Page 90 of The Silencer

"And my contacts in law enforcement are on high alert," Stephen adds."They'll let us know if they hear even a whisper about this."

I run a hand through my hair.Christ, this is so fucking frustrating."We need to move faster.Every minute we waste is another minute this bastard has to plan their next move."

"We're doing everything we can," Denis says, his voice tight with anger."But whoever this is, they're good.They've managed to hit targets on both sides of the Atlantic without leaving a trace."

"Which means they have resources," Jer muses."And connections.This isn't some small-time operation."

My mind races as I try to piece together the puzzle."What if...what if it's not the Syndicate at all?What if someone's using them as a smokescreen?"

The room falls silent as everyone considers this possibility.

"It's possible," Maverick says slowly."But who would have that kind of reach?That level of skill?"

I shake my head.“I don’t know, but it has to be someone who has a grudge against us and the Syndicate.”

Nothing is making sense.We’re back at square one with no fucking answers.Fuck.This shit just gets worse as each day passes.

It’s a waiting game, waiting for information, waiting for them to make a mistake, all the while waiting for them to take out their next target.

THIRTY-TWO

clodagh

SIX WEEKS LATER

I stareout the window of our bedroom at Jer's house, watching the rain drizzle down the glass.It's been six long weeks since Ava's death, and we're still no closer to finding out who's behind it all.The tension in the house is palpable—everyone's on edge, waiting for the next shoe to drop.

Emmanuel has been working tirelessly with the others, following every lead, no matter how small.But so far, nothing has panned out.I can see the toll it's taking on him—the dark circles under his eyes, the tightness in his jaw.He tries to hide it from me, but I know him too well.

My hand drifts to my growing belly.At 18 weeks, there's a definite bump now.Despite everything, I can't help but smile when I think about our baby.We had our ultrasound last week, and hearing that little heartbeat was magical.For a moment, all the fear and worry melted away.We’re having a boy, and I’m beyond happy that our baby boy is doing well.I can’t wait to meet him.I really wish all this shit will be over and done with before he comes.

A soft knock on the door pulls me from my thoughts."Come in," I call out.

Lisa pokes her head in, a small smile on her face."Hey, you up for some company?"

I nod, patting the spot next to me on the window seat.Lisa joins me, pulling her legs up under her.

"How are you feeling?"she asks, her eyes drifting to my bump.

"Physically?Fine.Emotionally?That's a whole other story," I admit with a sigh.

Lisa reaches out and squeezes my hand."I know.This whole situation is just...it's fucked up, Clo."

I nod in agreement."Have you heard anything new?"

She shakes her head."Nothing.Maverick's been gone since dawn, following up on some lead with Emmanuel and Stephen.But from the look on his face when he left, I don't think he's very hopeful."

We sit in silence for a moment, both lost in our own thoughts.

"I'm scared, Lisa," I whisper finally."Not just for me or for the baby, but for all of us.Whoever is doing this...they're not going to stop, are they?"

Lisa wraps an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close."Hey, no.Don't think like that.Our guys are the best at what they do.They'll figure this out."

I nod, trying to believe her words.But the fear that's been my constant companion these past weeks isn't so easily dismissed.

"Have you thought about names yet?"Lisa asks, clearly trying to change the subject to something happier.

I can't help but smile."A few.Emmanuel's partial to Liam for a boy."

---