Page 52 of War Within
He called me son. Suddenly, I froze, eyes widened, mouth agape.
“Emir!” He growled, summoning my complete attention. “Go!”
I sprinted across the parking lot, opening the car door, jumping in. The engine roared as I sped off the property, uneasy about leaving him behind. With his concern for keeping Jane and his family safe, I knew going to her myself was the best course of action.
Arriving to the temple in record time, I parked in a place where I would not be seen but could still keep watch. I wanted to observe my surroundings before I walked out in the open, possibly into a trap. As I waited for any sign of life, my phone buzzed with a text.
Hey baby. Any updates on Jane?
Valentina was still clueless, and there was only so much I could tell her.
Hi, almost. I’ll let you know soon.
Be careful plzzz. I love u so muchhh.
She always made me smile, even during terrible circumstances. Just then I saw movement on the temple grounds. I have to hurry.
I love you too. Get some rest. I’ll come see you when I get back.
I returned my phone to my pocket.
That was Carmine and Jane! She was limping around the snowy grounds, slouching, holding her stomach. I dashed to her, not caring if it was a ploy. When I noticed she was severely injured, I panicked. As I neared, I realized her face was covered in wounds.
“Jane are you okay?” I tried my best to remain calm.
They came to a stop. Carmine stabilized her by the arm. She wobbled back and forth. I was not sure if she was drugged, or in so much pain she could not talk.
“What the fuck did you do to her?!” I roared, picturing Mr. Rovati’s surge of anger when he saw her.
“There was a spy and assassin who captured her for Marco. Their real names are names areLevushkaand Irina. They did this. Marco actually had her wounds cleaned and bandaged but he also told me to kill her.”
“I have to get her back to the house!”
“I’ll help you.”
I was stunned at the audacity of the offer, as if I did not see the trap. “Hell no! Stay the fuck away from her!”
He pleaded his case. “I fucking hate Marco.”
“I don't care!” I drew my gun. “I have to get her to safety! Get back!”
“I’m going to help you!”
“Stay away or I'll kill you!” I shook my gun at him, taking a closer step toward Jane.
“Okay, okay.” He held his hands up, surrendering.
I reached for her, ready to carry her to the car. Carmine helped her over to me, seeming to handle her with care. I was shocked he was not more hostile.
“You have three second to leave.”
Jane started to sway in the light wind. Her knees started to collapse as she stared at the ground. Promptly, I tucked my weapon away. She had not made a sound, but suddenly, she crumpled at my feet. I could not catch her in time. Squatting, I slipped my arms under her knees and neck, picking her up.
“I need to get you to the car.”
She remained unresponsive.
“Stay with me Jane. You’ll be comfortable soon.”
