2025-08-22 19:19:14
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~ 173 ~
Zach’s gaze sharpened instantly, his casual posture shifting into something far more alert. The warm lamp light caught the lines of focus in his expression as he rose from the bed, phone in hand.“Are you serious, Yvonne?” he asked, skepticism curling in his tone.On the other end, Yvonne’s soft laugh carried confidence. “Come on, Mr. Skeptical. I told you there’s nothing I can’t find. I gave you my word, didn’t I?”For a moment, his lips curved into a faint smile, but it disappeared almost instantly when Barbara walked up to him. Her curious eyes studied him, her arms folded loosely across her chest.He cleared his throat. “You’re saying… you already found some antiques?”“Yes,” Yvonne replied proudly. “A week ago you mentioned them. Today, I secured a few pieces. They’re exactly what you are looking for.”Zach ran his hand across his jaw, impressed despite himself. He hadn’t expected results this quickly. “That’s… incredible.”“You sound surprised,” Yvonne teased.“I am,” he admitte
~172 ~
“Miss Yvonne…”Ricky’s low voice startled her.Her head snapped around, wide-eyed, and she hissed, “Shut up!”He froze, blinking at her, but his gaze immediately dropped to the bulging bag in her arms.Before he could speak, a faint creak echoed from her father’s room nearby. Without hesitation, she yanked Ricky inside, shutting the door softly behind them. Pressing him to the side, she leaned between the door and the wall, one hand gripping the knob, ears straining to catch any sound from the hallway.Ricky’s gaze flicked to the bag again, his brows furrowing in suspicion.“Miss…,” he whispered carefully, “did you… go into the room your father restricted?”“Ssh!” she hissed sharply.Then she heard footsteps. Heavy, deliberate. Yvonne’s heart lurched. She dropped the knob and, without thinking, pressed a hand against Ricky’s chest, leaning in so quickly her lips brushed his. The accidental kiss froze them both in place.His hand instinctively moved, shutting the door completely and se
~171 ~
Dafne pushed the door open, stepping into the house, and froze.The heavy stench of alcohol and smoke slapped her nose first, followed by the chaotic sight of the living room. Empty beer cans littered the rug, cigarette butts burned halfway into ashtrays, and three strange men lounged carelessly on the couches, laughing loudly at something Rabiu had just said.Her brows knitted in shock. “Rabiu…?”Rabiu, mid-laugh, turned. Surprise flickered across his face before a crooked grin spread on his lips. “Ahhh… my love is back,” he said, springing up. “Back from getting a lot for me, yeah?”The men chuckled knowingly, one of them muttering, “Man, you’re lucky.”Dafne stiffened, stopping after just a few hesitant steps inside. Rabiu swaggered toward her, arms stretched, reeking of liquor.“Wait, though…” he paused, tilting his head. “Why are you back so early? Didn’t I give you permission to stay out for a couple of nights? Render more services… make good money.”His tone dripped with mock s
~ 170 ~
Barbara’s lips trembled, but she finally gave a shaky nod. “O-Okay…”“Good,” McDonald said softly. “Now let us work.”They carried Zach carefully up the spiral staircase and into his bedroom, laying him gently on the bed. Barbara stood nearby, wringing her hands as Dr. Kieran opened Zach’s shirt and inspected the deep wound along his forearm.“It’s not too bad,” Dr. Kieran murmured, cleaning the area with swift precision before stitching it neatly. “He’s lost some blood… but that isn’t the real issue.”Barbara’s brow furrowed. “Then what is?”“His inner energy’s clashing,” Dr. Kieran explained calmly, his voice clinical yet reassuring. “He’s been pushing himself too hard, forcing his body beyond its limits. The collapse was inevitable. He just needs rest, and my treatment will stabilize him.”Barbara swallowed hard, nodding faintly, though her knuckles turned white where she clutched the edge of the nightstand. She watched every rise and fall of Zach's chest as she watched Dr. Kieran
~169~
Zach stepped further into the living room and placed the helmet gently on the couch. Blinking slowly, he studied her expression, his own softening under her glare.“God,” he said quietly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Don’t tell me you’ve been waiting for me for about an hour now.”Barbara’s jaw dropped. “Waiting for an hour? Try hours, Zach. I came over early when Mary said she would be out camping. I thought maybe, finally, we would have time together. I cooked dinner. I set up everything. It’s been sitting cold on the table for hours. And you just waltz in now?”He stepped forward, shoulders lowering, his voice hushed. “Barbara, I’m sorry.”She waved a dismissive hand. “No. That doesn’t cut it. Why weren’t you answering my calls?”He exhaled heavily, leaning back against the arm of the couch. “I went biking this afternoon. Wanted to enjoy the new motorcycle. I put my phone on DND. I swear I planned to be back before six—”“Well, congratulations,” she cut in, tossing her hair sharp
~ 168 ~
In one smooth motion, Zach sidestepped, grabbed his opponent’s arm, and slammed him onto the floor. The breath left the man in a painful grunt as Zach planted his boot on his chest.Before Zach could say anything, the wail of distant sirens split the night.“Police!” The man shouted, disappearing into his car and zooming off in fear.Panic spread instantly. The remaining conscious men scrambled to their feet, exchanging quick, terrified glances. Without another word, they bolted, disappearing into different alleys like frightened rats.Zach stood alone, breathing heavily but composed. He glanced down at the blood on his knuckles, clicking his tongue in annoyance.“Messy,” he muttered under his breath.He bent down, picked up the fallen baton, and twirled it once before tossing it aside with deliberate disdain. Pulling out a folded handkerchief from his pocket, he wiped the crimson smears from his hand slowly, methodically, as though erasing a nuisance rather than cleaning an injury.W
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