that splits off on either side leading to different wings of the house. Right above the stairs hangs a chandelier that dazzles as the light catches it.

As I begin to make my way up the stairs my uncle cuts me off. “Nonsense,” he says, laying a hand on my shoulder and pushing me towards the left where the doors to the kitchen are. “I’ll have housekeeping get your things settled. Come have dinner with this old man.”

His kindness laces my bones with a sense of unease. He has never been one to catch up on life or take an interest in me besides what I can accomplish for the company. I cautiously set my bags down while Adam’s words repeat in my head. You’re not safe here . But as I look over at my frail uncle I can’t see him as a threat. He’s older than dirt, and sure

he’s smart, but even that has started to diminish with age. I stand up straighter, allowing the ridiculous idea of him causing me harm to roll down my spine. Together we make our way into the kitchen, where two glasses and a bottle of white wine are already awaiting our arrival on the island.

The kitchen is the only place in the house that doesn’t look like it belongs here. It’s primarily used by the chefs, who appreciated the white walls and stainless steel appliances.

“So,” Apollyon grunts as he settles himself down on one of the island’s stools, “update me. How’s our Colorado location coming along?”

I take the stool next to him and allow the last little bit of nerves to disappear. This is about work. Of course it is. “Good! We’ve gotten all the permits, contractors should be on site by Monday morning.”

He pours the wine into both glasses, before tilting mine towards me for me to take. “Then it looks like we have cause for celebration,” he chuckles. I give him a small grin and take a sip from the glass. The liquid slides down my throat with ease as I take another. Setting the drink down, I look over to my uncle who has an unreadable expression sprawled across his face. I give him a questioning glance, which does nothing by draw a smile out of him. I glance down to his full cup and back over to mine, which now sits half empty. Fear begins to rush through me as Apollyon slowly begins to clap.

“What did you do?” I croak, realizing my mouth and throat have gone completely dry.

“You really think I was going to let you have a hand in my empire?” He questions as he stands up and begins to walk

around the island until we're staring at each other from opposite sides. “My pathetic nephew who couldn’t stop fucking the enemy?” His voice continues to raise, “My nephew who has his feelings so twisted he had me hire a god damn hitman for the woman he’s sleeping with?”

I try to stand up from the stool, but my legs had unknowingly gone numb and I collapse to the floor. My head slams against the tile, causing my vision to blur instantly. I try to look up but all I see is my uncle standing over me. His body blurs into the counters but I'm still able to make out the grin on his face.

“Uncle,” I manage to gasp out, “what have you done?” My vision slips away completely as I force out the question, andsuddenly the world is nothing but darkness. The last thing I hear before completely disappearing is my uncle’s voice.

“What needed to be done, Elijah.”

Chapter fourteen

Lilith

“Joe, what the fuck do you mean Elijah’s gone?” I scream into the phone. Just a few hours ago Leah had broken the news to me that while we were talking with the police she had gotten an email from someone choosing to stay anonymous, explaining how Elijah and Apollyon were blood relatives. The secret sender went into detail about the lengths Appolyon went through to keep their relationship out of the media. Claiming it was easier to have someone start up a new facility if they weren’t shown as some intimidating billionaire.

“I mean he’s gone Lilith, there’s nothing else I can say,” He rebuttals.

I pause for a moment while the tears begin to collect in my waterline. I trusted this company. I trusted Elijah. “Did you know?” I manage to whisper.

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