Chapter 5
1277 Words
Chapter 5: Smokes and Mirrors
The safe house wasn't what I expected at all when we finally left the hospital before my wife and her men could get me. When Jensen had mentioned it earlier, I'd pictured some sparse, military bunker or perhaps an apartment located at a suspicious looking location.
Instead, we pulled up to a huge estate that was located on the outskirts of the city, and it was well hidden behind tall iron gates and surrounded by grounds that had been tended to.
"This is your safe house?" I asked in disbelief looking around as the car drove up the driveway.
"This is just one of the several properties that is being maintained by the Yggdrasil Group," Jensen explained. "Technically, it's yours."
I stared out the window, trying to process this information that he was giving me. The medication Jensen had given me was wearing off already and I was beginning to feel pain everywhere.
My ribs ached with every breath I took , and my head throbbed mercilessly, like someone was using my head to play drums.
"The medical team is waiting inside," Jensen said, noticing my discomfort as he added.
"They'll ensure you receive proper care."
The car stopped at the entrance, where a line of staff stood at attention, waiting like statues.
Men and women in well ironed uniforms bowed slightly as Jensen helped me from the vehicle.
"Welcome home, Young Master," they said in near-perfect unison.
The surreal nature of the situation wasn't lost on me.
Less than twenty-four hours ago, I'd been Alex Snow, the never appreciated husband of CEO Lily Snow.
Now I was being treated like royalty by people who seemed convinced I was the long-lost heir to an empire I'd never heard of.
An older woman stepped forward from the line as she bowed her head again and spoke.
"I'm Dr. Harper, Young Master. Let's get you settled and examined."
She led us into the mansion, directing two male attendants who carefully supported me on the way. I was brought to a suite that had been turned to a medical room that was furnished with hospital-grade equipment.
As Dr. Harper examined me, Jensen stood nearby, quietly observing everything.
"Multiple contusions, three cracked ribs, mild concussion," Dr. Harper listed them quickly as she turned to face Jensen as she added.
"The hospital treatment that he was receiving back then was adequate, but not ideal at all. I'll administer better pain drugs accompanied with a lot of accelerated healing compounds."
"Accelerated healing compounds?" I questioned.
"The Yggdrasil Group has access to medical technologies not yet available to the general public," Jensen explained smoothly.
Dr. Harper prepared an injection carefully measuring it to make sure that she had the right dosage before she continued speaking.
"This will help with the pain and boost your recovery. You should feel a whole lot better by tomorrow."
After receiving the injection, I was taken to an adjourning bedroom suite that would have put luxury hotels to shame.
As I was settled into bed, Jensen assured me we would continue our conversation once I'd rested.
"Your security team will remain outside your door," he said. "You're safe here."
Despite my exhaustion and the questions swirling in my mind, I felt asleep almost immediately.
I woke to sunlight that was shining through the partially opened curtains.
For a moment, I was disoriented, expecting to see the white walls of my hospital room. Instead, I found myself in the well decorated bedroom of the "safe house."
Testing my limbs slowly and with a lot of caution, I was surprised to find the pain had reduced by a whole lot, leaving my body numb. My ribs still ached, but the pain had subsided to a dull throb, that barely hurt me and breathing was way easier than before. Whatever Dr. Harper had given me, was remarkably effective.
I sat up slowly and noticed that fresh clothes had been laid out at the foot of the bed.
As I reached for them, there was a knock at the door.
"Come in," I called.
Jensen entered, carrying a tablet in his hands as he bowed his head. "Good morning, Young Master. How are you feeling?"
"Better," I admitted, in disbelief stretching my hands to see if it was a dream. "Though I'm still not convinced about this 'Young Master' business."
Jensen's expression remained the same as he nodded his head. "I understand your skepticism. Perhaps this will help clarify matters."
He handed me the tablet, which showed a news article:
TECH CEO LILY SNOW REPORTS HUSBAND MISSING FROM HOSPITAL
Alex Snow, husband of Snow Innovations CEO Lily Snow, disappeared from Luther Memorial Hospital yesterday afternoon. Snow, who had been recovering from injuries sustained in a serious car accident last week, was reportedly taken by men posing as medical staff. Police are investigating the apparent k********g, and Mrs. Snow has offered a substantial reward for information leading to her husband's safe return.
"'k********g,'" I muttered in disbelief shaking my head, surprised at how far that Lily was planning to go with this just to put an act. "That's rich, coming from the woman who tried to have me killed."
"Indeed," Jensen agreed. "Mrs. Snow is playing her part convincingly to the public to be seen as a considerate wife who is worried about her husband."
I scrolled through the article, watching the video that had Lily's tearful plea for my safe return. It was shocking to see her acting done so well, knowing what I did about her true intentions.
"There's a press conference scheduled for this afternoon," Jensen informed me. "Mrs. Snow and her family will likely use it to appeal to your 'kidnappers' and further cement their story and make them look good and boost their stocks as people love a woman who is deeply in love with her husband."
I set the tablet aside, not happy about how Lily was using my disappearance to her advantage.
"So what happens now? How long do I hide here while my wife pretends to mourn my disappearance?"
"That depends on how quickly you wish to reclaim your identity," Jensen said.
"The Yggdrasil Group has remained in the shadows for many years, managed by a lot of trust worthy people awaiting your return. If you choose to step forward as Alexander Yggdrasil, it will cause a global sensation that would go viral."
"And if I don't?"
"Then we create a new identity for you. You live comfortably with the money of the Yggdrasil Group at your disposal, but without the burden of leadership or the attention it would bring."
I considered this. "Before I make any decisions, I need proof. Real proof, not just mysterious rings and mind-reading abilities that could be explained by head trauma."
Jensen nodded, as if he'd expected this request. "Of course. After breakfast, I'll show you the legacy room. But first, there's someone here to see you."
My pulse quickened. "Damien?
"No," Jensen's expression hardened hearing this as he continued speaking in a tight tone. "I would advise you to be cautious regarding Mr. Carter. His motives are... complicated."
System Alert: Jensen's statement regarding Damien Carter contains misleading information. Damien Carter's allegiance is to the host.
The message seemed to flash across my vision, startling me a bit as I wasn't expecting it at all. It was the same voice I'd heard in the hospital—the "system" that had supposedly activated after my accident.
"Young Master? Is everything alright?" Jensen asked, noticing my reaction.
"Fine," I lied. "Just a headache. You were saying someone's here?"
"Yes. He's waiting in the study when you're ready."
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