Echoes of the Heart - 20. Chapter 20: Will Carter choose to believe Leo or will he side with Jeremy?

Echoes of the Heart Ch. 11

Comments, critiques and tips are welcome!

***

Carter sat in the cold, hard chair, his breathing now steady as he used a tissue to wipe his tear-streaked face. His shoulders no longer heaved, though the weight of the conversation still pressed heavily on him. He sniffled softly, his fingers trembling as they dabbed at his cheeks, but the worst of the storm seemed to have passed—for now.

As he wiped at his nose, he heard a cracked voice pierce the silence.

“I’m so sorry,” Leonardo whispered, his tone thick with sorrow and regret.

Carter raised his head slowly, his tired eyes meeting Leonardo’s. The older man sat slouched forward, his hands gripping the edge of the table so tightly that his knuckles were white. Tears glistened in his red-rimmed eyes, spilling down his weathered face as he stared at Carter with a mixture of pain and helplessness.

“I… I can tell,” Leonardo began, his voice trembling, “how much you love him. Jeremy.” He paused, swallowing hard as his voice broke into a sob. “And now…” He exhaled shakily, his shoulders trembling as he tried to speak through his tears. “Because of me, that dream of yours—it’s not going to come true. It’s my fault. This was supposed to be the happiest day of my life, knowing I had a son. But seeing how much you’re hurting, how much I’m ruining your life… it’s tearing me apart.”

Carter stared at him for what felt like an eternity, his expression unreadable. His hands rested on the table, motionless now, as if he were frozen in thought. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and tinged with bitterness.

“You don’t need to apologize,” he said softly, almost to himself. He chuckled bitterly, shaking his head. “I’ve never been lucky in love anyway, so this… this doesn’t surprise me.”

Leonardo blinked, his tears momentarily stilled by the unexpected response.

Carter continued, his gaze distant as he stared at the table.

“I was married once, you know.” He let out a hollow laugh, the sound devoid of humor. “For three years. Elias… he was amazing. Sweet, kind… the best man anyone could ask for. But I made a huge mistake.” His voice cracked slightly, but he didn’t stop. “A mistake I’m still paying for. Maybe this is part of that punishment, you know? Karma, or whatever you want to call it.”

Leonardo’s lips trembled as he watched his son unravel before him.

“Maybe you’re right,” he murmured, his voice barely audible. “Maybe I deserve to be abandoned. My punishment should be knowing that I have a son—a son I can’t even have close to me.” He let out a shaky breath, his tears flowing anew. “You should forget about me, Carter. Go. Live your life. Be happy with Jeremy.”

Carter shook his head, a bitter smile tugging at his lips.

“I can’t,” he said simply. He looked up at Leonardo, his eyes filled with a deep, weary sadness. “Do you know how much pain my twin, Ethan went through to keep this secret? He never told him… not once. He carried it until the day he died.”

Leonardo froze, his eyes widening in shock. “Ethan?” he gasped, his voice barely a whisper. “I… I have another son?”

Carter nodded slowly.

“You did,” he said, his voice soft but firm. “His name was Ethan. He died six years ago. Leukemia.”

Leonardo’s mouth opened and closed, but no sound came out. He looked as if the air had been punched out of his lungs. His hands trembled violently as he stared at Carter, his face pale and stricken.

“I… I had another son?” he repeated, his voice cracking as tears began to fall again.

Carter nodded again, his throat tightening.

“I just found out about him,” he admitted, his voice barely audible. “From the same diary that told me about you. Ethan… he was married to Jeremy. They’d been friends since they were kids.” He paused, inhaling deeply. “He knew about you, but he never told Jeremy. He kept it a secret to protect him. From the anger, the pain… and the possibility that their relationship wouldn’t survive it. He died with that secret.”

Leonardo’s chest heaved as he processed the words. A deep, guttural sob tore from his throat, and he buried his face in his hands.

“My son,” he cried, his voice muffled but raw. “My son… and I never knew him. I wasn’t there for him. I… I didn’t even get to say goodbye.”

