SECRETS DECIPHERED

Samantha's POV Once I brought up my brother, the cabin's air felt tense. I did not want to draw him into this. I had kept his existence as far from Jared's warped game as I could have. But we were out of time and I was out of alternatives now. Adrian's eyes begged the question—the one he hadn't asked but was ready to be answered. "Your brother?," Though Adrian's voice was low and consistent, I sensed some doubt. "Why have you not mentioned him before?" I backed off, folded my arms and fixed our wooden table. I wasn't sure how to convey this without disclosing aspects of my background Adrian wasn't ready for. But for that it was too late. He needed the complete truth if we were to make it. "My brother and I... we haven't been close for a long time," I said softly. "He started hanging around some bad folks—people Jared even worries about. For this reason, Jared has always left him alone. Adrian leaned closer to study me, narrowing his eyes. And what do you want your sibling to have? I froze. The question hung thick in the atmosphere. For what did my brother wish? He was not someone who did favors out of pure compassion. That troubled me as it always had something in it for him. Still, I had to run the risk. Had I not, Jared would wreck everything. "He wants power," I said at last, looking directly at Adrian. Still, he is clever about it. He understands he can get leverage in areas he never would have had if he assists us in bringing down Jared. Lucas had been listening silently all through, but now he spoke, his voice cool but firm. "Why should we trust your brother if his level of danger is what you describe? Why won't he be turning on us the minute we have what we need? I bit hard, his question weighing me down. Given he owes me. And he knows, had it not been for seriousness, I would not have come to him. Though I could see Adrian and Lucas waiting for me to elaborate, I felt neither ready to get into the specifics. Some things I couldn't express yet—things I wasn't even sure I understood personally. But I believed that would be sufficient to persuade them that our best shot was my brother. Adrian added, his voice lower now, "if he owes you," then "let's make sure debt works in our favor." Rising from the table, he paced the little room while his mind plainly worked through the logistics. We ought to get in touch with him. Find out his stance. I pointed to her. "I'm reachable. He will want to get together personally. Adrian stopped counting and fixed his eyes on me. Do you have faith in him, Sam? Though the question was basic, the response was not. Did my brother inspire faith in me? Not sure either. One thing, though, I knew—he was the one who could help us bring Jared down. My voice firm, "I have no choice," I said. "He is the only hope we have." Getting in touch with my brother was more difficult than it used to be. Layers of people and rules stood in place to guard him from the very individuals he had previously known. It was his means of remaining in control and of keeping safe. I knew, nevertheless, how to go past them. Though it took hours, by the time the dawn was beginning to rise I had sent a message via the correct channels, one I knew would get to him. The cabin's quiet seemed stifling. Adrian was clearly thinking deeply, planning and computing the next action. He was always that—focused, under control. Though I understood it also carried a great weight, it was among the qualities I loved about him. But I was seeing Adrian less of these days. I had varied impressions of him. We had evolved from nervous buddies to something more over the last several weeks. Though subdued, whispered, it was indisputable. More than just safety, his attitude toward me and his attempts to shield me even when I didn't need him to—showcased It was simply care. In a game like this, though, care may kill you. I moaned and massaged my temples. Now, I afford to consider those things. Not while Jared was on his next move outside, planning. Not just as my brother was going to be thrown into this turmoil. I had to remain disciplined and control my feelings. Adrian broke the stillness by saying, "You've been quiet." Startled, I gazed up. Leaning on the counter, his arms crossed, he was staring at me with those fierce eyes. "I'm just thinking," I said quietly. " about my brother. concerning everyone. Adrian pushed off the counter and walked toward me to settle down across from me at the table. "You know, you don't have to carry this alone. I barely grinned. "I've been carrying it alone for so long, I don't know how to let someone else help." At first he only watched me; he said nothing. Then he stretched forward, his hand covering mine. Though small, that act meant more than just words. I felt as though I was not alone, for the first time in a long period. Like maybe just maybe, I did not have to accomplish this on my own. My phone buzzed across the table before I could reply. As I took it, reading the message, my heart shot into my throat. Hello, me. Same spot as before. brother of mine. He would be ready to meet. My heart thumping, I looked up at Adrian. It's him. There was a tense drive to the meeting spot. While Adrian and I traveled to a little, isolated spot far in the woods, Lucas stayed behind to monitor the safehouse. My brother loved visiting locations no one would consider to be interesting, ones that would provide him an advantage. The clearing looked vacant when we got here. I got out of the car and looked about, the cool breeze stinging on my skin. Though I knew better than to expect him to be just waiting out in the open, there was no indication of him. I murmured softly, "He'll be here," to Adrian, who was standing next, keen and ready. A few minutes later I heard it: trees rustling. Turning just in time, I saw someone emerge from the darkness. His brother. Since his last visit, he had not altered all that much. Same confident posture and piercing eyes. But now, something colder and more difficult about him emerged. "Samantha," he stated in a chilly voice. "It's been a while." Too long, I said, my voice steady. He raised an eyebrow and turned to Adrian, past me. You have brought company, I see. "He's with me," I answered hurriedly, stepping forward. "We need you, Alex." Alex's gaze swung back to me, then slightly narrowed. Aid? You insisted on nothing to do with me last time we spoke. "This is different," I responded, sounding begging. Jared here. He is coming for us both. This cannot be done without you. Alex said nothing at first, just watched me with that deliberate stare. Then he gave a smug grin. For years Jared has been following me. Why would I pay attention now? "Because I'm your sister," I answered, my voice breaking just a little. And Jared wins if you don't help. Alex's smile vanished, and for the first time I noticed something flickering in his eyes. He moved in closer, his look tough yet deliberate. "You are right," he remarked gently. Jared cannot be allowed to win. Alex turned to go, then looked back at me, his voice low and lethal. "But Sam, you would better be ready for what is ahead. There is no going back once we start this. Heart thumping, I watched him vanish into the forest. He was right, as I knew. The end was beginning to show here.