Rodriguez pov
Rodriguez stood before Vincent, his eyes cast downward in a mixture of fear and reverence.
"Master, I have news. August and Emily have built a stronger bond that will be hard to break."
Vincent's voice was laced with venom.
"Foolish mortal. You have failed me Rodriguez. First, you couldn't handle a simple task like sabotaging the ranch, and now you've let an ordinary assignment slip through your fingers."
Rodriguez trembled, his voice barely above a whisper. "I-I didn't expect August to bond so quickly, Master. He's a redoubtable opponent, and Emily trusts him completely."
Vincent's eyes narrowed, blazing with fury.
"I give you one last chance to redeem yourself, Rodriguez. Kill August!!, and I might spare your life."
Rodriguez swallowed hard, his mind racing with the weight of Vincent's demand. "Sire,I know u have failed my duties, but please what you demand is much more weighty than I thought."
Vincent voice burning in rage." Kill August and spare yourself or you spare August and I won't spare you. I'm leaving to decide."
"I will try not to fail you again, Master," Rodriguez vowed, his voice laced with fright but determined. "I'll bring you August's head, no matter what it takes."
Vincent's expression remained stern. "See that you do it, Rodriguez. The fate of the ranch, and your own life, depends on it."
Rodriguez bowed and backed away, his heart pounding in his chest.
Rodriguez's eyes scanned around the alley, His work requires a very careful process to avoid getting himself to trouble because August and Emily were on the lookout for him,
He pulled out a small phone from his pocket and dialed a number,The phone rang twice before a low, voice answered.
"Kiran dog," Rodriguez spoke his voice very low."I need your services, Dog,I have a job that requires your particular talents."
Kiran snorted. "How much?" Rodriguez hesitated, But he had no choice."Ten thousand dollars,"
Rodriguez said finally. The Dog whistled softly. "You're so desperate,Rodriguez. I like that. So tell me the job?"
Rodriguez's voice,set in determination."I need you to waste August. Permanently."
Kiran chuckled. "That's one of my least jobs"his tone sounds in amusement."Consider it done. But mind you if you want to trick me into this shit I will waste your life."
"Good," Rodriguez smiled. "I'll send you the details. Get it done, Kiran"
Emily's pov
"Exactly!" Emily replied,her eyes flashing with anger.
"I can't imagine, Rodriguez was my fri-enemy,is so hard to believe it." Emily's voice, filled with regrets.
"We need to get hold of that stupid Rodriguez. He's been behind all of the recent happenings in the ranch." Samantha spoke.
"Yes, yes, that reminds me... that day we saw a hoodie piece on the wall, I saw Rodriguez handing August exactly that same hoodie, and the piece looked so much the same,But I was thinking it was a coincidence.
August's face darkened. "That devil. Has been playing us all along."
Emily's jaw clenched. "He got too far to set me up Samantha,he destroyed,he murdered and terrorized my life. Emily's eyes tearing up.
"Emily,you have to be strong, myself and August are here for you,so you need to forget the traitor."Samantha consoled.
August's eyes narrowed. "I'll take care of him. But we need to be smart about it. He's desperate and dangerous now."
"I think our target should be to know who the boss is". Emily suggested
"We'll do it together,We're in this together, always." August voice lacing with reassurance.
"Okay, I'm in as well," Samantha said, determination in her voice.
Emily and August gaze turned to Samantha.
"No, Samantha. You shouldn't get involved in this. The game ahead is too dangerous."
Samantha's voice remained adamant.
"What do you mean? I'm already involved. I've been helping Emily with a series of investigations,so I'm part of the family.
August's voice was firm. "I know Samantha, but this is a different Case. Rodriguez is evil and dangerous. We can't risk your safety."
Samantha crossed her arms."I can take care of myself, August. Besides, I want to see how the saboteurs are punished and who Rodriguez works for?"
"We'll find out soonest Samantha,But August is right. Your safety matters a lot to us".
"Okay, fine," Samantha relented, her shoulders slumping in defeat.
"I understand. I'll stay out of it."
August's expression softened. "It's for the best, Samantha. We can't put your life at risk."
Samantha nodded, " I just feel like watching you fight this alone is not right,I want to do something to help."