Carter sat in silence, watching as Leonardo broke down. The older man’s pain was visceral, raw, and unfiltered. It was the kind of grief that had no words, only sounds that echoed with regret and despair. Carter felt a strange hollowness in his chest as he observed the man before him—a man he’d been hating, but who now seemed utterly broken.

After what felt like hours, Carter finally broke the silence.

“By the way,” he said softly, his voice hoarse from crying. “My name is Carter. I figured I hadn’t told you that yet.”

Leonardo raised his head slowly, his tear-streaked face etched with sorrow. He nodded, his lips trembling.

“Carter,” he repeated, his voice cracking. “It’s… it’s a beautiful name.”

Carter nodded, his gaze fixed on the man in front of him.

“Thanks,” he muttered. He hesitated for a moment before speaking again. “If you don’t mind… could you tell me exactly what happened that night? Any detail, no matter how small.”

Leonardo sniffled, rubbing at his eyes as he tried to compose himself.

“I’ll tell you whatever you want to know,” he said softly. He took a deep breath, his hands clasping together as he prepared to revisit the painful memories.

“I was coming from the bar,” he began, his voice low and shaky. “Like I told you, I’d lost my job that day. I drank more than I should have… too much.” He paused, his gaze distant as flashbacks began to surface. “I was walking through the streets, trying to find my way home. The night was quiet. Too quiet. Then I heard it—a gunshot. Sharp and loud. It made me stop in my tracks.”

Carter leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing as he listened intently.

“I don’t know what made me do it,” Leonardo continued, his voice trembling. “But I went toward the sound. Maybe it was curiosity, or maybe it was the alcohol… I don’t know. But as I got closer, I saw someone running away. A woman.”

“A woman?” Carter repeated, his brow furrowing.

Leonardo nodded slowly. “Yes. I couldn’t see her face… it was dark, and she was moving fast. But I saw her… a part of her.” He paused, his breath hitching. “When I reached the scene, I found him. A man lying in a pool of blood. But he wasn’t dead—not yet.”

Carter’s eyes widened slightly, his heart pounding.

“He was alive,” Leonardo said, his voice breaking. “He looked at me… he begged me. ‘Save my child,’ he said. ‘Save my child.’ I didn’t understand what he meant at first, but then I saw… there was a child next to him. Unconscious. But before I could do anything…” His voice faltered, and he shook his head, tears streaming down his face. “That’s when it all went black. Someone hit me from behind.”

Carter sat back, his mind reeling as he processed the story. His gaze remained fixed on Leonardo, searching his face for any sign of deception. But all he saw was pain—raw, unfiltered, and unmistakably real.

Carter's gaze bore into Leonardo, his tear-streaked face now replaced with an expression of burning curiosity. The sorrow from moments ago hadn’t dissipated entirely, but something else had taken root in his chest—a desperate need to know the truth.

“You said you saw a woman running,” Carter said, leaning forward slightly, his voice low but insistent. “What do you remember about her? Anything that might help us figure out who she was.”

Leonardo frowned, his brow creased deeply as he struggled to summon a memory buried under the weight of time and alcohol.

“It… it was too dark,” he murmured, shaking his head slowly. “And I was drunk. I couldn’t see her clearly.”

Carter’s frustration flickered to life, but he kept it under control. He moved closer, his eyes pleading as he spoke.

“I know it was dark. I know you were drunk. But there must’ve been something—anything—that stood out to you. The way she moved, what she was wearing, her hair… anything distinct that could help us identify her. Please, Leonardo. I have to know.”

Leonardo’s frown deepened as he closed his eyes, searching the murky depths of his memories. His face contorted slightly as he concentrated, his breathing uneven. Carter watched him closely, his own chest tightening as he silently willed Leonardo to remember.

But after several moments, Leonardo exhaled a shaky sigh, opening his eyes again. The pain and regret in his gaze were palpable.

