Enemy at Hand

Chapter 10

George 

“What?!” I gasped, my heart pounding as my eyes widened in shock.

But Zach didn’t stop. “We went through his files and found something… something huge.”

I straightened up, tension crawling up my spine. “What is it?”

“There was a letter addressed to you. In it, he warned that you need to take extra measures to protect the boy. Thomas knows they’re with you… and he’s coming. Soon.”

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. My breath caught, and for a moment, I stared into the distance, frozen.

“Mr. Brooks? Are you still there?” Zach’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

I blinked quickly. “Yes, I’m here. Anything else?”

“Not for now, boss. We’ll keep you posted on anything new.”

“Good.” I exhaled slowly. “For now, keep the body secure. We’ll need to run tests and a full investigation.”

“Understood.”

As the call ended, I turned to find Alice watching me closely, her arms still protectively wrapped around Leo.

“That didn’t sound good,” she said slowly. “What’s going on?”

I leaned back against the couch, my voice low. “The doctor… the one who saved you six years ago… he’s dead.”

Her eyes widened instantly, her legs buckling beneath her.

“No. No, that can’t be true,” she whispered.

“I’m afraid it is.”

She dropped to her knees, her forehead pressed against the floor. “He wasn’t supposed to die. He gave me everything. My life, my safety… everything I am today, it’s because of him.”

I knelt beside her, resting my hands gently on her shoulders. “Alice, you have to breathe. You need to calm down.”

“Don’t tell me to calm down!” she snapped, tears blazing down her cheeks. “That man gave me the only chance I ever had to survive. To start over.”

“I understand,” I whispered. “I truly do. But listen… none of this is your fault. Or mine. And I think I know who did this.”

She sniffled and turned to me, her tearful eyes narrowed with curiosity. “Who?”

“Thomas. It has to be him.”

She looked away, sobbing harder, then met my eyes again. “Why would he go after the doctor?”

“Because he knows,” I said, my voice firm. “He knows the doctor helped you escape. He knows about the flash drive. And now he’s trying to eliminate everyone who helped you… including me.”

Her lips parted, but she said nothing… only a silent, broken breath… and another quiet sob.

“No!!”

“Easy, Alice,” I whispered gently. “You’re scaring the little boy.” 

Her eyes flashed to Leo instantly, and she quickly wiped her face with the back of her hand, trying to compose herself.

Just then, the butler rushed in. “Sir, there’s a woman at the gate. She says she would like to speak with you.”

My brows knitted in suspense.

“Did she give a name?”  

“No, sir.”  

“Alright. Tell her I’ll be with her shortly.” I said, grabbing my phone.

The butler gave a slight nod and disappeared. I turned back to Alice, still sitting on the floor, her face streaked with tears.

I crouched beside her and gently brushed my fingers along her cheek, wiping the tears away.

“You need to breathe, Alice. Holding all this in… it’s only hurting you more.”

I reached for her hand and slowly helped her to her feet, letting her rest briefly against my shoulder.

“Go take a warm bath,” I said softly. “You’ll feel better after. I promise.”

She hesitated, then nodded faintly and turned towards her room, leaving Leo standing there with me.

I walked over, scooped him into my arms, and stroked his hair. “Alright, champ. Stay right here, okay? I won’t be long.”

He nodded, still looking a little confused… but that was expected. He was just a kid, too young to fully understand everything that's happening. There was no need to burden him with the truth… not yet.

I carried him to the couch, set him down gently, then turned and made my way to the entrance gate.

And there she was… Maria.  

Her face was battered, bruised, and pale. My stomach twisted.

“Maria?” I rushed towards her. “What the hell happened to you?”

She was panting hard, like she had been running for her life. “It’s… it’s Thomas.”

The sound of his name alone sent a chill through me.

“What did he do?”

She swallowed hard. “He tried to kill me. I overheard his conversation with Samantha… and when he realized it, he came after me. I managed to escape and went into hiding.”

I was still trying to process it when she grabbed my wrist, her voice trembling. “Mr. George… you have to act now. Thomas is more dangerous than ever. He won’t stop until he has what he wants.”

My chest tightened as I took it all in. Then I nodded firmly.  

“Thank you, Maria. You’re safe now. I’ll have the butler set up a room for you. You’ll stay here with us… at least until this all dies down.”

Her eyes lit up with relief, and she dropped to her knees, a mix of excitement and tears spilling out all at once. “Thank you, Mr. Brooks. You just saved me from a nightmare.”

“It’s alright, Maria. Come on, get up,” I said gently.

She stood, wiping her face with the back of her hand. “For this, I’ll forever be indebted to you. I’ll stand by your side in this fight… even if it costs me my life.”

I placed both hands lightly on her shoulders, a faint smile curving my lips. “No one’s losing their life, Maria. We’re all going to make it through this. Together.”

She nodded quietly, her breath still shaky.

Just then, my phone buzzed again. I glanced down, only to see another incoming call from Zach.

My heart pounded, and I picked without hesitation. “What’s…”

“Sir,” Zach’s voice cut through the line, urgent and sharp. “There’s been a new development.”