Chapter 140: Always Two Steps Ahead (2/2)
Diego scoffed shrugging his shoulders. ”I am rather offended you think of me so poorly. I not only save your lives but the lives of the Dawn family, and this is how you repay me. Tut, tut.”
”I can ensure you Diego my family will reward you for your heroic rescue.”
”Why thank you, Scarlett. Perhaps I misjudged you. Seeing how the danger is over, for now, I'll take my leave. Please don't expect me to be saving your bacon often, you lot are really cramping my style. Goodluck putting down Syndicate.”
”I really don't get that guy.” Zinnia muttered. ”I can't work out if we should trust him or be weary. He reminds me too much of Vanguard.”
”Diego isn't stupid. He is more than aware when he will lose a fight. Don't expect him to be trying to take us down anytime soon.”
Lilith was in the middle of checking up on her daughter as she turned to Alton. ”Brantley, may I please talk to you in private.” Alton didn't give much of a reason not too as the two walked a small distance away. Lilith folded her arm, looking worried. ”I'm sure it doesn't take a genius to understand why I'm talking to you.”
”You're worried about your daughter. Anyone can see that.”
”It's not just her. I'm worried about you and your team. I cannot help but feel like we've dragged you into this. If my daughter didn't join your group, this wouldn't have happened.”
”I don't regret having Scarlett on my team if that's what you're suggesting Mrs Dawn.” Alton insisted. ”We're a team, we stick together through hell and back.”
”I'm glad to hear it. As you can clearly see, Syndicate is now more dangerous than ever. This is nothing new to you with the whole Garden ordeal, but it's clear Scarlett is no longer safe here. Neither is your friend Zinnia.”
”Her home was also hit; her guardian was almost killed in the crossfire.”
”Disgusting. The lengths the family will go to succeed is frighting. While we rebuild our home, the family is moving to our second location just outside of the city. However, I fear it not safe for Scarlett. Moreover, I also worry about you.”
”I understand. This is the second time Syndicate has attacked me, and now they want me to join them. This is pragmatic.”
”Indeed. While our family looks into the matter, we would plea you look after my daughter while we gather our forces. Do you have any place you can stay?”
”While I would say the Montagues or Frizzle Teeth. I don't really want to drag anyone else into this. My apartment should be fine for the time being.”
Lilith looked slightly concerned. ”Are you sure? Wouldn't that be obvious?”
Alton shook his head, confident. ”Unlike the others, I am stricter when it comes to my public information. I brought the apartment in another name. It belongs to an old friend of mine, so any source of me living there is strictly off the books. If Syndicate did go looking the only lead, they have is a frozen wasteland in the middle of Sunset Peak.”
”That does bring some comfort to know. What about the other residents? Wouldn't they possibly be endangered?”
”Luckily, no. I live on the fourth floor while the other three are being renovated. Most occupants left weeks ago. Very few people live there.”
”That makes me happy. If it isn't too much of a bother for you? We will reward you for your time.”
Alton held his hand out. ”No worries there, you are all in a rough spot. I don't expect anything in return. There's not much room, but Scarlett will be safe.”
”What about your other friend?”
Alton went blank for a moment realising Zinnia too was out of a home. He bit his lip releasing the ordeal. ”I can't ignore the fact Syndicate also attacked her… This is a problem; it is probably best if we all stick together. Splitting up could easily leave a target on our backs. I suppose she will have to stay at my place too.”
”Is there a problem with that?” She questioned.
”No… Nothing to concern you or your daughter over. I'll make plans.”
”Thank you, Alton Brantley. You have been nothing but joy for our family. We are most humbly grateful for this, if you need anything, please feel free to let us know.”
Lilith was ready to leave when Alton suddenly had an idea. ”Say do you keep any records of people who have worked with you?”
”Not particularly, but there is always something. Why do you ask?”
”If possible, could there be something on my father? Jack mentioned he worked with him years back.”
”Hmm, this is news to me. I'll look into it. It's the least I can do. Thank you once again, Alton Brantley.”
Alton watched Lilith return to the remains of her home, leaving him feeling more conflicted than ever. Looking back, he saw Scarlett and Iris talking. His sight turned to Zinnia as he felt incredibly uneasy. As the fire still crackled with life, Alton felt a chill run down his spine. ”How am I going to work this?”