Chapter 24
“I’m telling you man, we got attacked yesterday”, Brian growled.
He was on the phone with his best friends who tried to calm him down as best as they could but they were failing in that.
“Where’s the body?”, Jack asked.
“In my garage downstairs. Why are you asking? That wouldn’t change the fact that I got attacked”, Brian growled.
“I know but do you know we can track the print on the body’s hands and get where he actually came from”, Jack said.
Brian felt stupid, he didn’t know why he didn’t think of that before but he was glad someone pointed it out to him.
“Where’s Serah?”, Killian said.
“She’s on the phone with her parents. They called today in like over a week now”, he said.
“Brian, I need you to come back home soon and with the body. We need to run a test on the body especially since it’s connected to your mother’s death”, Jack said.
“I will, I don’t even plan on staying here any longer. Heck, we’re no longer safe here”, Brian said.
“Just stay safe, we’ll figure this out”, Killian said.
“Thanks guys, I really appreciate your help”, Brian said.
“It’s okay”, Jack said.
“How’s my father doing?”, Brian asked.
“He’s fine. What time would you be coming back?”, Killian asked.
“Before the end of the week. As a matter of fact, I really don’t want to delay the meeting with the army chief anymore”, Brian said.
“Alright, we’ll be expecting you. Stay safe”, Jack said.
Brian nodded, cutting the call. He dumped his phone on a nearby couch, stretching his legs that were cramped.
“Jack and Killian?”, Serah said.
She walked into the living room, coming to sit beside him. Brian gripped her waist, pulling her closer. He breathed in her intoxicating scent, stroking her long jet black hair.
“You should stop thinking?”, she muttered.
“I know but I can’t seem to stop”, Brian sighed.
“I know it’s hard Brian but you should stop thinking about your problems and start thinking about the solution to it”, Serah said.
“When did you become a motivational speaker”, Brian laughed.
“I’m serious Brian, listen to me”, Serah laughed.
She couldn’t help but smile at the way he turned everything into a joke even in dire situations. She loved that about him, his humour and sometimes his friendly banter.
“Yes, I know I should think about the solution to our problems but I already have this covered. Jack and Killian are already in on it and it’s only a matter of time before they get me answers”, he said.
“Okay. I had a lengthy conversation with my parents”, Serah said, quietly.
Brian knew something was wrong especially with the way she gripped his hands tightly. Brian tensed, his thoughts flying about
“What happened?”, he asked.
“They’re not coming back anytime soon”, Serah said.
Brian sat up, placing her on his lap. He didn’t understand what she meant, he knew her parents traveled for a long time but not coming back wasn’t part of their plan, he was sure of it.
“What do you mean they’re not coming back?”, Brian said.
He couldn’t understand how they would abandon their only child here knowing fully that the times they lived in were dangerous.
“Apparently, Dad got a new job there and mum opened a new business so according to them, there’s no need to come back” Serah said.
“But shouldn’t they at least come to see the person their daughter is mated to”, Brian said.
“As long as they’ve seen him on the t. v and in journals, they’re okay with that. Their words not mine”, Serah said.
“I don’t understand any of this but I’ll just go with it for now and for your sake”, Brian said.
“Thank you. I’ll call then some other time so you’ll be able to speak to them”, Serah said.
“Okay. We’ll be going back before the end of this week. I don’t quite trust this place anymore especially with what happened last night”, Brian said.
“That’s okay”.
“I’m sorry our honeymoon had to end this way, this wasn’t my plan at all”, Brian said.
“Brian, it’s okay. Stuffs happen, things don’t always go as we planned but the most important thing is that we’re safe”, Serah said.
“Heck, that’s what I’ll make sure I do everyday of my life. I wouldn’t get tired of keeping you safe Serah, you’re stuck with me”, Brian grinned.
“You fiend. What would you like to eat?”, she said.
“I don’t know, anything you cook is fine”.
“How does toast and bacon sound?”, Serah laughed.
“Like heaven”.
Serah laughed, rising to her feet as she made her way over to the kitchen. Brian followed her but stopped in his tracks suddenly when Serah fell to the ground. Brian rushed towards her in hopes of breaking her fall but he was too late as she hit her head with a large crack.
“Serah, can you hear me”, Brian screamed.
He shook her violently, trying to wake her up. Her eyes were growing dim like she was about to die. At that moment, Brian noticed the small crack at the side of the window. His mind worked fast and he discovered that Serah was attacked with a poisoned dart that rested by the side of her head.
“Brian”, Serah gasped.
“I’m here baby, stay with me”, he croaked.
“Leave, leave here immediately. I can feel their presence”, Serah stuttered.
“Who?”, Brian asked.
“Please just leave”, Serah said.
Brian cradled her in his arms, rising to his feet. He ran all the way downstairs with her in his arms. When he got downstairs, he placed her gently in the car. He got in soon, dialling Gabriel’s number to get the jet ready.
“Hold on for me baby”, Brian said.
Serah remained quiet, fighting the dark abyss that threatened to pull her in.