Page 17 of Rule
"Tristan's right," Hugo adds, his eyes narrowing with concern. "We must be prepared for anything."
"Then let's get to work," I declare, feeling a surge of energy course through me as I take charge of our destiny.
ChapterTwelve
Hugo
My life has just been shattered. The news of my father's unexpected death crashes into me like a tidal wave, tearing through the very core of my being. It's so sudden, so final – I can't wrap my head around it.
"Mr. Baker-Horton," the police officer says, his voice a distant echo in the whirlwind of my thoughts. "I understand this must be difficult for you. But we need to discuss the circumstances surrounding your father's passing."
His words don't register as if spoken in a foreign language. My mind races, replaying every interaction with my father, searching for any clue that could have warned me of this outcome. Yet, all I find is an overwhelming sense of shock and devastation.
"Please," I manage to choke out. "Give me a moment."
Excusing myself from the room, I leave the officer behind. My legs feel weak, barely supporting my weight as I stumble down the hallway of the mansion to Max’s office. Each step feels heavier than the last, and my heart pounds in sync with the resounding echoes of my footsteps.
The walls close in on me, adorned with portraits of generations past, their eyes seeming to follow me with judgment and pity. I can't escape the crushing weight of their gaze nor the suffocating grip of my own emotions.
Tears well up in my eyes, blurring my vision. I fight against them, refusing to let them fall. This isn't the time to crumble; I need to stay strong, not just for myself but for those who rely on me. But the pressure builds, threatening to break me apart.
"Damn it!" I curse, slamming my fist against the wall, the pain momentarily distracting me from the turmoil within.
As my breathing steadies, I realize I can't do this alone. I need someone to lean on, someone who understands the chaos in my heart and can help me find my way through it.
"Scarlet," I whisper, her name a lifeline amidst the storm of my emotions.
The door to the office creaks open, and there she stands, her eyes filled with concern as they lock onto mine. She crosses the room in long, graceful strides, the hem of her silk dress fluttering around her thighs as she approaches me, her dark hair streaming out behind her like a banner.
"Darling, I'm here for you," she murmurs, wrapping her arms around me, her warmth enveloping me like a cocoon. Her soft lips press against my neck, offering solace in the midst of despair.
They all know what happened. They were all there when the phone call came and there when the police showed up on our doorstep.
"His death... it doesn't make any sense," I choke out, my voice barely audible as my hands grip her shoulders tightly, afraid that if I let go, I'll be swept away by the tidal wave of grief threatening to consume me.
"Shh, baby," she whispers, stroking my hair gently. “Tell me what they said.”
“They think foul play might be involved, despite his illness.” My chest tightens at the mention of the investigation, a cold shiver running down my spine. The thought that someone could have intentionally hurt my father is almost too much to bear. Scarlet's fingers dig into my back, anchoring me to reality as my mind threatens to spiral into darkness.
“We’ll get through this, I promise.”
Nodding, I inhale deeply and pull myself together. The shock is receding, but I know now that my dad planned this. To go out on his own terms. The night of the heist, he called me to say goodbye. I know that now.
“Fuck,” I breathe, closing my eyes. “He did this.”
“Are you going to say anything?”
Shaking my head, I sigh. “I don’t know anything to say. I’m guessing.”
“Okay, then we go back in there, play nice, and get them to leave so you can grieve in peace. Can you do that, my love?”
Searching her eyes, swimming with love for me, I feel like I can do anything. “Yes.”
“And after, we’ll go swimming.”
My heart swells with love for her. “Perfect.”
Making our way back to the living room, the police officer looks up as we approach.
