The following morning, Harrison looked more determined than ever. The message from Adrianne had shaken us both, but he had a look in his eyes that told me he was done waiting around. He was ready to face this head-on, no matter the risks.
“Harrison,” I said softly, catching his attention as he prepared to leave. “Are you sure about this? Going to Blackwood and Luca… they’re dangerous. We don’t know what they’re planning, or if they’re even working with Adrianne.”
He gave me a reassuring look and placed his hands on my shoulders. “Emma, I can’t sit here any longer while Ethan is out there, alone and scared. I need to confront them, to understand what’s going on. Luca’s been hiding too much from me, and if Blackwood’s involved, I need answers.”
I took a shaky breath, nodding. His determination gave me strength, even though a part of me was terrified about what he might be walking into.
Rachel walked over, her expression serious. “Harrison, you’re not going alone. Blackwood is ruthless, and Luca… well, he’s your brother, but he hasn’t been reliable. I’ll come with you, in case things go south.”
Harrison nodded, grateful for her support. “Thank you, Rachel. I could use the backup.” He looked back at me, his gaze softening. “Emma, I’ll be back soon. Stay here and rest. I need you safe.”
I watched him go, my heart heavy with worry but also filled with hope. Harrison was strong, and I knew he’d do whatever it took to bring our son home. As the door closed behind him, I sank back into my bed, praying he’d return safely.
************
Harrison and Rachel drove through the city, each mile filled with tension. Blackwood and Luca were hard to track down, always operating in the shadows, moving from place to place. But Rachel had contacts who kept an eye on them, and after a few calls, she learned where they might be hiding-a large, abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town.
When they arrived, the building loomed like a dark fortress. Harrison’s jaw clenched as he parked the car, his hand gripping the steering wheel tightly.
“Are you ready for this?” Rachel asked, her eyes scanning the building.
He nodded, his gaze hard. “I have to be. Let’s go.”
The warehouse was silent as they approached, the faint echo of their footsteps the only sound in the empty space. The walls were covered in graffiti, and the air was thick with dust and a faint metallic smell. As they moved deeper inside, Harrison’s heart pounded, each step bringing him closer to answers-and possibly danger.
At last, they reached a dimly lit room at the back of the warehouse. Blackwood was there, leaning casually against a table. He looked up as they entered, a sly smile spreading across his face.
“Well, well, if it isn’t Harrison and his trusty sidekick,” Blackwood sneered, crossing his arms. “What brings you two here? Finally tired of playing it safe?”
Harrison took a step forward, his voice steady. “I want answers, Blackwood. I know you and Adrianne are working together, and you know where she’s keeping my son. Tell me where he is.”
Blackwood laughed, a cold, mocking sound that echoed around the room. “You think you can just walk in here and demand things from me? You’re out of your league, Harrison.”
Harrison’s fists clenched, but he kept his composure. “I’m not here to play games. My son’s life is at stake. If you know anything, tell me now.”
Before Blackwood could respond, a figure emerged from the shadows. Luca. His face was unreadable, his eyes shifting between Harrison and Blackwood.
“Luca,” Harrison said, a mix of relief and betrayal in his voice. “I thought you’d help me. But here you are, standing by Blackwood’s side. What’s going on?”
Luca’s gaze softened for a moment, but he quickly looked away, his expression guarded. “Harrison, you don’t understand. There are things you’re not seeing.”
“Then help me understand,” Harrison urged. “We’re family, Luca. You owe me that much.”
Luca hesitated, glancing at Blackwood, who gave him a warning look. After a moment, Luca sighed and took a step closer to Harrison.
“Adrianne… she’s dangerous,” Luca admitted, his voice low. “She’s not just doing this out of jealousy or obsession. She has a plan, a twisted one, and Ethan is just a part of it. But if you try to stop her, she won’t hesitate to hurt him. Or you.”
Harrison’s heart raced, his mind swirling with questions. “Then why are you helping her? Why stand with Blackwood and let her do this to us?”
Luca’s expression turned pained. “I don’t have a choice. Blackwood… he has something on me, something I can’t risk losing. And Adrianne… she promised me things I need. It’s complicated.”
Harrison’s voice grew colder. “So you’d betray your own family, your own nephew, just to protect yourself? I thought you were better than this, Luca.”
Luca flinched, the hurt clear in his eyes. “You don’t understand, Harrison. I didn’t ask for this. I’ve tried to find a way out, but Adrianne… she won’t let me go. And if I cross her, she’ll make us both suffer.”
Blackwood’s mocking laugh cut through the tension. “Family drama how touching. But let’s get back to business, shall we?”
Harrison ignored Blackwood, focusing on Luca. “Please, Luca. Whatever she’s promised you, it’s not worth the price. Help me save Ethan. Help me stop her before she does something even worse.”
Luca’s gaze flickered with indecision, but Blackwood stepped forward, his expression hardening. “Enough. Luca, don’t let him guilt you. You’re with us now, and we’re not letting this fool mess up our plans.”
Rachel stepped in, her eyes blazing. “Blackwood, you’re going to tell us where Ethan is, or things are going to get ugly. We’re not leaving until we get answers.”
Blackwood raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Oh, is that so? And what exactly are you going to do, Rachel? You don’t have the power to stand against us.”
Harrison stepped closer, his voice low and dangerous. “Don’t underestimate us, Blackwood. I won’t stop until I find my son, and if you’re in my way, you’ll regret it.”
The tension in the room was thick as the three of them faced off. Luca shifted uneasily, clearly torn between loyalty and fear. Harrison could see the conflict in his brother’s eyes, and he hoped-prayed-that Luca would finally make the right choice.
After a long, agonizing silence, Luca finally spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. “There’s… there’s a place Adrianne uses. An old estate on the outskirts of town. She’s kept it hidden, but if Ethan’s anywhere, it’s there.”
Blackwood’s eyes narrowed. “Luca! What are you doing?”
Luca met his gaze, his jaw set. “I’m doing the right thing, Blackwood. This has gone too far.”
Harrison felt a surge of relief and gratitude toward his brother. He turned to Luca, his voice filled with emotion. “Thank you, Luca. You’re doing the right thing.”
Blackwood’s expression darkened, but he remained silent, clearly fuming at the betrayal. Rachel stepped forward, pulling out her phone to take down the information.
“Let’s go,” she said, her voice firm. “We have what we need.”
As they turned to leave, Blackwood called after them, his voice dripping with menace. “This isn’t over, Harrison. Adrianne won’t let you walk away so easily. You might think you’re winning, but you’re only making things worse for yourself-and for Ethan.”
Harrison didn’t respond, his focus solely on getting to the estate and bringing his son back. He glanced at Luca one last time, giving him a nod of gratitude before he and Rachel headed back to the car.
Once they were outside, Rachel turned to him, her expression both grim and hopeful. “We have a lead, Harrison. We’re one step closer to finding Ethan.”
He nodded, his heart pounding with a mix of relief and determination. “Yes. And I won’t stop until he’s safe, no matter what Adrianne or Blackwood throw at us.”
As they drove away from the warehouse, Harrison felt a renewed sense of purpose. He knew the road ahead would be dangerous, but he was ready. For Ethan, for his family, he’d face whatever challenges lay in their path.