Page 70 of No Mercy
“Why would he do something so stupid?” I manage to choke out.
Carter’s tone softens, but his words still pierce through me. “Because he’s Axel. And because he’ll do anything if it means keeping you safe.”
I look between the both of them, my entire body trembling. The fear I’ve been holding back crashes over me like a wave, leaving me breathless and broken. I don’t know if I want to cry,scream or disappear.
But one thing is clear, Axel’s gone. And I might not get the chance to tell him what I’m too afraid to admit.
Sniffling, I wipe the tears away from my face, “What do you need me to do?”
We spend the next few hours coming up with a plan. At some point into the planning, Flynn and Gunnar entered the room carrying endless bags and protective gear.
Maps of Chicago are spread across the table, dotted with pins marking Marco’s known locations and possible hideouts. Ant types away on his laptop, trying to find the most likely spot, while Carter, Flynn and Gunnar argue about the plan. I hear my heartbeat thumping in my ear as the noise around us grows. I do my best to listen, catching little bits and pieces as I try and piece them together.
This world is a lot darker and more dangerous than the one I currently live in, but I have a feeling this is what it will look like going forward.
“Alright,” Flynn says, pointing to a map. “These three locations are where Marco operates most. This one-” He points towards a green pin on the south side of Chicago. “-Is his main warehouse. That’s where he runs most of his operations.”
Gunnar shakes his head as he stands to examine the map, “Too obvious, he’d know we’d hit it first. He’ll expect it.”
“Maybe” Carter says shrugging his shoulders, “But Axel isn’t thinking strategically right now. If Marco’s there, Axel will go straight for the throat.”
Ant raises his hand, causing the room to fall silent as we look towards him. He starts typing something on his laptop before spinning it around. On the screen is a grainy surveillance footage of a black SUV pulling into a different location. My blood runs cold as images flash into my mind of the SUV that followed me.
“This is Marco’s safe house. Two guards are outside but there are likely to be more inside.”
Carter moves in front of the laptop, getting a better look at the image, “Then that’s where we start” Carter says. “We’ll divide into two teams. Flynn, Gunnar and I will hit the safe house. Ant, you keep running surveillance and guide us remotely. If Marco’s not there, we regroup and move to the next target quickly.”
“And what about Axel?” Gunnar asks.
Carter’s jaw tightens. “We get to Marco before Axel does. If we don’t…“His voice trails off. He doesn’t need to finish as we all know what he’s thinking.
I sit quietly, gripping the edge of my blanket as I keep it close. My stomach spins at the thought of Axel walking into a trap. I know I should be hating him right now, for keeping secrets. For taking my best friend from me but for some reason… All I feel is fear. Fear of losing him.
Flynn leans forward, studying the map on the table. “If Marco’s playing it smart, he will keep Axel on the move. He knows he’s coming so he will want to control the situation and play on his terms. Ant, can you track ant vehicles leaving these locations?”
Ant nods, typing quickly.“Working on it.”
“Alright, let's gear up.” Carter says taking control. “We hit the safe house first, then the warehouse if they’re not there. We need to move safely to keep minimal risk.” He looks back towards Ant who’s still working away, “Ant, keep an eye on Eva and Mandy. Keep us updated with any movements.”
As they rise to leave, I feel a surge of panic. They’re going to leave without me. Without us.
“I’m coming with you,” I blurt out, standing abruptly.
The room falls silent as all four of the brothers' heads turn towards me. Their faces filled with disbelief and frustration.
Carter steps forward, “Not a chance.”
“You’re staying here,” Flynn adds, his tone leaving no room for argument.
“No.” I say, my voice trembles but I’m determined to take a stand. “I’m not staying here while Axel is out there, risking his life. If this involves me. I’m coming with you.”
Mandy steps forward, crossing her arms. “And if she’s going, so am I.”
Ants head snaps towards her, taken back by her words. He opens his mouth as if he wants to say something but as usual, nothing comes out.
“Mandy, this isn’t-“Gunnar starts, but she cuts him off.
“Save it,” She snaps back. “You know damn well I’m not staying behind either. You all felt comfortable taking me already against my will. If Eva’s in danger, I’m going with.”
