Come Closer

Chapter 34

The shadows were assembled in the huge hall. The tall windows were open, letting the light of the dawn pour itself in. A soft breeze glided slowly from one side to the other, caressing Avelyn’s delicate face, making a few strands of her hair hug her slender neck.

“My Shadows!” The Ghost addressed her men. “Today, is the last day I speak to you as your leader.” Upon hearing this, the men took a quick inhale. “From now on, The Ghost and The Shadows will not be mentioned in the world of mafias. Nathan and I have decided to leave, and we’ll be commoners from now on. Anyone who wishes to leave with us should have made their decision now, as we’ve informed you. I assign the ones who wish to stay, to Jayden.” Her voice rang in the hall, loud and clear. “Thank you all for being with us. We’re grateful. I wish you luck, in whatever you choose.” She nodded at the assembled and turned away.

“Boss, wait!” Avelyn stopped her walk, and turned around. Ten men came forward, and knelt down. “You helped us when we needed it. And we are all grateful for that. We all want to stay by your side, because we are in debt to you. But, Master Jayden only allowed ten of us to protect you, because he wanted to respect your decision in leaving; if all of us are to go with you, it wouldn’t make a change. Please, accept us, boss, as your bodyguards.”

Avelyn turned to Jayden, glaring at him. “Why are you doing this?”

Jayden placed his hand on Avelyn’s shoulder. “Avelyn, you’re not only leaving the underworld, but you’re also leaving the protection of your gang behind. You will be in danger, and I can’t afford to see you or Nathan hurt. These men will protect you and Nathan with their lives. Accept this as a gift from a concerned friend, please.”

Avelyn pursed her lips and looked at Nathan. From a single glance, Nathan knew that she sought his approval. And he was not a fool. He knew all too well about the danger out there, for him and Avelyn. No one knowing their identity in the underworld, wouldn’t make much of a difference. He didn’t want to risk anything. So he gave her a nod, followed by a reassuring smile. Though Avelyn wanted to leave everything behind, she would not be able to just avoid the consequences of entering the underworld and walk away.

………….

Avelyn looked around the room, which served both the purpose of holding meetings and as her office. The room that was once so familiar, felt different now. The thick curtains were wide open with the windows, letting the light come in. The files that once were piled up on the ebony table, had been moved to Jayden’s place, after carefully removing and burning all the unnecessary files. She walked around the table and stood in front of the map, which they had forgotten to take off. She plucked out the red and blue pins one by one that marked some places on it, collecting them in her palm.

When Nathan entered, he saw Avelyn rolling the map and placing it on the table. “Tell them to remove this,” she said, “It is no longer needed here.”

“Hmm,” Nathan nodded and paced around. “It feels empty isn’t it?” he said, looking down the garden outside, placing his hand on the window sill.

“Hmm.” Was Avelyn’s reply.

The guards had already left. The only ones left in the mansion were only Jayden, Nathan, Avelyn and her bodyguards. “Everything here has been taken care of. You don’t have to worry about anyone finding out who this mansion has belonged to.” Jayden entered the room, and saw the rolled map on the table. “Oh! Forgot this one.” He gave an apologetic smile at the two in the room. “I’ll check the mansion again,” he sighed.

“It’s time we go.” Nathan spoke up, turning away from the window. The three of them slowly descended the stairs to the living room. It was empty except for the awaiting bodyguards. “The new place is ready, boss,” one of them stepped forward. Avelyn nodded at him, and turned to Jayden. “We’ll go now.” She smiled.

“I’ll visit you both as soon as I can.” Jayden hugged Avelyn and Nathan.

“You don’t have to worry about us. Organize everything at your place. Don’t delay it,” Nathan started to advise Jayden. Jayden gave him a reassuring smile with a cute nod. “I will.”