Chapter 71

998words2026-01-19 04:40

I kept thinking about the nightmare she had last night. She was shot to the head by an unseen face. I paced the room back and forth. She knew Sharon and she knew what Sharon looked like, so why she couldn't see her face?

My mind recalled what Luis said to me when we were in Italy: 'There could be an inside enemy.'

Someone who's working close with Sharon, telling her our every move and intel. But who would do something like that? My employees were loyal.

I went to the study and turned on my office computer and logged into my security cameras for clues. There was footage of Halley in the kitchen, the chef making dinner, Emma by the pool, security on the grounds, Hannah mopping the floors, Emma reading a book in the living room, Halley dusting the wall pictures, Anton talking to the other guards, the chef making pancakes, Hannah talking on the phone, Halley talking on the phone, Emma on the phone.

No one looked suspicious. Everyone looked like they were just going about their routines and responsibilities, minding their own business.

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Sharon's POV

'What is it?' I answered the phone.

'So you blew up his car?'

'Of course I did.'

'Why do something so stupid? That only drew the attention from the police and now Ethan is zeroing in on you. If he finds you, you're dead.'

'He's not going to find me.'

'He's smart and he's brilliant and he has enough connections to find you within a day. Why did you even came back here? I told you I could handle him myself. He trusts me.'

'Of course he does. After all you're his—'

'Shut up. I know what I am to him.'

'Just stick with the plan and get intel. Keep me posted. And, if you screw me over, I'll pin your ass to the wall!'

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Emma's Nightmare

I saw myself sitting in the bedroom, reading a book to the babies in my stomach. I was huge— I looked like I could have these children any day, any time. For some reason, Ethan wasn't at my side. Maybe he was running late at the office or downstairs getting me ice cream or something.

I got up and went to use the toilet. I heard the door creak open. I assumed it was Ethan.

'Baby, I'm in here!' I called as I washed my hands.

There was silence; usually he would answer or call to me first. I started to panic as a dreadful cold feeling came over me. The twins were kicking up a storm. I held my stomach and made my way out the bathroom.

'Ethan?' I whispered.

The room was in total darkness but I could see the image of someone standing there dressed in black, but their eyes were white as snow.

'Who are you?' I asked, heart racing and head pounding.

They raised a silver gun, and, closing their eyes, the trigger was pulled.

I fell to the floor. I saw myself die. A bullet to the head.

I jumped out of my nightmare.

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Ethan's POV

I assembled all my security guards to my office.

'I'm only going to say this once. I want a twenty hour shifts everyday until I tell you otherwise. I don't want any slackers on the compound. I want everyone to be on the look-out for even the smallest thing. If a leaf falls from the tree, you're supposed to see that. That's how sharp I want you all to be. There're twelve of you, so I expect cooperation and a tight shift. Your dedication is now to Emma and the babies. No one comes in or leaves without my authorization. Is that understood?'

'Yes sir,' they all answered.

I nodded in approval and dismissed them.

Luis stayed behind with me.

'I have to leave for another business meeting next week,' I informed him. 'I don't know if I should take her along or leave her here.'

'She should go along with you. It's better she's with you where you can keep an eye on her.'

'She got so sick when she flew the last time.'

'She'll get over the sickness.'

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Emma's POV

Halley met me downstairs. Seeing the sad look on my face, she sat down next to me.

'Hey bestie, are you alright?' she asked.

'Not really. I feel like I'm drowning in my own tears.'

'Come on. Some fresh air would do you good.'

We got up and walked out the main entrance and onto the pavement. We walked down to the main gate and went outside; Brad and another guard named Parris followed us. We walked past a house that had been vacant since I moved into the neighborhood. I looked at it and the same cold feeling I had in my nightmare came over me. A woman, tall and slim with tanned skin and jet black hair in a bob style, stood on the patio with large sunglasses, staring down at us like a hawk. There was something familiar about her but her face was unrecognizable.

'Lets head back,' I instructed everyone, not taking my eyes off the woman; and she didn't take her eyes off me.

Goosebumps raised on my skin. I couldn't understand why, but I was having a cold feeling about the stranger in the house not too far away from us.

Emma's POV

Today was Ethan's birthday and I planned on making it special for him. Halley, Hannah and I had already set up decorations and informed the party comers. He wasn't at home so he would get a great surprise later on when he got back from his trip.

His Nana had moved in with us. She was getting fragile and still grieving over the death of her daughter, but I tried to make her as comfortable and peaceful as possible. She was looking forward to seeing the surprise on his face when he walked in and saw the party.