Chapter 18: A Desperate Gambit

The Enemy

Chapter 18: A Desperate Gambit

Kai hadn't slept a wink. The glow of his computer screen illuminated the room as he pieced together the fragments of his plan. His desk was strewn with papers, scribbled notes, and empty coffee mugs, evidence of a relentless night of work. Determined to expose the truth about what was happening in the city, he had spent hours creating a video to share on social media—a detailed account backed by documents, facts, and sharp commentary on how the police were attempting to shut down the case unjustly, denying justice to the woman at its center. By dawn, the video was complete, each segment meticulously edited, every word sharpened to cut through the lies.

As the first light of morning spilled into the room, Kai leaned back, exhaustion etched into his face. He glanced at the clock, knowing he had no time to rest.

Upstairs, Sarah stirred, reaching out instinctively for Kai in the bed. Finding his side cold and empty, she frowned. Her initial irritation shifted to concern as she slipped out of bed and went in search of him.

She found him in his makeshift office, his black tracksuit rumpled and his dark hair disheveled, giving him a dangerous, determined aura. Sarah stood in the doorway for a moment, her blue eyes softening as she took in the sight.

"You didn't sleep, did you?" she asked, crossing her arms. Her voice carried a mix of worry and exasperation. "You should at least rest and work after you wake up. I know how much honesty means to you, Kai, but you need to take care of yourself too."

Sarah wasn't the type to care deeply about anyone outside her circle of loved ones. Her world revolved around her family and close friends, and she seldom gave a second thought to strangers. But Kai was different. She understood him—his relentless drive, his unyielding sense of justice—and while she respected it, it also worried her.

Kai turned to her, his dark eyes blazing with resolve. "I can't sleep, Sarah. Not when this is happening. I'm not the type to close my eyes while they attack Riley. If it were some other case, maybe I could've ignored it. But not this. I'll protect my friend, my family, and anyone else I can. And I won't let those criminals sleep peacefully while they're disturbing ours."

Sarah's lips pressed into a thin line as she stepped closer. "What if I were a criminal?" she asked quietly. "What would you do then?"

Kai's gaze softened, and a faint smile tugged at his lips. "Do you think I don't know you? I know you better than you know yourself. I may not know everything about your past, but I know the person you are now. Don't make me angrier by saying things like that—I'm already angry enough."

Sarah's composure cracked, and a flicker of anger crossed her face. "I'm not trying to make you angry. I'm just worried, Kai. This is affecting me too. I feel like I'm losing myself. And yes, I could become a criminal if it meant protecting my family and the peace we've fought so hard for. I don't want anyone to take that from me."

Kai's expression softened even more. He crossed the room and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. "I'm sorry, honey," he murmured into her hair. "This is my job. I know this case is affecting all of us, but I promise I'll make everything better."

For a moment, Sarah said nothing, simply leaning into the embrace. She closed her eyes, letting his warmth soothe her.

After a moment, Kai kissed her forehead and stepped back. "Why don't you go wake Lily up? It's her first day back at school, and we don't want her to be late."

Sarah nodded. "I was already going to." She turned and headed upstairs while Kai began tidying his workspace and moving to the kitchen.

In Lily's room, Sarah pulled back the curtains, letting sunlight flood the space. "Time to wake up, sweetheart," she said gently.

Lily stirred, rubbing her eyes before sitting up and throwing her arms around her mother. "Good morning, Mama. Are you angry? You look upset."

Sarah blinked, startled by her daughter's perception. She forced a bright smile. "No, sweetheart. I just look like this because I just woke up. Dad's waiting downstairs. Let's get ready quickly."

Together, they got ready, with Sarah deciding to bathe with Lily to speed things up. The little girl giggled as Sarah washed her hair despite her protests. "Mama, don't do my hair today. I don't like it!"

"You have to wash your hair, or it'll get dirty too quickly," Sarah replied, laughing at Lily's pout.

When they were both ready, Sarah dressed in her long black coat over white leggings, her golden hair falling in waves around her shoulders. Her blue eyes sparkled, masking her earlier frustrations. She led Lily downstairs, where Kai had already reheated last night's food and set the table.

"Good morning, Princess," Kai said with a smile, his exhaustion hidden behind his steady demeanor. "How was your sleep?"

"Good," Lily replied cheerfully.

Kai nodded, then turned to Sarah. "I have to go now. I'll be back later." He kissed Lily on the forehead before grabbing his things and heading out.

Sarah dropped Lily off at school, promising to pick her up later before driving off to meet a friend.

Kai, meanwhile, met James Carter, a former journalist known for his integrity, to finalize the next step in exposing the corruption plaguing the city.