Page 51 of Closer Than You Think
“Si, listen to me.” Cain's voice slices through the haze of my self-condemnation, steady and sure. “This isn't on you. The Syndicate, they play dirty. They've always played dirty.”
I drag a hand down my face, the stubble scratching against my palm. “But it's my past coming back to haunt us, Cain. My connections. My . . . obsession with Hallie.”
“Silas,” he says, firm but not unkind, “we knew the risks from the start. You didn't invite this betrayal; someone chose it. Our enemies will exploit any weakness, real or perceived. It's what they do. But it doesn’t mean you created that weakness.”
His rationale, cold and logical, begins to penetrate the fog, giving me something solid to cling to amidst the roiling sea of guilt. I look into his eyes, those deep pools of blue that hold no judgment, just an unwavering determination to see us through.
“Okay,” I manage, my voice rough like gravel. “So what's our next move?” Normally, I’m the one calling the shots, but Cain is more level-headed at the moment and I’m man enough to admit that.
“Before they dismantle everything we've built?” His eyebrow arches, a silent challenge. “We tighten our ranks. Trust no one outside this room until we have answers. We secure Hallie and then we purge Ares of whatever cancer has taken root here.”
“Protect and eliminate,” I echo, finding solace in the simplicity of the plan. The predator within me stirs, ready to hunt, to defend its territory.
“Let's get started.” Cain moves toward the bank of monitors, every step brimming with purpose.
“Every second we delay gives them more time to strike. We have to protect her, Si. And we need to retain control of Ares. Once they realize we're onto them, they'll get desperate.”
“Desperate,” I muse, the word sparking something within me—a relentless drive, the predator within waking up to the scent of danger. “They won't see us coming then.”
Cain nods once, sharply. “We do this together. Cut the head off the snake before it can bite. We've got each other's backs. Always have.” There's a steely resolve in Cain's voice that bolsters my own.
“Always,” I affirm, the word a lifeline thrown between us. My trust in Cain, forged in countless battles and shared blood, remains unshakable. It's the foundation upon which we'll build our counterstrike.
“Let's get started.” Cain moves toward the bank of monitors, every step brimming with purpose.
As I follow, I can feel the shift within me. The leader of Ares takes over once again, the man who will protect his own at any cost.
Twenty-Four
Silas
The elevator doors slide open, and I stride into my penthouse, Cain close behind. An unnatural stillness hangs in the air. “Hallie?” I call out, my voice echoing off the polished concrete walls. No response.
My eyes dart to the kitchen where Irma emerges, her brow furrowed with concern. “Silas, I just got back from the store. Miss Hallie was here when I left, but . . . ” Her words trail off as she gestures helplessly.
I brush past her, my heart pounding against my ribcage as I make my way to the bedroom. The scent of Hallie's lavender perfume lingers, now tainted by an acrid smell that sets my nerves on edge.
I rush into the bedroom, my senses on high alert, but my heart drops to my stomach as soon as I cross the threshold and Cain reaches out to steady me. The scene before us is one of chaos. The dresser lies overturned, its contents strewn across the floor. Shattered glass from a broken lamp crunches beneath my boots.
“They took her,” Cain says, anger lacing his words.
I don’t respond. My jaw clenches as I survey the destruction, my hand instinctively reaching for the gun holstered at myside. I can practically feel the rage emanating from me, a barely contained fury that threatens to explode.
My gaze locks onto a small, dark stain on the carpet. Blood. The sight of it sends a chill down my spine. I usually relish in the sight of blood but today, knowing it’s most likely Hallie’s and she was taken from me, it makes my stomach churn.
I force myself to focus, pushing aside the memories that threaten to engulf me. Hallie needs me now. I have to find her before it's too late.
“Irma,” I call as I rush back out to the living room. “Did you see anything suspicious when you left?” I ask, my voice tight with controlled urgency.
“No, no,” she replies, her eyes wide with worry. “Everything seemed normal. Hallie was reading a book. I was only gone for an hour, I swear.” She looks tearful, and I grab her hand.
“It’s not your fault, Irma. But I need you to stay safe. Go into your apartment and bolt the doors. Don’t come back in here and don’t answer your door until you’ve heard from me, okay?”
“Okay. Yes.” She nods and squeezes my hand before hurrying away to her apartment.
“There’s no sign of forced entry, Si,” Cain says after examining the doors to the balconies and the freight elevator that serves as a back entrance to the penthouse.
“She knew whoever it was.”
