Chapter 14 Chapter 14: Seeking Answers #3

"I want to know who those kids were. They killed seven of my men," Mr. Jones demanded.

"We couldn't trace their identities, Mr. Jones known as #3," one of the men responded. "They can't be local. Sources indicate the kid who shot the men displayed Alpha-level skills."

"You're aware that Alpha #1 is considered a myth and wouldn't be someone local," #3 interjected, his tone skeptical. "Besides, it can't be a kid. Still, these kids must have some training. They could be related to #6 or #5. The footage is missing, and the FBI hasn't disclosed anything. It's almost as if the incident never happened. Whatever their background, they clearly possess some form of power."

"Boss, I just heard from Dimitri – Ron was shot last night. He didn't make it," Jack reported. Jack is #3's right-hand man for over twenty years, his lean frame and silver-streaked hair gave him a distinguished yet weary look. His slightly askew glasses and sharp, observant eyes spoke of a deep reservoir of experience and the toll of countless years in the field.

#3 slammed his hand on the table. "Who is responsible for my cousin's death?"

Jack walked over to #3 and handed him a thin yellow file. "What's this?" #3 asked, his eyes narrowing.

"That's the police file. They've closed the investigation into Ron's murder and the recent incident," Jack explained, wiping his glasses. "We're dealing with a ghost. All the camera footage has been erased."

"That's impossible. Someone must know something. Line up every man we have and find those responsible for my cousin's death."

Jack nodded and left with the file. #3 walked to the window of his fifty-story office building and lit a cigar. "Edward, have you done as I asked?"

Edward, tall and well-built, stood in a tailored suit that highlighted his commanding presence. "Yes, boss, but with no success."

"Edward, how well do I pay you?"

"Well enough to feed an army, boss,"Edward replied.

"Good. So you understand why I'd rather pay an army than keep you around if you can't do the job?" #3's voice was icy.

"But, boss,Mr. Jack said, these kids are like ghosts."

#3 walked up to Edward, his face cold. "In this line of work, there are no excuses for incompetence." He gestured to two of his men, who seized Edward and dragged him out of the room. Everyone knew this would be the end for Edward, even after two years of loyalty.

#3 turned to the remaining men. "Listen closely. By the end of today, I want to know the identity of those kids and who killed my cousin. I don't care how you find it. If you don't have a file on these kids and the killer on my desk, each of you will pay dearly. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir," the men said in unison, their faces showing the panic of knowing #3's threats were real. They stood up and left quickly.

"That was close, James," Clara said, her voice tinged with concern. "We can't keep hiding your identity forever. Sooner or later, we'll have to tell our families."

I stared out the window, watching the rain pour. "We don't need to tell them anything. All they need to know is that we've learned how to use a firearm. My identity can't be revealed; it would endanger you and our families."

"What do you mean, James? I thought people of your status would be respected and admired."

I walked over to Clara and sat beside her. "The higher you rise, the harder you fall. Everyone wants your place. I'd rather be the nobody everyone thinks I am than the somebody everyone wants to replace."

Clara moved closer and took my hand. "My job was to protect you, but you're faster and stronger than I am. I'm starting to think you might be Alpha #1."

Clara smiled, then walked to the window. "If I'm of no use to you, why do you need me?"

I'd asked myself that many times, and today was the first time I could answer it. "Clara, I need you because you were the voice when I couldn't speak. You were the strength when I was weak. You gave me a reason to breathe and wake up each day, to escape my void and grieve. I had a friend in you, and – "

I stopped as she turned around, her eyes teary. "Say it, James. And what?"

How badly I wished I could tell her, but I couldn't. I thought I'd be dragging her into a life where she'd have to look over her shoulder forever. I couldn't do that to the girl I loved. "And what we have now is amazing. I'm terrible at math, and college starts tomorrow. I have no friends, so I need you," I joked, pulling her close.

We tumbled onto the bed, laughing and rolling until we stopped, our faces close. Clara's eyes met mine, and her lips were inches from mine. She held my hands down.

"Clara, your sister is watching us," I said, noticing Claire at the window, her eyes wet with tears.

Clara laughed, her amusement sharp. "Clara, your sister's watching us!" I said again.

Clara laughed and leaned in, whispering, "Who's is the Alpha now?" She then pressed her lips to my neck. I pushed her away gently, as Claire's tearful gaze followed us.

Claire's presence was a stark reminder that the world outside was still watching, and the stakes were higher than ever.