TORN THREADS

Samantha's POV I stood at the brink of our new existence, the sounds of Leo's laughing resounding down the hall and the kitchen humming with fresh coffee. This was the peace following the storm, but the traces of our previous anarchy still wafted like smoke following a fire. I peered out the window to see the magnificently rising New York skyline against dawn. The city seemed both familiar and alien, a world Adrian and I had battled for our family, our love, and our life. mom! Would we be able to visit the park today? Leo's words tore through my dream, and I turned to find him standing in the doorway, his small face ablaze with delight. "Of course, sweetheart," I said, trying to smile despite the fear chewing at my gut. First, let's eat breakfast, okay? Walking in exactly as I turned back to the kitchen, Adrian carried a cup of coffee. He seemed worn-out, shadows under his eyes reflecting the restless evenings he had gone through. Still, his stride exuded a will that sent off a flutter of optimism inside me. "Did I hear something about the park?" Ruffling Leo's hair as he passed, Adrian inquired. "Yeah! Could we leave, Daddy? Leo beaming up at him, I could see the light in Adrian's eyes as he bent to meet our son's gaze. Yes. We will spend the day remembering after breakfast. Although Adrian's grin seemed sincere, I couldn't get rid of the impression that under surface tensions were boiling. Our eating changed the mood. Unspoken words hung between Adrian and me, a wall we had not yet broken, weighing me. Though the notion of it made my tummy turn, I knew we had to talk about Victor's threats and the fallout. Suddenly disturbing the quiet, Adrian murmured, "Sam." "We have to discuss the meeting today. I turned to gaze, my fork poised above my dish. "What gathering?" "The one seated with my board. They want to talk about our next plans, but I have to walk lightly given Victor's meddling. The knot in my gut started to tighten. "Are they still considering ejecting you?" His voice low and forceful, he said, "Not if I can help it." But they are shy. The aftermath from everything with Victor has rocked their faith in me. "So, what's the scheme?" Slinking in, I asked. "We cannot allow them to define your value. You founded Adrian's firm. You are entitled to be leading it. He shook his head, looking serious. "I object to you becoming engaged in this. I have to personally deal with it. First is your safety, then Leo's. "Adrian," I said, my pulse pounding. You cannot accomplish this by yourself. We are a team here. "I know," he responded, his voice starting to show irritation. But occasionally, working as a team calls for difficult decisions. You should not be worried about me. "I worry since I love you," I fired back, the feeling bursting forth. "And like you want to protect us, so do you want to protect yourself." He ran a palm over his face, obviously divided. He added at last, "We'll get through this," but the doubt in his voice disturbed me. We resolved to bring Leo to the park following breakfast. It was a wonderful diversion from the weight of our conversations, a little period of pretending that everything was normal. Leo sprinted ahead as we strolled hand in hand, his laughter resonating in the clear air like melody. My heart bursting with pride, I watched him scale the jungle gym. For him, this was a life devoid of shadows and anxiety. "Look at him," Adrian murmured, a grin starting to blossom on his face as he observed our son. "He is growing up quite quickly." Indeed, my heart is full, I said. And we have to make sure he gets the finest future we can provide. Together, Adrian said, grabbing my hand. We chose a bench and watched Leo play among some kids. Though the tranquility was fleeting, it felt as though we had briefly fled the tumult of our life. My phone broke the quiet in my pocket by buzzing fiercely. Pulling it out, I saw on the screen an unidentified number flashing. My stomach sank. "Who is it?", observing my abrupt change in attitude, Adrian asked. I hesitated, then said, "I'm not sure." "Should I respond?" "Maybe it's important," he said softly. Drawing a long breath, I hit the button to respond. "Hello??" Is this Samantha Dawson? A deep voice on the phone made me shudder. Yes, who is this? My pulse thrashed as I answered. Agent Blake here with the FBI. We should talk to you about Victor Moretti and his colleagues. My heart sank. "What about him?" Would you be able to meet us today? There are specifics of the research you should be informed about. Adrian's brow wrinkled, and as he leaned forward I could sense his strain. He said, his voice almost above a whisper: "What is it?" Samantha, you have been under observation. Agent Blake murmured, urgency evident in his voice, which shivered my spine. "where?" I inquired, my thoughts racing. "The park you are presently in. Look just for the black SUV. I hung up the call, terror flooding me. "Adrian; they're here." "What?" His face grew solemn, and he looked about. "Across the street is a black SUV parked. They would like to see Victor personally. "What do they wish for?" Adrian insisted, rising from his chair. Not said would be their attitude. But they said it is critical. Sam, you cannot accomplish this by yourself. I'm here with you. Though his protective instincts took hold, I realized we had to exercise caution. "No," I insisted strongly. "This might be hazardous. Should Victor become involved, you must remain with Leo. Adrian stopped, his gaze darting across me. "What if they are engaged in game-playing? Suppose this is a trap instead? My heart pumping, I said, "I don't know." "But we cannot overlook this. I had to leave. Sam— I cut him off, adamant that I had to do this. "For Leo". For us. I will be careful; I promise. Adrian nodded tightly and turned back, though I could see concern on his face. "Just let your phone run continuously. You know nothing; call me the second you know. I said, trying to relax him with a forced grin. Mind whirling, I headed toward the street. My heart hammered louder with every step as I neared the SUV. The door opened and a black suit-clad tall man emerged. With a sobering tone, he asked, "Ms. Dawson?" Certainly? I answered, straightening myself for whatever news was about to arrive. "Agent Blake is waiting for you inside," he continued, pointing for me to pass through. I hesitated, then turned back to Adrian and Leo, who were now observing with concerned looks. I inhaled deeply and got in the car. The door closed behind me, isolating me from everything known. As the SUV veered away from the curb, the agent added, "Thank you for coming." "We have to talk about Victor's contacts and what they mean for your family and yourself." "Just tell me," I begged, fear coursed through me. "What does he wish for??" "He is not content with merely getting retribution. He has a schedule and it calls for you. I bit hard, my palms moist. "What kind of strategy?" "He wants to use your relationship with Adrian. Knowing how much you matter to him, he is ready to do everything to pull that apart. I got shivers running down my back. "How are you aware of this? "Reports on intelligence have followed Victor's travels. He is now rather desperate, and desperate men act irresponsibly. My heart pounding, I clutched the side of my seat. "What does he want to do?" "We are not sure right now. But he has been seeking flaws; your family ranks first on his list. "Leo?," I murmured, terror gathering in my gut. The agent gave a serious nod. "We think he might try to turn your son against Adrian or you. He sees a chance to control you both here. "No," I said, terror rising inside me. "He wouldn't," The agent stopped and said, "Victor is capable of anything." We have to keep you secure. We will need a protective detail whether Leo and you plan to be involved. I nodded, attempting to grasp the weight of the matter. "What ought I to do?" Stay near Adrian. You never travel anywhere without him. We will track your travels; nevertheless, you should call us right away if you see anything unusual. My phone buzzed in my pocket just as I started to reply. Pulling it out, Adrian's name blazed over the screen. I said, "Excuse me," putting it in front of her. "Adrian? " Sam? Where are you currently? What is happening? His speech was erratic, tinged with anxiety. "I'm in the SUV accompanied by an FBI agent. They know about Victor, I said fast, heart pounding. Pressing "Is it safe?" he asked.