Damned: Chapter 31) Wisdom & Knowledge

I sat at the built-in window seat staring out at the city night lights and its tranquil yet exotic ambiance. This place was euphoric, everything about it. Moe hadn’t come back yet and to be quite honest I was not sure what he meant by what he said. Not much was said after he left, except for Mr. Vandermir offering me food however, I lost my appetite. So much for taking care of my health. He sat at the table with his laptop and I assumed he was doing some work. In all my life, I’ve never seen nor met a man like him. He was strange, morbid, quiet, and fixed upon his work.

“Damn. Who hurt you?”

“Beg pardon?” his attention shot towards me.

Somehow at that moment, I felt a bit intimidated. Now that I mention it, it could be his superpower.

“Oh, I just thought that you seemed very quiet.”

“The others will be back very shortly with the footage. Hopefully, you would be able to identify the man.”

“I knew the man,” I breathed softly, “Whoever he was, I just can’t remember right now but I knew I’d seen him before. He kept repeating something to me. He wanted me to remember something but I- I just can’t. I don’t remember.”

“It’s not your fault. Things will fall in place for you.”

“Easy to say.”

“Believe me, our situations aren’t that different.”

“So what’s your story then, Mr. Vandermir?”

“When I figure it out Katherine, I’ll let you know.”

The sudden knock on the door alerted us and in walked Ricardo.

“We have a problem.”

“Joy.” I frowned.

“The surveillance footage had been tampered with and removed. Finneas and Moville are downstairs trying to see what they can do.”

“A few weeks ago,” Adrian began, “I’d asked the technician to install surveillance in some drones for testing purposes. It wasn’t connected with our usual software yet so you can try pulling that up.” 

Ricardo, opening the laptop, did as he was told while Finny and Moe walked in and gathered where we were around the table.

“This would only capture what occurred outside- meaning the man’s entrance.”

“Still, I can identify him. Play it for me.” I instructed yet felt somewhat nervous.

As it played in fast forward the sudden image of a man caught my attention.

No.

It can’t be.

“Stop. Stop it! Pause it right there,” my voice was shaky and I felt my blood draining leaving me confused as I sat on the chair next to Adrian who paused it, “Zoom in.”

I didn’t believe it. It didn’t make any sense.

“Katherine,” Moe spoke up, “How do you know him?”

“I- I don’t. Well I mean I do- just not exactly.”

“Who is he?” Finny asked.

“Archer Devereux,” Moe spoke up, “We never had personal beef together but I have a fair idea of the type of man he is, or I’ve heard things. He’s as bad as the Rostovs. Doesn’t do many favours. No one really knows much about him honestly except that he isn’t a man to be messed with.”

I looked at the pendant and grazed my thumb over it. There was always something about Archer that I couldn’t quite understand. This just added to my confusion. My head kept pounding and I tightened my eyes, the memory of his words outside drifted. What was he telling me?

No one..?

No one would hurt you..?

You’re going..

You’re going to be okay..

You’re going to be okay..

-as long as I’ve alive.

“Ohmygod,” I trembled.

“Katherine maybe you should just relax a little,” Finny stated worriedly.

“I can’t, I need to find out. Who is this man and why did he help me and what did he mean? I don’t understand a thing. Is he working for Vitaly to find me?”

“As far as I know, he doesn’t do anyone’s errands, Piranha.” Moe shrugged.

“There isn’t much information I can gather from him here which is odd because my system usually is able to go through secure software,” Ricardo stated, “But what I can find is that he was born in a small town in England. Both his parents are deceased and he was placed in an adoption home by his Nanny in London. I assumed his parents left him in her care when they died.”

“How did they die?” I asked.

“Murdered but not much is stated again here.”

“If he wanted to kill me he could have. If he worked with Vitaly then he could have taken me with him. If he wanted to hurt me he could have. Instead, he saved me and gave me his necklace. He was warning me about something- about someone.”

“Well then, Archer Devereux is an ally?” Moe asked.

“I don’t know but I have a feeling that’s not the last time we’ll meet him.” I frowned while looking at the pendant, “Right now, all I want is to find my brother.”

“Miss Donovan,” Adrian began, “Don’t forget that Gianmarco Vincelli’s men were after both you and James a few hours ago. Did you stop to ask yourself why?”

Getting up, I walked towards the sofa and flopped myself down tiredly with a groan, “I don’t know.”

“I can’t say they were after James because you were attacked afterward as well. To which I assumed you were saved here by Devereux.”

I turned to Moe and asked, “Is James safe?”

“Yeah, I called Jamie a while ago. He was fine.”

“Good. Then tomorrow morning I’ll leave.”

“Damn I was just getting comfy here,” Moe frowned.

“You stay Moe, I need to do this part alone.”

“Katherine, don’t be silly, it’s dangerous.” Finny protested.

“I know, but you all need to trust me.”

“If Miss Donovan knows she can handle the situation, we shouldn’t stop her.” Ricardo inserted.

“Listen Piranha,” Moe came up to me and sighed, “I happen to have a soft spot for you believe it or not. Please just think this through again. You not only have Vitaly’s men after you but also Gianmarco as well.”

“So many men after me,” I couldn’t help but laugh, “I must be a picky girl.”

“Miss Donovan should stay with me, it’ll be safer under my watch,” Adrian suggested.

“I agree,” Finny answered.

Moe rolled his eyes and scoffed, “Bout safer. I’m going to the casino.”

“Moe, drink in moderation,” I warned disappointingly.

“Okay, mom.”

As he walked out the door, he stuck his head back and smiled, “Ta Ta losers.”

“Is he… always this colourful?” Finny asked unsure of how to respond to that.

“He’s- yeah- fruity.”

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