Smoke in His Eyes
427 Words
Chapter 2: Smoke in His Eyes
Jay hadn’t changed. Not on the surface, at least.
Same quiet strength. Same unreadable expression. Same maddening way of standing just close enough to unsettle her, but not close enough to touch.
“You look different,” he said.
Lena’s jaw clenched. “A lot’s happened.”
Jay gave a faint nod, like he understood. But how could he? He wasn’t there when it all crumbled. He hadn’t seen her search the ashes with trembling hands, hadn’t watched her father’s life turn to dust.
“What do you know?” she asked, arms folded tightly over her chest. “Tell me why you’re really here.”
Jay glanced toward the charred remains of the cabin. His eyes darkened.
“There’s more than just a fire, Lena. Someone’s digging into your father’s past. His work, his connections, the files he kept locked away. They want what he had.”
She stiffened. “You mean the drive.”
His eyes met hers sharply. “You still have it?”
She didn’t answer.
That was answer enough.
Jay stepped forward, voice low. “You need to leave. Tonight. They’ll come back.”
She narrowed her eyes. “And I’m just supposed to trust you? After you vanished without a word?”
Jay looked away. “I did what I had to do to survive.”
“And now I’m supposed to do the same?” she snapped.
Silence stretched between them like a c***k ready to split.
Lena turned away, staring into the smoke curling from the debris. The drive in her pocket suddenly felt heavier, like it pulsed with secrets she wasn't meant to hold.
“You know what’s on it,” she said quietly.
“I have an idea,” he replied. “But if it’s what I think… it’s not just about your father. It’s about everyone he was protecting. Including you.”
She turned slowly to face him again. “Then tell me. All of it.”
Jay hesitated, and for the first time, something flickered in his eyes — guilt, maybe. Or fear.
“I will,” he said. “But not here.”
A breeze carried the scent of wet ash past them. Lena looked once more at the ruins behind her, then down at her hands — covered in soot, in silence, in memories.
“Fine,” she said, slipping the knife back into her pocket. “But if you lie to me, Jay… I’ll know.”
He didn’t smile. Didn’t flinch.
“I wouldn’t dare.”
- Writer
