Chapter 57
“Who the hell are you?” James growled, his anger palpable.
The waiter didn’t bother with words and just landed a kick that cracked James ribs. “Feel the pain?”
James was in too much pain to respond, and in the dim light, he couldn’t make out the guy’s fire.
crew your the waiter spor out, kicking James into inconsciousness and then using the left,
James was left there, half–beaten in death, and it took his half an hour to come to his senses. Instead of
This place was his secret spot, known in unly a handful of people, James condil
Hayden, still in the alley, lit a cigarette, his agtanion from the fight still viable,
ink making
ng the cops, he dialed his men.
“Hayden, you’re a soldier, not a thug Zach said as he approached, noticing Hayden’s lingering appression. “Aren’t you worried James will call the cops!
“He won’t dare,” Hayden scoffed. Find our who he met inslay.”
Then Hayden tossed a photo to Zach, capturing the license plate of the car the man in black had used when leaving. Hayden had been lucky keeping an eye on James and getting an unexpected lead..
⠀⠀⠀ “On n‘” Zach nodded, taking a deep breaths.
“And I’m retired” Hayden gestured to has wound “Medical discharge”
Zach nodded quickly. “Right you’re retired and still have the Reed Group to inherit” Hayden stayed silent.
“With James out of the picture, Marilyn will be too busy to mess with us. Vera’s gonna get what’s coming to her,” Zach assured Hayden.
Hayden nodded, and his reason for taking down James today was to put him in the hospital.
“Carl called and said Austin went to see Courtney, Zach said, watching Hayden’s reaction cautiously. “Carl thinks Austin was ready to kill.”
Hayden’s face darkened, his hands balling into this
“But deep down, Courtney still has Austin’s back. Afterward, Carl asked Courtney if she wanted to report Austin, but she said no.” Zach said with a
He went on. “They’re husband and wife, with years of history. You’re on the outside looking in. Don’t end up with nothing. They’re still a pair”
Zach wasn’t holding out hope for Courtney; he thought Courtney would choose Austin no matter what Hayden did.
Hayden paused, not speaking. He could guess that Courtney’s refusal to go after Austin meant she still loved him. Hayden knew how much Courtney!
y loved Austin, and that drove him mad with jealousy.
“Where are you going?” Zach called out as Hayden turned to leave “Hayden, she’s still married to Ausiin. Can’t you to help her again! What can you get in the end?”
hare
sume pride! Are you going
“Hayden! You weren’t this spineless before. You used to say no man was good enough for you! Zach reminded him.
“What so great about Courtney! I’ve been watching her for days, and can’t see it. She’s just a timid woman. Everyone che came back line, but she became inute. She’s not your type, Zach said with a dismissive wave of his hand.
As soon as Zach finished speaking. Hayden grabbed his collar, Zach always knew how to push Layden’s buttons
“After five years, you think I can’t handle you anymore? Hayden threatened in a low voice. “When you don’t know someone, it’s best to keep your mouth shut. She’s not a docile woman; she’s a rose with thors.”
Zach raised his hands, intimidated by Hayden’s aura, surrendering. “Alright, alright, I’m wrong”
“Her colleague died right in front of her, trying to save her, and he got shot in the head. If that happened to you, could you handle it?” Hayden
asked
“It’s not just mental torture; it’s a burden on your conscience. She’ll hate herself for life, Hayden said, his voice heavy. He knew she couldn’t escape
the shadow of Mark’s death.
“Lucas was known as the Zomona Phoenix. Even international peacekeeping forces couldn’t take him down, but he almost slied at Courtney’s hands” Hayden said, his voice low.
Zach was shocked. “Courtney! She almost killed Lucas?” He really
y couldn’t imagine it
11:02 AM c
Chapter 57
“You should be grateful you were born in a peaceful country, not just a peaceful time,” Hayden said as he
into the car. looking at Zach.
ve the
“After Mark died, for a long time, Courtney didn’t want to live. I watched her, time and again, courting death by trying to sacrifice herself to save rest of the thedical team”
“She’s smart and brave, and when she acts tough, she’s like a flower blooming in the desert. Hayden spoke of Courtney with eyes unclouded by any impurity. He just loved Courtney’s soul.
“She had the guts to use checking on the injured as a cover to get her team to safety, and then she went after Lucas on her own, armed with a makeshift poison, Hayden sid.
“She was this close to taking him out: I’m the one who held her back, Hayden added. He knew if Lucas had died in her hand, she wouldn’t have been able to leave South Weidan alive.
Zach, never
ver underestimate anyone, especially women. Their strength and resilience surpass our imagination and understanding.” Hayden advised. his gaze intense.
Zach fell silent, regretting his earlier judgment of Courtney. He might not know Courney well, but he knew Hayden. A woman who commanded Hayden’s respect deserved respect from them all.
I’m sorry.” Zach apologized to Hayden.
