His collateral

Chapter 16

"We caught the man who fired the shot. He's currently being held in one of our warehouses." James said, handing him a glass of water. "Here you go, Boss."

Lucien gave a small nod, draining the glass in one gulp. He exhaled slowly as he handed it back.

"Another glass?" James asked, reaching for the jug on the table.

"I'm fine. Carry on." He replied, leaning back. "Who is he working for?"

"We're still trying to get that information. He refused to talk despite the torture all night."

"What do you mean by that?" Lucien's voice dropped low. "A whole battalion of men couldn't pry a single word from one disarmed man?"

James' gaze dropped to the floor. "I'm sorry, Boss."

"I don't pay you to be sorry, James." Lucien said, shaking his head. "I need answers and I need them fast."

"Yes, Boss." James paused. "There's something else you should know."

"What?"

"It's been confirmed there's a mole among the men, someone selling details of your whereabouts and movements." James announced.

Lucien's expression hardened. "Are you certain or is this another baseless assumption?"

"It's confirmed. We haven't identified the person yet but—"

"Hand me a cigarette." Lucien said, cutting him off.

James stared at him for a brief moment. "The doctor specifically said—"

"I didn't ask for a medical report, James. Give me the cigarette." Lucien ordered.

James quietly produced a cigarette from the pack in his pocket and handed it over.

Lucien placed it between his lips, leaning forward for James to light it. White smoke curled through the air as he blew a slow puff.

"You may leave. Inform the clients scheduled for today of the development and clear my schedule for the week."

"Yes, Boss." James bowed and exited the room.

The moment the door clicked shut Lucien's hand curled into a fist. He took another slow drag, staring into space. After a moment he stubbed the cigarette out against the bedside table, leaving a dark smear of ash on its surface.

His phone at the end of the table beeped, the screen lighting up. He reached for it. A message glowed on the screen. The sender unknown.

"That was just a warning."

Lucien's eyes darkened, his mouth pressing into a grim line as his grip around the phone tightened. He tapped the number and dialled.

A buzz. Then–"This number does not exist."

A humourless chuckle escaped his lips. Short and unimpressed. His suspicion had been confirmed. Whoever dared send this had used a burner phone. A spineless fool not bold enough to challenge him openly. Sending an amateur assassin and threatening him with a message.

He dropped the phone on the bed, eyes drifting to the open curtains across the room. Sunlight flooded in, brightening every corner.

A smirk curled at his lips.

Elena. There was something about that woman that amused him, that piqued his curiosity. From the updates Anne had given him while he was away she had been quiet. Not causing trouble. Not attempting to escape. Perhaps it was time to give her more freedom.

"Lu."

The door flew open and his sister stepped in.

"You're awake!" She shrieked, hurrying inside.

"Close the door, Sara."

She paused, blinking, then turned back and slammed it shut. The walls vibrated.

"I've warned you not to slam my door." He scolded, rubbing his ears.

"But your room is soundproofed." She whined, walking to the bed.

"I can still feel the vibration, Sara." He said, lifting the covers.

"Come here." He patted the space beside him.

"Sorry." She pouted, climbing onto the bed. Her eyes watered immediately. "I thought I lost you." Her voice trembled as she rested her head on his shoulder, her soft sobs filling the air.

"Nonsense. How could I die and leave you behind? I told you I'm immortal. I'm not going anywhere." He comforted her softly, rubbing her hair.

"I was scared. The doctor said it might take days before you woke up."

"Don't listen to him next time. Look at me, good as new." He said, spreading his arms.

Sara's sobbing subsided, her tear stained eyes examining him. "I'm not a kid anymore. Don't try to fool me, Lu." She sniffled. "You can't even lift your arms properly."

Lucien's arms slowly lowered, his expression turning serious. "It was an ambush. I promise it won't happen again."

"Okay." She nodded, wiping her tears with the back of her palm. Her eyes moved around the room. "Your curtains are open." She observed quietly.

His attention shifted to them. "Yes. I'll send for Anne to close them soon. The sunlight is blinding."

"Why? It's beautiful. This is the first time I've seen your room properly." She said, still looking around. "It was Elena who opened them wasn't it?"

Lucien paused. "I suppose so." He nodded.

"She's lovely."

Lucien adjusted his posture, sitting up. "You think so? She did what no one would dare to do."

"No. That wasn't what I meant." Her brows furrowed. "Besides, she didn't know about your rule of keeping the curtains closed."

Lucien chuckled. "Are you defending her? It's ill mannered to touch other people's things without permission."

"She didn't touch your things, Lu. She opened your curtains." Sara said defensively.

Lucien raised a brow. It was strange to see his sister defend anyone so openly. Anyone that wasn't him.

"It's still the same, Sara." He said, ruffling her hair.

"Stop it. You'll ruin my hair." She protested, slapping his hand away. "I told you to stop doing that. I'm not a baby." She said, running her hand through her hair.

"What? That's insane." He laughed.

"You heard me." She said, climbing down from the bed. "I'm going to eat breakfast. Are you coming?"

"No. Mrs. Anne brought me soup earlier."

"It's been this long since you woke up and nobody came to wake me." She complained.

Lucien smiled. "I told them not to. I heard you were watching me all night."

"Yes I was." She paused. "But Elena offered to stay so I could rest. I only wanted to sleep for an hour then come back but I slept through."

Something stirred inside him. He remained composed.

"You know what, for putting you through all this trouble I'm taking you on a shopping spree this weekend. Spa. Dinner. Wherever you want."

"Really?" Her eyes widened. "Promise?"

"Promise. My schedule is cleared."

"Okay let me go browse the latest trends. Your card is going to be empty." She said, moving to the door.

Lucien let out a soft chuckle. His card empty. What a silly joke.

Sara stopped at the door, turning the excitement from moments ago nowhere to be found. She fiddled with her fingers, avoiding his eyes.

Lucien recognized that look immediately. She wanted something. Something he wouldn't be able to refuse no matter how difficult it was.

He exhaled. "What do you want?"

She looked up immediately, scratching the back of her neck. "I was wondering—" Her voice trailed off.

"What, Sara?"

"I was wondering if you'd let Elena come with us shopping."

Lucien's jaw tightened. He looked away. "You know the answer."

"But she—"

"She isn't allowed outside this estate for now." He cut her off.

"Why? She looked after you while you were unconscious."

Lucien scoffed, nodding. "I know." His gaze shifted back to her. "She'll be rewarded with something else."

"Okay." Sara sighed, defeated, turning back to the door. "She even prayed for you." She whispered, pushing it open.

His brows drew together. "What do you mean?"

Sara turned back quietly. "I saw her praying for you while you were still unconscious."

Lucien's mouth fell open.