"You have helped me with so many loads, Samantha. By staying safe, you're allowing us to focus on taking down Rodriguez without distractions."
Emily's voice was gentle.
Samantha sighed. "Fine I trust you, that you will fight for the best."
"Yes we promise". They said in unison causing them to stirr up a loud laugh.
Jake POV
Jake stepped out of the local general store, his hands full of supplies for the week. As he got towards his car, he noticed a stranger on his phone leaning against the wall,worry etched on his face.
"Hey! Pick up your call". He was so restless gazing at his phone, after several calls and declination it dawned on him he have been duped.
Jake's instincts kicked in. Something didn't feel right. He decided to approach the stranger.
"Can I help you?" Jake asked, his tone firm but polite.
The stranger turned, a charming smile spreading across his face.
"No.. just..admiring..the place,my friend. This town is quite amazing." He lied
Jake's eyes narrowed. "What's your name?"
"Rodriguez," the stranger replied, his eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief.
"Are you part of this town and What bring you to our town, Rodriguez?"
Rodriguez shrugged. "Just passing through. I'm a traveler, you know? I love seeing new places and meeting new people."
"But I saw you gazing at your phone with worry, seems like you are expecting a call?" Jake asked.
"Oh.. yeah... About the phone.. I had a business with a partner here in your town but I think he disappointed me cause his not picking up my calls." He lied trying to hide his anxiety and fear.
"Well, we don't get many strangers around here," Jake said finally. "You're welcome to stay for a while, but I'll need to ask you to keep your head up."
Rodriguez smiled. "No problem, my friend. I'm not a trouble maker."
Jake returned the smile, his eyes laced with suspense. "You're pretty well-covered up for a traveler. You're not hiding from someone, are you?"
Rodriguez's smile faded away trying to come up with lies that will cover up his tracks.
"Oh, no, no, nothing like that. I just... uh... have sensitive skin. Yeah, that's it. Sensitive skin issues."
Jake raised an eyebrow. "Sensitive skin? At this time of year? In this part of the country? that's something weird."
Rodriguez laughed nervously. "Well, I'm just a bit... fragile, that's all."
Jake's gaze lingered on Rodriguez's face, feeling something strange but he couldn't place his finger on what it was.
"Well, like I said, you're welcome to stay in town for a while," Jake said finally. "But I'll be keeping an eye on you, Rodriguez. Just in case,I can't trust you."
Rodriguez's smile widened, looking fake.
"Thanks, I appreciate your hospitality."
Jake nodded and turned to leave but stopped,Jake turned to face Rodriguez.
"Hey,since you're new around here, and your client disappointed you, I just wanted to give you my number. If you need anything or just want to grab a beer and talk, feel free to come by my place. I know what it feels like to be a stranger in a new town, especially in your own case."
Rodriguez felt a hint of surprise and gratitude.
"Thanks, man. That's really nice of you."
Jake smiled and handed the card to Rodriguez."Like I said, put a call across when you need my company."
Jake arrived home the supplies still clutched in his hands. He walked into the room, a curious expression on his face.
"Hey man, what's up with this busy attitude for almost three days now?"
August looked up from his maps, rubbing his eyes
"Just trying to get some work done, Jake..."
But before Jake could complete his words,his phone rang.
"Hey, baby," August said, his voice was low and gentle. "I miss you too... Yeah, I'm aware, I've been busy... No, no, it's not that, it's just... You are just being jealous, I'll explain later... okay, trust me,I love you too, Emily."
Jake watched, amused, as his brother's face went from tired and exhausted to soft and lovesick.
August finally hung up, Jake let out a big outburst of laughter.
"Wait, is this some kind of children's love story or what? You guys just quarrel then call each other baby the next?".
"Shut up, Jake. What's even your business uhh? Jobless boy, you came all the way to my room still carrying what you got from the mall who does that."
"So what's that you are doing, when did you start doing the work of the workers. Jake voice appeared nonchalant.
"I'm strategizing out a plan for her ranch, okay? Since you would die if I didn't tell you."
Jake's face covered with a disgusted look.
"Ohh! As what? Superman? Let me ask you what did you see in that girl, August? Someone who makes you have a sleepless night, the same twine that believed you sabotaged her stolen ranch and now she's got you running errands for her like a coward.."
