Page 52 of The Silencer

I take a shaky breath."But how can you protect me all the time?I can't...I can't live like this, Emmanuel.Always looking over my shoulder, jumping at shadows."

He nods, his expression grim."I know.That's why we’re coming up with a plan.A way to keep you safe without completely disrupting your life."

"What kind of plan?"I ask, hope filling me.Maybe he can find a way to stop Jacob from reaching me.

Emmanuel runs a hand through his hair."We have a few options.We could set up a safe house, somewhere Jacob wouldn't think to look.Or we could arrange for you to finish your schooling remotely, with round-the-clock protection."

I shake my head."No, I can't just disappear.My friends, Tammy...they'd be worried sick.And I don't want to give up my life.I've worked so hard to build something normal."

"I understand," Emmanuel says softly."Then we'll have to be more creative.We'll need to beef up security at your home and school, for starters.And you'll need to learn some self-defense techniques."

As he speaks, a thought occurs to me."Wait.What about using me as bait, to lure Jacob out?"

Emmanuel's eyes flash with anger."Absolutely not.It's too dangerous."

"But if we can draw him out, maybe we can end this once and for all," I argue.

Emmanuel shakes his head firmly."No, Clodagh.I won't risk your safety like that.We'll find another way."

I'm about to protest when my phone buzzes.It's a text from Lisa:

Where are you???Class is starting!

Reality crashes back in."I have to go," I say, standing up."I can't miss class."

Emmanuel nods, rising with me."I'll walk you back.And Clodagh?"He places a hand on my shoulder."We'll figure this out.I promise.No matter what happens, Jacob won’t get to you."

As we walk back to school, I can't shake the feeling that this is just the beginning of something much bigger.The safety I've fought so hard for is crumbling, and I'm terrified of what’s coming next.

NINETEEN

emmanuel

FIVE MONTHS LATER

I watchas she exits the school with Lisa Turner right beside her.The two of them are thick as thieves.For the past five months, we’ve ramped up the security around her, ensuring no one can get close to her.We have round-the-clock security, and everyone who gets close is vetted to the nth degree.I won’t be taking chances, no fucking way.

She’s seventeen now and fucking gorgeous.Being around her is hard.I want her like no other, but she’s too fucking young and my family has fucked up her life enough.

“Go,” I hear Lisa tell her.“I’ll see you later.I’ve got something I need to do.Emmanuel will look after you.”

Clodagh hesitates for a moment.“Are you sure?I don’t want you to be by yourself.”

Lisa flashes her a smile.“I promise.I’m going to be okay.Now go.We’ll celebrate tonight.Thank fuck we’re finished.”

The girls had their last exam today, and in a month or so they’ll find out how they did and if they’ll be off to college.I have no idea what Clodagh’s plans are, but no matter where she goes, I’ll be ensuring that she’s safe and taken care of.

“Any word?”Clodagh asks once Lisa’s left.

“We tracked my father to Hawaii,” I tell her and watch as her shoulders sag with relief.“He’s been in the USA for the past three months.It’s taken us a little time to figure out where and how the fuck he got into the country.”

Clodagh nods, her relief clear to see."So he's not here.He can't hurt us."

I wish I could share her optimism, but I know better."He's not here now, but that doesn't mean he won't come back.We need to stay vigilant."

She sighs, running a hand through her hair."I know.I just...I'm tired of being afraid all the time, Emmanuel.I want to live my life without constantly looking over my shoulder."

Her words hit me hard.This is exactly what I was afraid of—that my father's actions would continue to haunt her, to rob her of a normal life.

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