Hidden Blade

Chapter 9: Shadows in the Rearview

The Bennett Family's Decline

The Bennett family, though teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, remained one of Washington, D.C.'s most influential dynasties. Even in decline, their name carried weight. Yet here sat Rex Carlson, a self-proclaimed cab driver, waving off their wealth with a smirk that bordered on arrogance.

Sophia Bennett, seated across from him in the quiet diner, looked up sharply. Disbelief danced in her eyes, followed closely by exasperation.

“Are you kidding me?” she asked, her tone edged with irritation.

Rex leaned back in his chair, his grin as casual as his tone.

“Relax, it’s a joke. Don’t take it so seriously.”

Sophia rolled her eyes, brushing off his teasing with a shake of her head. Over time, she’d grown accustomed to his irreverence. Taking a final sip of her coffee, she grabbed her purse.

“Let’s go.”

A Ride Through the City

Downstairs, Rex walked her to his battered yellow taxi. The car’s chipped paint and worn upholstery were far from glamorous, yet it seemed to carry a certain charm—a reflection of its owner.

With a mock bow, Rex opened the passenger door.

Sophia slid inside without a word, pulling her coat tighter against the fraying fabric. As Rex started the engine, the city’s rhythm surrounded them—the hum of engines, the occasional honking horn, and the muffled chatter of pedestrians.

In a sleek black Mercedes parked nearby, Ethan Hansen watched them drive off. His sharp jawline was clenched in fury as Sophia rode beside Rex.

“That bastard,” Ethan spat, slamming a fist into the dashboard.What does she think this is? Some charity outreach for cab drivers?”

His companion, a broad-shouldered man with a jagged scar down his cheek, turned from the driver’s seat. “Want me to take care of it?”

Ethan’s lips curled into a sneer.

“Kill him. And bring her to me. She’ll remember where she belongs.”

The scarred man’s grim smile widened. “Consider it done.”

A Calculated Escape

Rex maneuvered the cab through Washington’s chaotic streets, his hands steady on the wheel. Beside him, Sophia shifted in her seat, her fingers brushing the cracked leather.

“Do you always drive like this?” she asked, her voice heavy with sarcasm as he made another sharp turn.

Rex’s lips curved into a faint smirk. “Only when someone’s following me.”

Sophia blinked. “What?”

“Hold tight,” he said, his tone suddenly serious.

Through the rearview mirror, he saw the black Mercedes tailing them. Moments later, a nondescript van joined the pursuit.

Sophia frowned. “Are you being serious right now?”

Rex didn’t answer. Instead, he took a sharp left, the cab swerving into an alley. By the time they reached the front gate of the Bennett estate, he’d made up his mind.

“Go inside, grab what you need, and wait for me,”

Rex instructed briskly.

Sophia crossed her arms.

“Handle what? Are you scared?”

Rex chuckled dryly. “Not even close. Now go.”

Reluctantly, she stepped out of the cab. As the gates closed behind her, Rex’s playful demeanor vanished, replaced by sharp focus.

Preparing for the Hunt

Driving away from the estate, Rex headed toward a secluded villa on the city’s outskirts. The property was shrouded in shadows, its eerie stillness broken only by the crunch of gravel under the taxi’s tires.

Inside, Rex moved with purpose. Beneath a couch in the living room, he retrieved a black case. He opened it with precision, revealing a meticulously maintained sniper rifle. His movements were smooth and deliberate as he assembled the weapon and attached a silencer.

Climbing the grand staircase, he paused at the faint sound of a woman humming. His eyes narrowed as he followed the noise to the master bedroom.

A Startling Encounter

The door was ajar, and the room was in disarray: a black lace bra hung over a chair, stockings draped across the bed. The humming grew louder.

Rex stepped inside, his rifle raised.

Olivia Harper emerged from the bathroom, her hair damp, humming softly as she dried it with a towel. She froze when she saw him.

“Ahhh!”

she screamed, clutching the towel to her chest. “What are you doing here?!”

Rex didn’t flinch. “Didn’t hear a thank you,” he muttered, striding toward the window.

“I’ll call the cops!” Olivia threatened, her voice trembling.

“Go ahead,” Rex said coolly.

“Might be the last call you make tonight.”

Her anger gave way to fear.

“What’s out there?”

“Trouble,” he replied, parting the curtains just enough to scan the shadows outside.

Setting the Stage

Through his scope, Rex tracked movement near the sixth building in the complex. Calmly, he reached for his phone.

“Hello, property management? This is the owner of Building Six. My water pipes are leaking again. Could you send someone to fix it right away?”

His tone was pleasant, almost too casual for the tension in the air.

Ending the call, he glanced at his watch, activating a countdown timer.

The seconds ticked by as Olivia stood frozen, her gaze darting between Rex and the window.

“What are you planning?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Rex didn’t look away. “Just watch.”