August's eyes flashed with anger. "Hey, Jake, who made you a judge over my case? We all make mistakes, and she's apologized for hers. Don't be so quick to judge, little brother."
Jake threw up his hands in defeat..
"Whatever, August. You're clearly not listening to reason. I'm out of here, because you are blinded by love".
He turned and walked away, shaking his head in doubt.
"I can't believe you're letting some girl tie her finger around you like this. You're smarter than that." He whispered.
"Jake wait!!" August called out but he ignored the call and kept walking.
"Fine,be it that way." August echoed returning back his apology.
Emily's pov
Emily paced back and forth in her room, her heart heavy with sorrow. Recalling everything that had happened just a few weeks ago. The revelation that Rodriguez is the betrayal made Emily more annoyed she can't imagine being entangled with her enemy for awhile.
Emily's phone beeped, signifying a message from August. Her heart skipped a beat as she read the words, her mind racing with anticipation. "Meet me outside please,come alone. I have got something important to show you, concerning the saboteur.
Emily's curiosity piqued,she looked at the wall clock it says (7:50pm)
"What could August want to show me that again that was so important?"
She slipped into her jacket and footwear and stepped out, her heart began to race.
"August? Are you here?"Emily called out for August, but there was no response.
Emily's eyes scanned the darkness, looking out for August,she tried calling his number, but it went straight to voicemail.
And then, the street lights flickered and died. Emily's heart skipped a beat as she realized she was plunged into a trap
"Someone is trying to set me up." She thought to herself.
She heard footsteps approaching, heavy and deliberate. Emily's fear turned to panic as she tried to run, her legs trembling in fright She stumbled and almost fell her hair scattering across her face.
She got to her feet and kept running, the faster she ran the closer the footsteps approached.
Emily could hear the sound of weapons being thrown, the clattering and clashing of metal on the wall.
Emily's heart raced as she kept up the race.ran, her breath coming so fast. She could feel the person's hot breath on her neck, their footsteps getting closer and closer.
And then, she saw a small light in the distance, revealing her front door.
Emily's heart was full of hope as she ran towards it, Emily sprinted towards her door, determined to slam it shut. But her opponent was too strong, and he dragged the door to open, trying to defeat her efforts to shut it.
As they struggled, Emily's phone slipped from her holds and fell to the ground. She saw the gloved hand man pick up the phone.
Finally, Emily managed to slam the door shut, but the victory wasn't complete because her phone was gone.
Suddenly,a loud sound followed,it was shattered only by two loud bangs on the door, and then, an unsettling stillness. Emily's heart skipped in fear and fright.
Emily's eyes fixed on the shattered window. The sound of the object crashing through the glass still echoed in her mind. Emily heart kept racing her breathing was tensed.
Emily finally managed to break free from her trance state and figure how to find a way to save herself. She searched the room for a weapon, her eyes blending with the darkness for anything that could protect her. She managed to hold onto a heavy vase.
With shaking hands, Emily grabbed the vase, to defend herself if necessary. She tiptoe towards the door.She approached the door, she heard a faint whispering outside.
Emily's grip on the vase tightened, trying to fight her fear and she prepared herself for the worst. Suddenly, the whispering stopped.
"I have to get out of there,". She thought to herself
With a deep breath, she slowly got outside. Then ran straight to the hallway. With the vase still clutched in her hand,She didn't bother to look back, fearing what she might see.
Her mind racing with fear, and her breath came in short gasps.As she reached the stairs, Emily's foot caught loose, and she fell forward, the vase shattering on the floor,She groan in pain.
Suddenly everything went black.
Jake was focused in his work, when a sudden,bang on the door interrupted him. He glared at the door, with disgust.
"Who could be so rude as to disturb me at this hour?" he thought to himself.
August,intervened, "Jake, go see who it is. It might be important."
Jake reluctantly got up, his annoyance growing with each step. He opened the door, and his eyes widened in shock.
Emily stood before him, her appearance disgusting, her legs dirty, and her gaze pleading for help.
Jake's anger turned to amusement,and he burst out laughing, unable to control his emotions.
"Were you chased by a ghost to this place , or did you have a relay with a wild animal?" Jake teased, his laughter echoing through the room.
August felt curious and his voice cut off Jake's laughter...
