In the Enemy’s arms

Chapter 7

"Amy? When did you come in?"

Kate's gentle voice pulled me back to reality, and I realized I'd been crying uncontrollably.

"Not long," I replied, hastily wiping away my tears. "I didn't want to wake you."

Kate's gaze drifted, her sigh heavy with emotion. Her eyes were so red and swollen.

"Don't tell me you've locked yourself here for four days."

"There's nowhere else I'd rather be," she whispered.

I was silent, not knowing what to say.

"What do we do now?" Kate asked, her eyes fixed on the window. "Does the pain ever fade away?"

I shook my head, my voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know, Kate. I don't think mine will ever fade."

Kate's determination sparked. "I'll go find answers tonight. I know someone close to Landon, he might know something."

My gaze snapped to hers. "I should come with you."

"I don't think that's a good idea," Kate hesitated. "He might not speak up if he sees you."

I pleaded, desperation creeping in. "Please, I won't cause trouble. I won't be able to sit still at home."

Kate's sad smile softened, and she nodded. "Okay."

Relief washed over me.

We prepared quickly, and soon we were back at their base. The gate guards stopped us, but Kate's brief conversation granted us entry.

As we stepped inside, the heavy air enveloped us – Memories of Landon's pale face flooded my mind, and my breath caught.

I whispered to Kate, my unease growing, "Does this place seem weird to you? The men, too?"

"Weird? How?" Kate's eyes scanned the area, her brow furrowed.

"They seem more serious than last time, and there are twice as many. It's unsettling." I glanced around, keeping a safe distance from the imposing figures.

Kate's gaze locked onto someone. "Oh, I heard their boss is around. We need to be quick."

She spotted a tall, well-built man, his muscles straining against his suit. "Cole!" Kate called out.

"Stay here, okay?" she instructed me before hurrying towards him.

I watched from afar, unable to hear their conversation. Cole's expression darkened, his jaw clenched. He seemed annoyed by Kate's presence.

After a brief exchange, Cole gestured and led Kate away, likely seeking a quieter spot. His broad back and tense shoulders radiated tension.

I stood alone, my anxiety increased. The surrounding men seemed to be watching me, their faces emotionless.

I stood for a while , then moved towards the compound's side, where I last saw Landon. This place was my hell on earth, suffocating my heart with every step.

The air reeked of cigarettes. I peeked around the corner and flinched. A large wooden table was placed in the space, surrounded by chairs. Men puffed on cigarettes, engrossed in hushed conversations.

As I retreated, my foot crushed a can, echoing through the silence.

"f**k!" I cursed.

"Someone's there, grab them now!" a voice yelled.

Two men seized me before I could flee, twisting my arm behind my back.

"Ouch! That hurts," they ignored my cry, shoving me forward.

I stumbled to the wooden table, surrounded by unforgiving faces.

"Amelia?" a low, commanding voice called out.

My gaze snapped to the speaker, seated in a chair that stood out – taller, more ornate. I had avoided looking, sensing it was the feared boss.

His eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

"Marco?" I stared, at my childhood friend.

Marco's commanding tone freed me from the men's grip. "Hey, let her go."

I rubbed my sore hand, eyes locked on Marco. "What are you doing here?"

"Shouldn't I be asking you that, Miss Pirate?" He chuckled, mentioning my childhood nickname and I rolled my eyes at him.

"This meeting will have to wait, guys. Come with me," Marco said, leading me into the tall building and into an elegant office.

"Please, sit," Marco gestured to the chair opposite his desk.

He poured himself a glass of wine from an exquisite shelf. "Wine?"

"No, thanks," I declined, smiling faintly at the familiar brand.

"You used to love this one," Marco teased, savoring his drink.

Settling into his chair, his expression turned serious.

"How did you find out about this place? I thought Landon kept it a secret from you." I tensed at the mention of his name, it surprised and saddened me.

"I discovered it after his death."

Marco's expression turned somber. "I'm sorry about Landon's death. It must have been a shock." He leaned back in his chair, sipping his wine.

"We were discussing compensation for the families of our fallen heroes."

I shook my head. "I don't need compensation, Marco. How did Landon die?"

Marco's shrug was nonchalant on the surface, but watching him closely, it was suspicious. "He went on a mission and didn't make it back alive." His casual tone sparked frustration in me.

“That's it?" I tried to control my tone. Marco repeated his shrug, avoiding my gaze.

"That's not what I want to hear, Marco. I need details. I want to know exactly what happened and how," I demanded, clenching my fist.

Marco's expression turned guarded. "This is confidential, Amy. I can't disclose details."

My anger flared. "To hell with your confidentiality! We're talking about my twin brother. I want to know everything." Marco studied me, chin resting on his fingers.

"Do you really want to know?" he asked, his eyes searching mine for hesitation, but there was none.

"Yes," I replied firmly.