Chapter 20
CHAPTER TWENTY
Scarlet sat in her seat next to her mother on the BART train, watching the city lights fly by.
What have I done? Scarlet thought. Thoughts raced through her head as fast as the passing buildings.
Elena squeezed her daughter’s hand in reassurance. They headed to Lafayette, a small town about twenty-five miles outside of San Francisco and an hour BART ride away.
It may not have been far, but Scarlet was going home. Her parents would keep her safe from harm … and her father would answer her questions.
Elena did little to talk Scarlet out of her decision, only worrying about Nora’s safety.
The decision was rash, but Scarlet had made sure Nora’s father knew what was happening so she wouldn’t be left alone.
She waited for Andrej to begrudgingly send a car for his daughter.
Nora spoke to the cops long enough to let Scarlet and her mother slip out the side door to flee down the alley.
It was strange to escape from the apartment.
The place always felt safe up until that week.
The urge to run was swiftly getting stronger, and she practically pulled her mother all the way to the station.
Elena remained quiet on the train ride, keeping her focus on her Sudoku puzzle.
Scarlet’s paranoia edged up. She hadn’t realized how she much she had grown accustomed to Alex being there.
When he wasn’t, she was exposed. She kept her headphones on, her hand in her mother’s, and tried to keep calm, listening to the music from the ballet she was now running away from.
Once the train stopped at the Lafayette station, it was after midnight. She hurried her mother off and down the street to her father’s waiting car.
Before getting inside, she looked around the quiet outdoor station. She knew she was finally safe. No one followed because it wouldn’t make sense. Whoever was behind everything wanted her to run.
You win, she thought sourly.
She didn’t even say hello to her father as she climbed into the back seat. She sat in silence as he drove the short distance to their quiet neighborhood.
The reporter’s revelation twisted inside Scarlet, keeping her emotions raw.
She believed in North Pointe, but her trust was gone.
It was possible that Isobelle meant to run her off purposefully.
Maybe she cooked up some wild scheme with the reporter to shake Scarlet up.
It was possible, but the truth didn’t matter anymore.
There was something in Isobelle’s eyes that frightened Scarlet.
It wasn’t acting; it was the same fear she felt. Isobelle was also in trouble.
When Mikael pulled the car into the driveway, Scarlet remained seated.
She looked up at the two-story, cottage-style house.
It was tucked beneath towering trees with drooping branches.
The house was where Scarlet lived through high school and college.
Late-season blooming flowers lined the manicured lawn leading up the curved path to the door.
Mikael picked the small town outside San Francisco since it was quiet, yet close to a city. It was possible to own land and unique houses.
To the left, down another stone path, Scarlet’s gaze rested on the back house.
Her grandmother, Shani, had her own small ballet studio and cottage in the backyard. It mirrored the main house, but was much smaller.
Scarlet was ten when Shani died from complications of heart surgery.
Soon after that, Lena would visit all summer and they would spend it in the little cottage.
There, Scarlet came into her own as a ballerina, trading childhood awkwardness for poise and precision, while Lena read in the corner, always within sight.
By high school, the dance studio became a second home to both of them since they had traveling parents.
Between rehearsals and dog-eared paperbacks, they filled the quiet hours talking about the future.
They planned their careers, possible families, and vacations.
They talked through all the ordinary, beautiful moments they were certain lay ahead.
All those memories were fading.
Scarlet’s apprehension grew as her father tapped on her window. Scarlet climbed out of the car and looked at him a moment before she burst into tears.
“Scarlet.” His voice cracked a little.
She flew into his arms and began to sob.
The comfort of her father’s arms around her made everything else fade away.
She was so angry, hurt, and confused, but she needed him to comfort her like he had when she was a small child.
When his mother died, leaving a large hole in the family.
When Lena died and he couldn’t even talk about what happened.
Mikael lifted a hand to gently pat her head before leading her inside. The familiar smells of home did little to comfort Scarlet as she continued to weep.
“I’ll make her some tea,” Elena said, giving Mikael a familiar look of concern.
He nodded and led his daughter to the living room, sitting her down on the couch. He lowered himself into the chair across from her, placing a hand on her knee.
