30

Scarlett Mila Marino

Theodore leans closer to the screen, his fingers adjusting the audio. The room is deadly silent as we listen to every word.

"Are we sure she's going to do..." Lucas starts but gets cut of by all of us hushing him.

"Shut up Luc." Rowan hisses listening closely to the audio.

Lucas throws up his arms. "Geez sorry...I'll stop talking then."

"Please do." Theodore adds rolling his eyes at his best friend.

Then through the computer comes a sound.

We all freeze listening.

Rowan reaches over, placing his hand on my thigh. Grounding me. His touch firm but gentle. I lean into it, drawing strength from him. He gives me a quick look, no words, just reassuring that he's here. He always is. I offer a small smile, even though my insides are twisted with worry.

"The money should be here in a few hours."

My fathers voice is sharp, irritated. Even hearing him makes my skin crawl. I clench my fists. Rowan's grip on my thigh tightens slightly. A silent reminder that I'm not alone.

There's another voice in the background, quieter, harder to make out. I lean forward, straining to hear.

It's muffled but I recognise the tone. It's one of my dads guards. They're discussing something.

"Secure location...no one is going to find them."

I glance at Rowan, my pulse quickening. This is it. This is about Anthony and Asuka, it has to be.

"Make sure it's really secure...no one goes in or out without my say. I don't care if the devil himself comes knocking. Those two stay exactly where they are."

"Come on out with it...where are they?" Rowan mumbles under his breath.

"How long are we going to keep them by the farm?"

The farm!

"Until I get the money, then we'll do what we have to..."

It's my fathers old property. Long abandoned, miles out of town. It was one of his shady investments when I was younger. A place he used for dirty deals and god knows what else.

Lucas brows knit together in concentration. "The farm? Do you know where that is Scar?" He asks.

I nod. "It's an old property he used to own. It's been abandoned for years, but it makes sense. It's in the middle of nowhere. If he's hiding them, that's we're they'd be." I say.

Rowan's already on his feet. "We have about 15 hours left before he probably shoots your friends...how long does it take to the farm?" He asks me.

"I don't know...maybe 2 hours." I say not remembering it completely.

"We've got to make up a plan quick then. Lucas. Theodore. Gather as many guards as you can, and grab all the supplies needed. Scarlett, you come with me." He says and we all do as he says.

I already know Rowan isn't going to let me come with them. But I refuse to stay here and hope for the best. I need to help, to do something for my friends.

We walk down the stairs and I follow him into a room filled with weapons and clothes.

"I don't care what you're saying, I'm coming with you guys!" I start, ready for the argument.

I watch him grab a belt, starting to hook up supplies. Guns and knives.

He's not answering me so I keep arguing. "I know you think I can't help, but I have to be there for my friends. I can't just..."

He cuts me off, walking toward me with swift steps. Before I can protest further, he takes my arm and turns me, so I'm facing away from him. Then he starts buckling the equipment belt around my waist. The suddenness of it shuts me up.

"I've trained you... I know you can do this, Mila." He says now checking the fit of the belt on me.

So no arguing? Wow.

That was easy.

Then without another word, Rowan turns back to the shelves and starts loading his own gear.

I take a deep breath and straighten up.

"We'll hit the farm first, see what we're dealing with." He says.

"What if he's got more men?" I ask.

Rowan smirks, his dark eyes flashing with a dangerous edge. "Then we'll take them down. One by one."

Sorry for a short chapter, didn't have time to write more!

Hope you like it! >>