Chapter 31 #2
Not only that, but Valen told me some other details that I choose to stay silent about. I don’t want her to flip out and get more scared than she already is. Valen thinks the cloaked figure is a serial killer. Going under a codename.
Is that Ayan? I don’t know…
“Ayan was coordinating for Beta to snag me on Thursday?” She glances at me with a tremble on her lower lip. “That’s why you saved me?”
“I didn’t want them to touch you. You’re my wife. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect you.”
“You are a good man.” Her blue eyes are shocking. Serious and steady. She nods to emphasize her point.
“If you say so, then I can start to believe it.” And I do. At least with the way she looks at me.
Her head shakes into my chest as she growls with frustration. “Honestly? It doesn’t surprise me that he did that. He hates losing. And will do anything to get revenge. He’s unhinged. Dangerous… Considering the marks I saw on his arms after Thursday? I wouldn’t put it past him to have killed Ellis.”
I nod slowly. I’m not about to argue with her. It could have been Ayan.
It could have been someone else.
Either way? He’s on my list of my wife’s enemies. And I’ll destroy everyone.
“Then I’m going with you. Not letting you out of my sight.” I nod toward my gun laying on the counter. “Not without that.”
She squeezes me tighter. “Deal.”
After breakfast, I walk her to her class. Her fist held in mine. Drop her off right at the door and make sure Ayan fucking Dutta isn’t anywhere nearby.
But as soon as I make it to the parking lot, I jump on my bike and motor to my next destination in a hurry.
My wife needs to be protected. And someone’s targeting her. I need backup. And to think about the things that I’ve been shoving to the back of my brain. Too confused to know which direction to head.
It’s only fifteen minutes until I arrive, nervous and sweating. My hand shakes as I tap a knuckle on the door.
The big man answers with a concerned expression. I get it. It’s odd that I’m here.
“Apollo? Come in.” He stands back and waves me inside. I’m relieved to see that he isn’t annoyed by me showing up unannounced.
“Thanks, Mr. Turner.”
He leads me into the kitchen and tosses over his shoulder, “You can call me G. Most people do.”
“Okay, G. I’m sorry to disturb you. I understand you work from home most days.” That’s what Valen told me anyway…
“Yeah. But I’m considering a change in employment.” He nods toward the stove. “Tea or something else to drink?”
“I’ll have some water, if that’s okay.” Mainly because I’m so fucking nervous to talk to my father-in-law.
He pours us both a glass while I settle at the bar area.
After a big gulp, I clear my throat and ask my question. “I came here because I wanted to ask you something important. Something I think could help. Not just for your daughter…but for Northview University as well.”
“That sounds like a big favor.” He leans his broad body against the counter. “You’re the president of your fraternity, correct? My best friend’s son tells me that you have exceptional grades. A stellar reputation on campus, as well. Are known for being a leader on campus.”
“Best friend’s—”
“Aiden Cardell.”
It almost shocks me to hear that the president of Theta has been saying nice things about me. But I’ll take them. “I suppose he’s right.” Though I have Valen to thank for most of that.
“What were you going to ask me, Apollo?”
“My parents aren’t involved at school at all. I know Dr. Turner-Whittemore is at the medical school, but you? Not so much. I would ask someone else I know, but...” I grimace, bracing for embarrassment. “I’m not exactly well connected. So I came to you. As my…new father?”
Instead of balking at the word, he only nods. He didn’t laugh. That’s something.
“Hmm. I see. Yeah, Kins is involved in the university. Wants me to be more so, too. Why are you here now with this?”
My heart beats harder as I try to formulate a theory. After what happened last night. After the meeting with the president… “I’m starting to think that maybe the new president doesn’t have our best interests in mind.”
G’s stoic face relaxes. “You’re clever. Why do you say that?”
“The president called me to her office. She was worried that your daughter is paranoid. And really wants her to take some vitamins they gave her.”
G bristles. “Do you have those on you?”
“No. But I can bring the bottle over sometime.”
He nods, as if he’s seeing me in a new light. One that makes me straighten up with pride. Maybe he’ll learn to trust me.
“That would be good. So what’s your plan? Sounds like you have one. What is it you think would help?”
I nod solidly. “Northview university has a new position opening today. One they haven’t announced, or maybe even know about yet. And I think you’re the man for the job.”
“Job?”
“Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.” He doesn’t need to know how I know Dean Dutta just vacated his position.
His posture finally eases. He bends over the counter in front of me and huffs in a laugh. “Between you and my wife…”
Quieter, I beg him. “Tell me I’m wrong about the board. About the need to keep good people on there. To oppose what the university seems to be planning.”
He lifts his head, and his crystal eyes study me with something like respect. “You aren’t wrong. In fact, I’d say you’re pretty wise, Apollo Griffin.”
I flinch when he moves close, but he only jabs his hand out at me to shake. I take it, and he squeezes my knuckles in his grip.
“Is that a yes?”
“It’s a…I will try. But mainly, it’s a…thank you. Thanks for looking out for my daughter.”
Almost puffing up my chest, I tell him, “My wife.”
He smiles sadly. “My little girl.”
“The one and the same. But she’s strong. And fierce. I just…worry that she’s not going to play the game like we need to in order to stay under the radar. To check in with the university or just even wear the bracelet that they want.”
Though I did see her wearing it when she left the house today.
“Hell. There’s no way my Padawan will do what they say unless she wants to. You’ll have to bribe her or use logic to convince her. No other way.”
Logic. That makes sense. I think I’ve gone about this all wrong. Remembering the way I talked to her about producing for the Seven. The bracelet. I die a little inside. “Thanks for the tip.”
“I suppose, if there’s one thing I learned today?” he says as he guides me back to the front door.
“Yeah?”
“It’s that I won’t have to kill my daughter’s husband. Yet anyway.”
“How about we make that you’ll never have to kill me?”
With a slight smile, he opens the door for me. “That’s up to you.”
“I won’t let you down,” I tell him as I step outside.
By the time I get home, Scout’s already there. But instead of relaxing or studying, she’s peering through the blinds as I enter. She runs toward me and pulls me in, then slams the door shut.
“What’s up, tulip?”
Fist wrapped around one of my fingers, she shushes me, then tugs me toward the front window.
“I think someone was outside.” Her eyes dart back and forth through the dim space. It’s overcast. A gray day. And shadows are easily wafting through just as the branches of the bare trees sway in the breeze.
I spot the unopened bottle of pills on the counter in the kitchen. “Yeah?”
“I couldn’t study.”
“I’m worried about you, Scout. I am. I don’t like being away from you.”
That seems to melt some ice around her body. She blinks up at me and nods. “I’m not one to rely on people for anything. It feels weird.”
“Do you know how to use a gun?”
She shakes her head. “No.”
My chest tightens. Why didn’t her brothers or father show her?
I guess she always had them to look out for her. Now? That’s my job.
“Okay, come here. Let me show you some basics… Then we’ll go to the gun range this weekend and practice. Alright?”
Hesitantly, she follows as I toss my coat on the sofa.
“Alright, tulip?” I ask again.
She nods, blinking several times before taking a solid breath in. “Alright.”