Page 16 of The Silencer

I nod, trying to appear casual as I sit down next to Maverick on the beach."Yeah, all good.Sorry I took so long.The line for drinks was crazy."

Maverick eyes me skeptically."Uh-huh.And where are these drinks exactly?"

Shit.I forgot about that part of my cover story."Ah, fuck," I mutter."They were out of what I wanted.Figured I'd just come meet you instead."

Maverick shakes his head, but there's a hint of amusement in his eyes."You're a terrible liar, you know that?"

I sigh, running a hand through my hair."Yeah, I know.Look, it's done, alright?Let's just...enjoy the rest of our trip."

Maverick raises a brow at me.“You don’t have to keep shit hidden from me, Emman.You know who my family is, right?"

I nod."Yeah, I know.It was clean.In and out.You’ve decided that this isn’t what you want, Mav.You don’t want to work for Jer and I’m respecting that."

Maverick sighs."I appreciate that, man.I know this is your path now, but you don’t have to do it alone.This life, it's dangerous."

I lean back on my elbows, staring out at the ocean."I know.But it feels right, you know?Like I'm finally doing something that matters."

"Just be careful, alright?"Maverick says, rising to his feet.“No matter when you need me, I'm there.”

I smile, grateful for his understanding."Always.Now, about that club..."

As we head back to the hotel to get ready for a night out, my phone buzzes again.Cole:

Job well done.Enjoy your holiday.We'll debrief when you're back.

I slip the phone back in my pocket, pushing thoughts of the job to the back of my mind.For now, I'm just going to enjoy my time in Miami.

I still keep tabs on Clodagh through Jer.He’s making sure she’s being taken care of and doing okay.From what he’s said, Tammy is an amazing woman who’s helping her the best she can.

But as we walk, I can't help but think about how much has changed over the past six months.How much I've changed.I was racked with guilt and unsure of myself.Now, I'm the Silencer.A killer.A weapon.

EIGHT

clodagh

The door slamsand my body jolts.I can hear his footsteps growing closer and closer.The floorboards creak under his weight as he approaches the room where he keeps me.I can smell the alcohol on his breath before I even see him.The door flies open, and there he stands, looming over me with that cruel smile.

"Miss me, pretty girl?"he sneers, reaching for me with those rough hands.

I try to scream, but no sound comes out.I'm frozen, helpless, terrified that he’s going to hurt me again.I can’t believe he’s back, that he’s got me once again.

His laughter is cruel as he edges closer to me.Terror gnaws at me, gripping me in a chokehold.He’s going to kill me this time.I just know he will.Just as he did to my family.

I wake up with a strangled gasp, my heart pounding wildly.For a moment, I'm disoriented, expecting to see the dirty walls of that cabin.But as my eyes adjust to the darkness, I realize I'm in my room at Tammy's house.

It was just a nightmare.He's not here.I'm safe.

I sit up, pulling my knees to my chest and wrapping my arms around them.I'm shaking, cold sweat making my pajamas stick to my skin.The fear feels so real, so visceral.Even though I know he's in prison, that he can't hurt me anymore, the terror still lingers.

There's a soft knock at my door."Clodagh?"Tammy's gentle voice calls out."Are you alright, sweetheart?I heard a noise."

I want to tell her I'm fine and not to worry, but when I open my mouth, all that comes out is a choked sob.

The door opens slowly and Tammy peeks in.When she sees me huddled on the bed, she comes in, moving carefully so as not to startle me.

"Oh, sweetheart," she says softly."Another nightmare?"

I nod, unable to speak through my tears.Tammy sits on the edge of the bed, close enough to offer comfort but not so close as to make me uncomfortable.

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