30. Axel
CHAPTER 30
AXEL
“You need to eat at some point,” Carter says, shoving a box of doughnuts into my hand.
I glance at them briefly before setting them on the empty seat next to me. “I will, but not until I see her first.”
Carter doesn’t try to argue with me, knowing that nothing will make me change my mind as he sits on the other side of the doughnuts, taking one for himself. “Well, if you won’t eat them, then I sure will.”
I stare at him as he fits a whole one into his mouth, “You’re an animal, you know that right?”
He looks at me and tries to smile despite the doughnut trying to escape. He hasn’t left my side since we arrived at the hospital, and for that, I’m grateful. Each one of my brothers have been doing their part to hold things together while I sit here falling apart.
Ant’s been holed up in the cafeteria, working like the miracle worker he is, doing everything he can to try and locate who did this to her. The latest update was that he has narrowed it down to two possible families. We just need Eva, to help us determine who it was, if we are going to act fast.
Flynn and Gunnar have been switching between the hospital and the warehouse back in Boston, gathering all the supplies for when the time comes to strike.
Mandy tried to give us an update about an hour ago. She was the first one to see Eva and out of all of us, she is the one Eva needs the most. It felt like someone had taken a sledgehammer to my chest when she told me that Eva didn’t want to see me.
I tried to demand answers, anything that could help, how did she look, is she eating, drinking. Did she tell her a name? Anything that might give me a clue in which direction to go but she told me, that the only thing Eva needs is for me to wait until she’s ready for me to know.
And that’s exactly what I’ve done, I’ve waited in this room caught between hope and fear. My mind races with different scenarios, each one worse than the last.
Carter’s phone rings, pulling me out of my thoughts as I watch him walk to the other side of the room. His expression changes as he listens intently to whoever’s on the other end.
I drag a hand down my face, feeling the tension build in my chest. All I seem to be doing lately is waiting, waiting for an update on Eva, waiting for Ant to find something, waiting for a target and I feel like I’m going to snap.
I stand, needing to do something as I pace the waiting room.
My eyes drift to the box of doughnuts and I scoff under my breath. Eating isn’t going to fix this.
Noticing Carter grow quiet, I head in his direction, his head slightly tilted as he listens carefully. All of a sudden, his head snaps in my direction as his body stiffens. He nods, confirming that there is progress.
“Got it, I’ll update him now.” He tells the person on the other end of the phone before ending the call.
I stand straighter, my heart pounding, “What?”
Carter turns towards me, his expression tight, “We know who it is, Flynn just confirmed the image Ant sent him from the CCTV around the area.”
I wait, needing to hear the name of whoever did this to my Buttercup.
Carter shifts his feet, “It’s Marco.”
Marco. The confirmation of that name has my blood boiling at the thought of him putting his hands on my girl.
“Are you sure?” I ask, my voice dropping low.
Carter nods, “Ant found some chatter tying him to the photo. One of his guys was spotted near the location we tracked, with the CCTV… It all fits.”
The name burns in my brain, leaving a mark that won’t leave until it’s been resolved. I should’ve known. That snake has been after us for years after what happened to his sister, blaming our family for her death when it had nothing to do with us. He’s searched and searched for a weakness and now, he’s made it fucking personal by touching what’s mine.
Before I can tell Carter the next steps, the sound of a door opening catches my attention. I turn to see Mandy walking towards her, her expression filled with sadness.
I walk towards her, meeting her halfway. “How is she?”
She hesitates, glancing between me and Carter as she tries to find the right words. " She’s… Stable. She was able to sleep a little bit but she still isn’t ready to see you Axel. I’m sorry.”
I nod tightly, making sure to not make it known that it felt like I was just punched in the gut. “Did she say anything? Does she know who did this?”
Mandy shakes her head. “She’s not talking about what happened yet. She’s scared Axel, she just needs time.”
Time. That’s all anyone keeps telling me, but time feels like a luxury we don’t have.
Taking a deep breath, I try keeping my voice steady as anger grows inside of me. “Tell her… tell her I’ll fix this. All of it.
Mandy’s face fills with worry as she steps closer, her tone dropping to a whisper. “Axel, what are you planning?”
I don’t answer as I walk towards the seats to grab my jacket before heading towards the door. Carter moves to follow me but I stop him with a look. " Stay here. Keep an eye on her. I’ll handle Marco.”
“Axel,” Mandy starts, her voice laced with concern, but I cut her off before she has the chance to try to stop me.
“She’s my world, Mandy. And I’m going to make damn sure this never happens to her again. To any of you.”
I don’t wait for a response as I push the door open into the cold night air.
Pulling out my phone, I dial Ant’s number and he picks up instantly. I need to tell someone my plan, someone who can’t tell me to stop because if they do, I’m worried I’ll listen to them and although I know he can’t speak, I know he’s listening.
“Carts told me it’s Marco,” I do my best to keep my voice steady as the bitter air whips around me. “When you get back to the apartment, there will be a letter on your bed. Read it and tell Eva I’m sorry, sorry that I didn’t protect her like I promised.”
And with that, I end the call and head to the one place I swore I’ll never return to.
Chicago.