Scarlet struggled to control her breath. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
Mikael leaned forward, wiping the tears from his daughter’s eyes. “Would it have mattered?”
Scarlet swallowed back the onslaught of angry comments she wanted to hurl at her father. “When I was in looking to be placed, both Frisco Met and North Pointe wanted to give me a job.”
“I remember,” Mikael said.
“So, you knew then,” Scarlet said. “You pushed me to go to North Pointe when you knew?—”
Mikael sat straight up, tensing at her words.
“Scarlet.” His voice became stern. “I didn’t think about it, and I certainly didn’t think Edward would hire Alex to protect you years down the road.
I had no idea what became of him. I just knew Edward was a good man, with a shining track record.
I wanted to support your dreams, but I needed to feel confident you were safe in your pursuit. ”
“And that’s all you want, isn’t it?” Scarlet scoffed. “Me to be this little girl in a glass case. Safe from all harm.” She shook her head. “I’ve never felt so helpless in my entire life.”
“Maybe feeling helpless will remind you that you’re not indestructible,” Mikael said. “You can’t be reckless, then wonder why your feelings get hurt.”
Scarlet’s eyes widened. “Real nice, Dad.”
Mikael lowered his gaze. He leaned forward in his chair, clasping his hands together.
Scarlet sat back on the couch, hugging her legs to her chest. “I can’t believe Alex is the reason Lena is dead.”
Mikael’s attention snapped to his daughter.
“Who said that?” His brow deepening into an intense frown.
Scarlet hesitated and exhaled sharply.
“The reporter…”
Mikael rolled his eyes.
“Alex did everything right, although I can imagine he blames himself. He tried to save her and almost died doing it.”
Scarlet squeezed her arms tighter around her legs, making it hard for her to breathe. “I wish you told me what really happened.” She sniffed. “You would never talk about it. You just … changed. I was afraid to ask why.”
Mikael sat up straight, taking a deep breath. “Because it was all my fault.”
Scarlet’s eyes closed at his words. Tears fell down her cheek, and she did nothing to wipe them away.
“I was in contact with the informant who knew there was a large threat,” Mikael went on.
“I thought that the worst-case scenario would be attempted kidnapping. I minimalized it to keep Charles calm. I kept everything from Alex and his team until the last minute when the threat was too big to ignore.”
Scarlet frowned. “So … there was nothing anyone could do.”
“No,” Mikael said. “My bad call had already been made. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about it. It was difficult for me to accept that my actions led to the death of my friend’s daughter.”
He clenched his fists. “Family friends for over twenty years, diplomats in five different countries. We traveled the world together, spent holidays at each other’s houses, and one mistake destroyed all of it.”
Scarlet looked up at her father, surprised to see tears in his eyes.
“I’m the one who got Lena killed,” he managed. “I was just trying to do what I thought was best. I couldn’t face telling you the details. I’m sorry.”
Scarlet bit her bottom lip, finally allowing herself to think about Lena and the months surrounding her death. There was an investigation and hearings looking into the ordeal, and the stress made Mikael collapse in the courtroom.
“Was it really your heart condition that led to your early retirement?” she asked.
Mikael shook his head. “It added to it, but Charles lobbied for my early retirement. I didn’t feel like fighting against his grief.”
Charles had withdrawn from everyone after the hearings, and now they didn’t speak at all.
Scarlet distanced herself, too. She could have been more understanding to the father who always showed her such fierce support.
Of course, he would become more overprotective after everything happened.
Of course, he’d lose his mind if his daughter got kidnapped.
“I’m sorry I forgot how much we lost,” she said. “I’m sorry I wasn’t more understanding.”
Mikael reached out once more, patting her knee. “As long as you’re here now.”
Scarlet didn’t respond. She let her legs drop back to the floor. The room closed in around her as Alex’s face flashed through her mind. His smile, his frown—everything about him that Scarlet memorized from day one. She thought of how she felt as he kissed her for the first time.
The hurt subsided when she thought of intimate moments they shared.
“I think I love him, Dad,” Scarlet said quietly. “It’s so stupid. I’ve only known him five seconds.”
