Thirteen
As Cyrus,Tristan, Atlas, and I load up into Cyrus’ Jeep Wrangler, I try not to think about Ezra’s absence. He knew what time we were leaving for Melanie’s, but when I knocked on his door this morning to retrieve him, I found his bed noticeably cold. I expected things to blow over overnight, but maybe the things I said pushed him too far. Calling him damaged beyond repair is one of the many mistakes I’ve made so far.
This morning, instead of using the time to catch up on sleep like the others, I spent most of my time thinking about Al and those mistakes that led us here. The guys were right. I needed to get a hold of myself, to rein my emotions back in before I faced Melanie. But in order to do that, I needed to let myself feel them. Even if just for a moment.
So at 4am this morning, cloaked in the darkness of my room, I allowed myself a moment of weakness. One last time to wallow in all the fucking mistakes I made. To feel all the pain, hurt, and sadness I’ve been trying so hard to suppress. To cry until there were no more tears left to fall.
In a lot of ways, everything that happened last night still feels like a dream. Like some crazy ass twisted nightmare I can’t seem to find my way out of. But when I close my eyes, I can still feel Dimitri’s fingers digging into my wrists. And even after a long hot shower, the scent of charred flesh still lingers on my skin.
Yesterday was hell, in more ways than one. But today's a new day, and I'm determined more than ever to get my sister back.
The plan the guys came up with is simple. Whoever took Alex doesn't know we know she's gone yet. Which means, if it was Melanie, showing up at her house out of the blue like this could be our last opportunity to catch her off guard. To distract her long enough to hack into her phone and see if she had anything to do with it.
It’s a fool-proof plan. At least, it will be if I can keep my emotions in check.
In the hours since Alex’s kidnapping, my hate towards Melanie has only grown. Before all this, I didn’t know shit about her. She was just a woman who hated me because of Atlas. But taking my sister makes it personal. This isn’t some bullshit rivalry over a man. Alex is my family, and I trusted Melanie, or at the very least, I started to.
I know she has something to do with this, and I’d love nothing more than to beat the information out of her. But if I want the truth, I have to play nice. I’m not letting my hate for her fuck up what could be our only chance of getting my sister back.
* * *
Atlas pullsthe SUV to a slow stop in front of Melanie’s entrance gate and rolls down his window. On the drive up here, I realized just how stupid my whole “I’ll go by myself” idea actually was. The place is like Fort Knox. There’s a monstrous 12ft wall wrapped around the entire perimeter and, as if that wasn't enough of a deterrent, I’ve spotted at least ten different armed guards walking the property line in the last five minutes. There’s no way in hell anyone is getting into her home without a written invitation.
A young man in a guard’s uniform steps out of the guard station and approaches us. Even hidden under his navy baseball cap, I can tell he looks young. 19, 20 maybe. He levels his eyes on our car and as soon as he spots Atlas in the driver's seat, recognition flickers across his face almost immediately.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Cole.” He says, reaching through the window to shake Atlas’ hand. “New car?”
“My brother’s.” Atlas says, nodding his head towards Cyrus in the passenger seat. Cy gives the guard a small wave and his friendliest smile, and the kid visibly relaxes.
“Let me get you two all checked in and you’ll be on your way.” He glances down at his tablet, pulls up what looks like a calendar, and begins scrolling through it. After a few swipes, his smile falters and his dusty blonde brow furrows in confusion. “It doesn’t look like Ms. Diaz is expecting any visitors today.”
“It’s a bit of a surprise visit.” Atlas confesses, keeping the calm smile plastered on his face. “I can call her for you, if you'd like? But that may ruin the surprise.”
The guard hesitates, trying to decide between following protocol and not doing anything to piss off his boss. It’s obvious Mel runs a tight ship, and he’s having a hard time deciding which risk is worth taking.
“You know what, don't worry about it.” He caves, setting his tablet down. “I’m sure it'll be fine. You can just buzz her at the front door.”
“Thanks Tim,” Atlas retorts, throwing the car into drive. “I appreciate it.”
“Of course, Mr. Cole.” Tim says, nodding his head. “Have a good day!”
As Tim rushes to open the gate for us, Atlas rolls up his window and firmly wraps his fingers around the steering wheel. He flashes Tim one last easy smile before we glide past him and enter through the gates.
“That was easy.” Cyrus notes.
“Almost too easy.” Tristan says peering up at the house suspiciously.
“Perks of being her fiancé?” I muse.
“Perks of being persuasive.” Atlas bristles, clenching his jaw. “The engagement is off and you know it was nothing more than an arrangement of convenience.”
“Yeah.” I reply, with bitter sarcasm coating my tongue. “Tell that to her pyromaniac ass.”
“P.” Cyrus warns, silently reminding me to stay level headed.
“I know.” I say, exhaling an exasperated sigh.“I’m done.”
He’s right. We’re here for Alex, and letting Melanie get under my skin won’t bring me any closer to finding her.
