Semua Bab Mister Dream Man: Bab 91 - Bab 98

* James *That night's challenge came when everyone is getting rest and the manor was quiet. But peace didn't last long. When the dogs started barking, I knew that something was up.It wasn't the usual alert, this was panic, a deep-chested warning that rolled through the air like thunder before a storm. My hand went straight to the gun at my hip as I turned from the hall. The cameras flickered on the monitor beside the staircase, static on feed six, the north terrace. That was one of the blind spots I'd marked earlier."Damn it," I muttered, already moving."James?" Jane's voice came from the landing. She'd been coming down with a glass of water in her hand, her hair loose, her grandma Julliane Dankworth behind her in a robe. I raised a hand sharply."Stay back. Both of you. Upstairs. Now."The tone must've carried more command than I meant, because she froze mid-step. Then she nodded, grabbed her grandmother's arm, and pulled her back up without another word. Good girl, now she knew

*James *The storm outside keeps going. It crawled over the roof like waves after waves in a shore, the rain drumming against the wood and glass like it was trying to get inside the cabin. I'd seen nights like this before, too many to mention but never one that felt this quiet and dangerous at the same time, not because of enemies lurking outside, but because of a beautiful woman asleep on the couch just a few feet away from me.Jane had fallen asleep only an hour ago, but her breathing was uneven and still restless. She'd curled under the blanket that I gave her, hair spilling over the pillow, face pale from shock and exhaustion of the incident. But it didn't make her less beautiful. The woman is a beauty whether you dress her in rags or designer clothes. The flicker of the lantern painted her in gold and shadow, and now and then her lips trembled, whispering words I couldn't make out.I kept my eyes on the windows, forcing myself to stay alert and forcing myself to believe that she

* James *Our quiet morning didn't last long, just like how I expected. It was when midmorning, when I stepped outside to check the vehicle, I noticed the sky beginning to gray again, a slow, heavy blanket of clouds rolling in from the sea. The air shifted too, carrying that thick, metallic scent that always came before another big storm.I muttered a series of explicit words under my breath and tried to start the engine. And not even a cough came out of it. I checked the hood, the wires fine, oil is steady, fuel low but enough for the ride. But the battery was just dead."Damn it," I hissed, slamming the hood down.From the doorway, Jane's voice floated out, soft but edged as she watched me. "What happened?""The car won't start," I said, trying not to let my irritation show. "Battery's dead. Must've drained from the cold last night.""So, what now?""We wait until it dries up enough outside. I'll check again or find a way to charge it manually, if it works."She crossed her arms, b

* James *When the car finally started we immediately hit the road, the rain leaving behind only a faint hiss as the tires rolled over the wet gravel. For the first time in days, there was no wind, no thunder, and only silence. I think about everything you're tryingJane sat beside me with her hands folded tightly in her lap. She didn't speak, didn't even look at me, and somehow I was grateful for it. I didn't have the strength for words right now and I don't want to argue either, definitely not with her.The hum of the engine filled the small space between us, and though I should have felt relief that the car was finally running again, all I felt was an ache sitting heavy in my chest. I kept my eyes on the narrow road ahead, watching the mist cling to the trees, the manor's tall, familiar silhouette beginning to take shape through the fog as we finally approach home after hours of driving. Magnolia Manor. Home, for her, at least. For me, it was just another post where job takes place