Page 140 of Remi's War (Four Dark Horsemen 2)

However, Florian is right.

What are we going to do? He committed a crime out in the open in his family’s mansion. If he had done it anywhere else, we’d have a better chance of somehow trying to sweep it under the rug.

“He turned eighteen last month. If we call the cops, they’ll put him behind bars,” Santiago finally states the truth we don’t want to face.

I try to find the silver lining in this. “He can plead self-defense.” I get up, hissing a little when moving my arm. “We can serve as witnesses.” Because we’re his best friends, would our testimony even mean anything to the police?

Florian shakes his head. “This won’t count as self-defense. He was holding a fucking knife and stabbed him many times. He doesn't have any injuries.” He lifts Octavius’s shirt, and while his back can rival Santiago’s in the scars department, there are no fresh wounds on his skin. “Proving self-defense will be almost impossible.”

The asshole might have not physically touched him recently, but he played with him psychologically. Lately, Octavius has been edgier than usual, constantly checking his phone, and preferring to stay in company.

What the fuck happened that led to such an emotional outburst?

“He’ll still get years behind bars. So either way, he’s gonna end up in prison.” Santiago supports Florian’s point. “Even years of abuse and a psychiatrist claiming he wasn't in his right mind won’t save him.”

“Fuck!” I exclaim, stepping closer to Octavius.

He still rocks on the spot, chanting, “Shut up. Shut up. Shut up,” over and over again, his bare feet tapping the floor and smearing more blood on his skin.

“If we don't call the cops right away, our asses will be on the line too.” Santiago addresses a valid concern. “The longer we stall, the guiltier we become.”

In fact, everyone will believe he planned this shit and got us involved since we are considered the inseparable four.

With the number of enemies Uncle Lucian and Uncle Jacob have, it’s a strong possibility a lot of people will do their best to try to get us into deeper trouble.

Florian pulls at his hair, standing up too and pacing back and forth. “They have security cameras. That might be good evidence.”

“And how do you plan to get them? Doesn’t Antonio oversee this shit? I hardly doubt—”

A harsh clattering sound echoes in the space, interrupting me, as glass shatters into tiny little pieces behind us. All our heads swing to the doorjamb where a man stands, a tray lying by his feet.

Fucking awesome.

A witness who will put an end to our argument. If he decides to call the cops, we won’t be able to do shit.

Octavius grew up with him; in fact, the old man watched over him and tended to his wounds as he used to work for his late father. However, loyalties are a fickle thing.

We stare at one another for several moments, Antonio’s gaze darting between us all, finally settling on Octavius. And then he focuses on the dead body.

He gasps, covering his mouth, and trembles slightly.

Several emotions flash, wave after wave, on his face before he finally straightens up, adjusts his butler jacket, and addresses me of all people. Maybe because Santiago is a stranger to him, and Florian flat out dislikes him and doesn’t hide the fact. According to him, the butler should have protected Octavius better, and I agree with him. But then again, it’s not like we can take our frustrations out on an older man who was too weak to do anything about the fucker.

“The driver took Estella to visit her friend, and the maids have the day off today.” His quiet voice is barely audible. “The camera footage is downstairs in the basement.” He looks between us. “What should I do?”

Despite the seriousness of this situation, I barely control my laughter at Santiago’s stunned expression. He must find all this beyond bizarre; no one is running around scared shitless.

A chuckle slips past his lips. Florian pushes him in the shoulder, and all the amusement is instantly gone. “What’s so funny, Santiago? Octavius might end up in jail!” he shouts, raising his arm. Santiago blocks it and punches him in the gut instead, so he stumbles back.

“Then he shouldn’t have killed his stepfather for everyone to see,” Santiago replies, indifference lacing his tone, and fury travels through my veins at how unaffected he wants to seem.

That’s our best friend! Kidnapped or not, he didn’t stop being one of ours. When one of us gets in trouble, we all handle it together!

“Fuck you!” Florian spits, lunging for Santiago again, and that’s when I know I need to interfere and stay rational.

I stand between them, shouting, “Shut up, both of you! Shut up! Fighting right now won’t help! We need to think!”

Octavius whimpers, palming his head, and his rocking becomes more violent, snapping our attention to him.

---