Within the time I've been away from them--maybe six hours?--I've taken to a certain kind of company: myself. I've been talking... to myself.

I grumble, "Not like there's anyone else around to chat with, Charlie."

And in leaving Caleb, Jackson, and Leo, I've gone entirely insane. Hopefully, my newfound insanity will help me figure out what the hell I'm doing. Six hours behind me and I still have no real plan.

I need to find Debbie, confront her, and extract as much information as possible. Why is she doing this? Who else is involved? How much information has she leaked and just how much damage has she caused BioCore or the three men she works under?

Sifting through my handful of documents, I find the sheet with her personal information on it. Her address, as well as that of her mother. Would I use her mother to get to her?

My thoughts immediately go to my boys, and I know I'll do whatever it takes to protect them.

"It's my job after all," I add sarcastically. "I should definitely ask for a raise."

Methodically, I organize my resources, meticulously assessing my options and formulating a strategic plan to expose Debbie for the mole she is and confront those responsible for her. As I stand there, amidst the chaos of my thoughts, I can feel the weight of the task ahead settling on my shoulders. It is a burden I willingly accept, knowing that the truth must be revealed, no matter the cost.

My mind buzzes with a newfound determination, each thought intertwining with the next as I carefully construct my plan. There is a fire burning within me, fueled by the knowledge that the truth must prevail. With every passing second, my conviction grows stronger, reaffirming my purpose in this perilous quest.

I glance at the clock on the wall, its hands ticking away relentlessly. Time is of the essence, and I cannot afford to waste a single moment. The address on Debbie's personal information sheet stares back at me, a beacon guiding me towards the first step of my mission.

Taking a deep breath, I gather my belongings and swing my backpack over my shoulder. The weight of it feels reassuring, like a loyal companion ready to embark on this treacherous journey by my side. My motel room, once a temporary sanctuary, now feels suffocatingly small, urging me to escape its confines and face the challenges that lie ahead.

Carefully folding the document with Debbie's mother's address, I tuck it away in my pocket.

"Time to get moving."

With a final glance around the small motel room, I take in the remnants of my temporary sanctuary. The peeling wallpaper and faded paintings on the walls seem to whisper stories of past occupants who sought refuge within these four walls.

As I step out into the world, the air is crisp and charged with anticipation. The bustling cityscape surrounds me, each building towering above with an untold story. The streets are filled with a cacophony of sounds - the honking of cars, the chatter of pedestrians, the distant hum of life moving forward. It's as if the entire city teems with secrets waiting to be unraveled.

My footsteps echo against the pavement as I make my way toward the center of the city. Debbie's apartment building is somewhere in the area.

"The guys probably know that I'm gone by now." I murmur to myself, sighing soon after. "Just let me do this."

Let me protect you.

My mind becomes consumed with thoughts of my boys, their innocent faces etched in my memory. I will stop at nothing to shield them from the dangers that lie ahead. With each step I take, the weight of responsibility settles deeper into my bones, fueling my determination to expose the truth and ensure their safety.

As if on cue, my phone rings. The screen lights up with Caleb's face. I don't answer, knowing that I can't give him the chance to change my mind. The temptation to pick up and hear his voice, to be comforted by his presence, is almost unbearable. But I know that this battle is mine alone to fight. I cannot burden him with the weight of my mission or put him at risk.

"Sorry, sweetheart." I say softly. "I have to do this. For you. For us."

With a quick swipe, I silence the call and slip the phone back into my pocket. The city pulses around me, its energy pushing me forward. I navigate through the streets with purpose, my senses heightened as I scan the faces of passersby, searching for any hint of familiarity. Every stranger becomes a potential threat or a valuable ally in this dangerous game.

My senses come alive as I navigate through the labyrinthine streets, each step propelling me closer to my objective. I'll make her pay. I'll make her wish she'd never messed with them. I feel a surge of confidence and determination flow through my veins. This is it. I'm going to prove that I can do this.

“I’m going to kick some ass.”

51

LEO

"Any luck?" I ask as Caleb and Jackson jog into the kitchen from opposite directions.

Both shake their heads, expressions of defeat dragging their features down.

"Caleb was right," Jackson says, "she's gone after Debbie."

I clench my fists. Why would she run off like this? Hadn't we just promised her... proven to her that we are here for her just as much as she's there for us? Does she not trust us to take care of her?