"Mrs rancher, what are you doing here? What's wrong?" Jake teased,blocking Emily's entry with his arm, his expression stern.
"Where do you think you're going, Emily? You know you're not welcome here. Haven't I made that clear?"
Emily's eyes fixed onto Jake's face,her gaze pleading.
"Please, Jake. Can you let me inside, I will explain when I get in,I'm so scared."
August's voice softened, "Jake, let her in. There must be a vital issue why she is here by this time."
Jake's expression remained stern,he slowly lowered his arm, allowing Emily to go in. Jake's eyes gazing at her with malice.
"What's going on, Emily?" August asked, his voice laced with concern. "You look like you've been through a lot."
Emily gazed at Jake and turning over to August.
"August... her voice barely above a whisper,
"I didn't have a choice. I had to come here. I'm in danger."
"Danger? What kind of danger?". August said his tone dripping in anticipation.
"The kind that will kill me if I don't get help." She replied.
"So how did it happen?" August asked patting Emily's back for her to calm down.
As Emily narrated the story, Jake's expression remained nonchalant and August's eyes filled with concern.
August's eyes narrowed, "That's very dangerous, they almost endangered your life, I'm so sorry you passed through this Emily, come here."
He embraced her patting her head gently,to calm her nerves from the ugly event.
Jake,let out a sarcastic sigh.
"Oh, poor Emily, evil people surrounding her."
He chuckled to himself, "I'm sure it's just another one of your cooked up stories,so you could come take foodstuffs."
August's gaze remained fixed on Emily.
"Ignore him, Emily. And focus on me you are here to see me.what happened."
Jake stood up, interrupting.
"Well, I've told you before, and I won't repeat myself. If I see you here again, I'll be the villain that will kill you. Rubbish!" He scoffed, and continued.
"You look so messy, anyway for August's sake, make sure to shower before laying on any of the house property."He walked out.
August's expression softened, "Emily, don't mind Jake. He doesn't understand."
Emily's eyes welled up with tears, "I know, August. I was wrong to treat you badly. I'm sorry."
August's voice was gentle, "You apologized, and I forgave you. It's all in the past now."
Emily nodded, her eyes still brimming with tears.
"Thank you, August. I'm just so scared. I don't know who's trying to hurt me."
"Is fine, all you need now is rest, come let's go in so you can sleep away the trauma,everything is going to be okay." August reassured.
The next morning, Emily woke up rubbing off the sleep from her eyes feeling a sense of relief wash over her. As she got out of bed, she noticed August sitting in the armchair, watching her with a cute expression.
"Good morning," he said softly. "How are you feeling today?"
Emily gave a weak smile. "Better, thanks. Just a bit dizzy".
August nodded understandingly. "That's understandable so you need to rest. I can see you haven't recovered fully.
Emily tried to brush it aside.
"I'm fine, really. I just need to get things done."
"Don't lie to me, Emily. I know you're still recovering. Let me take care of things for now. Your well-being is now my priority since you are my visitor." August spoke
"I insist"Emily spoke up giving a puppy eyes.
"Emily, I'm ordering you to stay away from the ranch for you now,I'll handle everything,"
Emily's face twisted in discomfort.
"August, I can't just hide while you face danger alone. I need to stand by your side, no matter what.And most importantly your family, they don't want me."
August gave a small smile. "Jake... he's my junior brother, he won't hurt you. He wouldn't dare touch anything that belongs to me, including you."
And my father, he is going through some challenges on his legs,so for now his harmless, the illness has limited his walk."
Emily was flabbergasted.
"You never told me about your father's condition!"
"I sent a letter to you through Rodriguez, explaining my father's illness."
"Really? I never got that letter! Maybe you thought I didn't care about it
Rodriguez must have torn it up."
"I understand it.It's clear that Rodriguez didn't pass the information."
August patted Emily on her shoulder.
"Now I suspect he was behind last night's attack."she spoke.
August's face softened."I knew it. That's why I need you to stay safe,I'll take care of everything. See you when I return."
As August turned to leave, Emily went to him, throwing her arms around his neck.
"Stay safe, August.Please come back to me."
Without much words she got her lips to meet his in a deep, passionate kiss. There eyes closed savouring the moment.
As they pulled away, Emily whispered, her voice still in the mood.
