Page 53 of The Silencer

"I'm sorry," I say softly."I wish I could make this all go away for you."

Clodagh looks at me, her eyes softening."It's not your fault.You've done so much to keep me safe.I just wish..."

She trails off, but I can guess what she was going to say.She wishes things were different.That she could be a normal teenager, worrying about exams and college applications instead of murderous crime lords.

"Come on," I say, trying to lighten the mood."Let's get you home.I hear you have some celebrating to do tonight."

As we walk to the car, I can't help but notice how close she stays to me, her arm occasionally brushing against mine.It sends a jolt through me each time—a reminder of the feelings I've been trying to suppress.

"Emmanuel," she says as we reach the car."Thank you.For everything."

Before I can respond, she stands on her tiptoes and presses a quick kiss to my cheek.It's innocent, just a gesture of gratitude, but it leaves me reeling.

"You're welcome," I manage to say, my voice gruffer than I intended.

As I drive her home, my mind is racing.I know I need to maintain a professional distance, to remember my role as her protector.But with each passing day, it's getting harder to ignore the growing connection between us.

Once I’ve dropped her off at home, I head to Jer’s house.As usual, I find him in his office poring over reports.

"Any news?"I ask, collapsing into a chair.

Jer looks up, his expression grim."Nothing good.We've confirmed that your father is working closely with the Syndicate now.They're planning something big, but we don't know what yet."

I curse under my breath."And we still don't know how they're always one step ahead of us?"

Jer shakes his head."No, but I'm pretty sure we have a mole.The intel they have...it's too specific, too accurate."

The thought sends a chill down my spine.If there's a traitor in our midst, no one is safe.

"What do we do?"I ask.

Jer leans back in his chair, looking weary."We keep digging.And we watch our backs.In the meantime, we need to focus on keeping Clodagh safe.Your father may be in Hawaii now, but that doesn't mean he's not still a threat."

I nod, thinking of the kiss Clodagh gave me earlier."About that...I think we might have a problem."

Jer raises an eyebrow."What kind of problem?"

I hesitate, not sure how to explain the growing tension between Clodagh and me."She's...getting attached.And I'm worried I might be too."

Jer's expression darkens."Emmanuel, you know how dangerous that could be.For both of you."

"I know," I say, running a hand through my hair in frustration."But I can't help it.She's not just a job anymore, Jer.She's..."

"She's off limits," Jer finishes firmly."You need to maintain a professional distance.For her safety and yours."

I nod, knowing he's right but hating it all the same."I know.She’s too fucking young."

Jer shakes his head."It’s not just that, son.While she is only seventeen, you have to think that if your father or the Syndicate ever got their hands on her, they’d use her to get to you, and we both know what would happen…"

He doesn't need to finish the thought.It would be catastrophic if it happened.I wouldn’t let it die.I’d kill anyone who was involved and then some.I’d cause an international war.

"Alright," I say, standing up."I'll keep my distance.But we need to figure out our next move soon.We can't keep playing defense forever."

Jer nods."I'm working on it.In the meantime, stay focused.And Emmanuel?"

I pause at the door, looking back at him.

"Be careful," he says."Your father isn't the only threat out there."

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