Mikael opened his mouth to reply, as Elena walked into the room, setting a cup down on the coffee table.
“This will help you sleep,” she said, bending down to kiss her daughter on the head.
“I don’t want to sleep.” Scarlet frowned.
“You will.” Elena crossed her arms in front of her. “It’s late, and you’re upset. Nothing will be solved tonight.”
Mikael got up, nodding his approval. “I think it’s better if we talk tomorrow, when you’ve had time to calm down … think things over.”
Right, Scarlet thought. I should think before quitting my dream and telling people I love my bodyguard.
“Sleep,” he said. “Tomorrow will be better.”
Scarlet took the tea and retreated to her room. She pulled her phone from her pocket, glancing at the screen. It was late, but she still dialed Nora.
“Are you okay?” her friend asked.
“No,” Scarlet said dully. “I just wanted to let you know I’m safe. Everything’s fine.”
“Is it?” Nora asked. “Because whatever happened earlier tonight wasn’t the Scarlet I know.”
Sinking down into her bed, Scarlet closed her eyes. “I’m sorry. It’s just…”
“Just what? You’re cracking under pressure?” Nora pressed. “I don’t get it. You were so stoked for this promotion, and now two weeks later you’re losing it.”
“A little understanding would be nice.” Scarlet lay back on her bed to stare at the ceiling.
“Maybe I’d understand if you confided in me,” Nora countered. “But you’ve been pretty closed off since you got grabbed. Not that I blame you, I’m just saying…”
Scarlet yawned, suddenly tired and irritated. “Yeah, I’ve been a jerk. I’ll remember to tell people not to kidnap me the next time I get a promotion.”
Nora snorted through the phone. “You abandon your job, dump the consequence on me, and you still feel the need to be a snarky twat.”
“I’m not,” Scarlet said. “I just need some time to think.”
Scarlet didn’t like Nora’s tone, even though she knew Nora was bossy and abrasive. Scarlet just wanted her to sympathize a little.
Explaining the whole situation would take too much emotional effort.
“Then maybe you should be the one to tell Edward,” Nora said. “Instead of making me do it. You can’t just up and disappear, you know. It’s not just about you. It’s about the company.”
Scarlet let out a slow breath. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have just left.”
“No, you shouldn’t have,” Nora stated. “Especially now. Edward is going to have no choice but to bump your understudy to your spot in the performance. Guess who that is?”
Victoria. Scarlet’s irritation spiked.
“I mean,” Nora went on. “I’ll get to be lead Fate … but kind of sucks it’s at your expense.”
Scarlet hadn’t thought about the consequences of her leaving. The urge to keep what she worked for and the need to keep her sanity pushed and pulled at each other.
“Just maybe rethink your little midnight run,” Nora offered. “If you need a break, fine. I’m sure Edward will understand. Don’t just throw up your hands and quit. You’re better than that.”
Scarlet turned over onto her stomach to stop the nerves from churning. “I guess you’re right.”
“Plus,” Nora added, “my father won’t go see this season if you aren’t the star. He’s looking forward to everything.”
Tears welled up in Scarlet’s eyes as Nora’s reality hit her.
“I didn’t realize that was a condition. I’m sorry I upset you. I just need a day to think about some things. Okay?”
Nora exhaled into the phone. “Fine. I’ll tell Edward in the morning, but you better call him soon after.”
Scarlet assured her friend she would and ended the call. She let the phone drop from her hand. It made a dull thump as it hit the carpet. The night finally caught up to her, and her eyelids became heavy.
Maybe I’ll sleep for the rest of the week, she thought. When I wake up, everything will be better.
Her father’s words continued echo in her mind as she switched off the bedside lamp.
Alex hadn’t gotten Lena killed. It was a bad call, set in place by her father, and she couldn’t ever hate her father.
Then what happened? Scarlet couldn’t help but realize maybe Alex had come into her life for a reason. He was more than just some man protecting her from recent rising dangers. Edward wouldn’t have hired him if she hadn’t been kidnapped.
Scarlet hugged her pillow, closing her eyes.
She had no answers, and her heart hurt. She hoped her father was right. She hoped tomorrow would be better.