"I love you."
August's eyes building with pleasure. "I love you too.Emily,more than anything."
And with that, he turned and walked away.
"Oughhh!".Emily's stomach growled with hunger, reminding her she hadn't eaten all day.
She carefully opened the door, not to stir up attention and walked to the kitchen.
As she got to the kitchen, she was met with an unwelcome sight,
Jake, was standing by the counter, making his breakfast. He sighed, as he saw her.
"Well, well, well. Good morning our honorable guest," Jake cajoled, his voice dripping with malice. "The little orphan, mooching for food like a rat."
Emily ignored his words, her eyes fixed on the coffee maker. She got a cup to make her coffee to calm her nerves.
Jake,took a step closer, his eyes gleaming with malice.
"You know, Emily, Jake once said,you don't have a seat here, you are not welcome here. You're just a bait for August, his voice laced with amusement."
Emily felt a surge of fear, but she bit her tongue, refusing to show her weakness.
He focused on making her coffee, her hands shaking slightly..
Jake slammed in disgust.
"You're even a disgrace in the kitchen. Can't even make a decent cup of coffee,so tell me what are good at?".
Emily's eyes flashed with anger, but she kept her cool, knowing that Jake was a trouble finder.
She got her coffee, poured herself a cup, and turned to leave.
But then Jake's hand grabbed her arm.
"You're not going anywhere, Emily. Because your space is not available,you're going to stay right here and listen to what I have to say."His voice reeling with venom.
Emily tried to pull away, but Jake's grip was too strong. Her coffee held firm in her hands.
"Let me go, Jake!" Emily demanded, trying to wrestle her arm free.
Jake laughed,"Oh, you could actually talk, weakling You think August actually cares about you? He's just using you to get back the ranch. You're nothing but a bait in his game."
Emily's eyes flashed with anger. "That's not true! August loves me, and I love him, you are doing all of this because you hate me,you can't deny it."
Jake laughed. "Love? Ha! August doesn't know the meaning of the word. He's just using you to play his game,and once he's done with you, he'll discard you like the trash that you are."
Emily maintained her composure."I would rather choose to be discarded by August than to have my ranch stand back by strangers." Her voice cracking,tears piling up.
"Interesting! Jake's voice dripping in amusement. "You know stay away from me, Emily," he snarled. "I'm displeased by your presence."
Vincent pov
Vincent's eyes narrowed as he leaned his back in his chair, his gaze fixed deeply on Blackie.
"So, how did the task go?
Blackie,smiled slyly as he dipped out a phone and handed it over.
"I managed to get her phone, she was so fast that I could get hold of her."
Vincent's eyes lit up with anger, but faded away immediately."The work wasn't delivered as ordered, but will pardon you because you got something treasurable". Jake spoke tossing the phone examining the phone.
"I will give you an upper hand,you're a true asset to our team."
Just then, another messenger, Raven, burst into the room, interrupting the meeting.
"Master! I have some bad news. His face pale
"Mr Flynn was at Emily's ranch today, but he wasn't alone. He had security agents with him, and they were tight-lipped about their assignment."
Vincent's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing. "What do you mean? I sent you to gather information, not to come back with boring stories!. I hate excuses." Vincent slammed his fist on his table his eyes raging with wrath.
Raven swallowed hard jerking at his reaction.
"I'm sorry, boss, but August was focused on repairing the ranch,And his security agents were well armed.I couldn't get close enough to carry out the plot."
Vincent's face turned red with rage, his fists clenched. "Useless! You're all useless!.
Vincent's eyes blazed with fury..
"August is standing in my way, and anyone who gets in my way will be crushed. I will not be threatened or intimidated by him or anyone else. I will have to let him know I'm the boss , a reminder that he will never forget."
His words were laced with venom.
"He thinks he can stand up to me? Ha! I will show him the true meaning of power. I will crush him.you won't compete with me. I will squash you beneath the heel. And soon, very soon, you will learn the true meaning of fear."
The room grew colder, His eyes flashed with danger.
His gaze shifted to Blackie and Raven.
"You two, leave my office. Now."
"Yes, boss," they chimed in unison, as they walked out of the office. Shutting the door behind them.
Vincent kept mute, plotting on the next action to take.