“I’m sorry,” he said quietly, his voice heavy with guilt. “It’s just… too hazy. Too dark. I was drunk, and everything about that night feels like a blur.”

Carter’s shoulders slumped slightly, disappointment etched across his face. But before he could say anything, Leonardo spoke again, his voice softer now, as if he were reliving the moment in his mind.

“There is one thing…”

Carter straightened immediately, his eyes wide with anticipation.

“What is it?”

Leonardo’s gaze drifted downward as he tried to put his scattered thoughts into words.

“She had blood,” he murmured, his voice trembling. “On her dress. And her hands. I remember seeing stains as she ran… the way it glistened under the faint light. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but now…” He trailed off, his expression pained.

“Blood,” Carter echoed, his mind racing. “Are you sure? Her dress and her hands?”

Leonardo nodded slowly, his eyes meeting Carter’s.

“Yes,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’m sure of that. It’s the only thing I remember clearly.”

Carter leaned back slightly, his mind a storm of thoughts and questions. Blood on her dress and hands… What had she done? What was her connection to the scene Leonardo had stumbled upon? And why had she fled instead of helping?

He felt a shiver run down his spine as he stared at the man before him, the pieces of the puzzle feeling more scattered than ever. But one thing was clear—this wasn’t over. Not by a long shot.

Leonardo noticed Carter’s silence, his solemn expression betraying the inner turmoil that churned within. Slowly, Leonardo extended his hand and placed it gently over Carter’s, the calloused warmth of his palm grounding the younger man for a moment. His voice, though cracked with weariness, carried an odd sense of calm.

“There’s nothing more that could’ve been done,” Leonardo said softly, his eyes fixed on Carter’s. “No one could help me back then. No one believed me. And it’s okay. I’ve been in here for so long, I’ve made peace with it.”

Carter blinked, his eyes meeting Leonardo’s with a mixture of pity and disbelief.

“What do you mean?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Leonardo sighed, the faintest trace of a bitter smile tugging at his lips.

“I’ve seen the worst this place has to offer,” he continued. “I’ve been stabbed, beaten, had glass smashed over my head… At some point, it all just became normal. Survival is a battle every day, but I’m still here.”

Carter gasped, his eyes widening as a wave of shock and pity surged through him.

“You… You’ve been through all that?” he asked, his voice shaking.

Leonardo chuckled dryly, the sound hollow and devoid of humor.

“It’s the life I’ve known for years now,” he admitted. “But I’ve held on, even when it felt pointless. Because…” He paused, his gaze softening as he looked at Carter. “Because I always hoped I’d have a reason to live and I was given a chance like this—to meet you.”

Carter’s lips parted, but no words came. He stared at Leonardo, the weight of everything he’d just learned pressing heavily on him. The man before him—this broken, weary man—was telling the truth. Carter could feel it in the way Leonardo’s voice trembled, in the raw emotion behind his words.

“You really are telling the truth, aren’t you?” Carter finally asked, his voice fragile, almost as though he feared the answer.

Leonardo smiled faintly, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“It might not seem like it,” he said with a small shrug. “And I wouldn’t blame you for doubting me. But I have no reason to lie to you, Carter. Not now.”

Carter remained silent, his gaze fixed on the older man. He wanted to believe him, and in his heart, he knew he already did. But processing everything—the revelations, the pain, the sacrifices—felt almost too overwhelming.

Leonardo must have sensed the storm brewing in Carter’s mind because he smiled again, this time with a hint of reassurance.

“Don’t feel bad for me,” he said gently. “In fact, I have some good news for you. Something that might make all this easier to bear.”

Carter frowned slightly, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

“Good news?”

Leonardo nodded, his smile widening just a fraction.

“But I’ll tell you in a day or two,” he said cryptically. “I need to make sure of a few things first.”

Carter’s frown deepened, but he didn’t push. Something in Leonardo’s tone told him the man wasn’t trying to dodge the topic—he just needed time.

“Leave your number with me,” Leonardo added, pulling Carter out of his thoughts. “I’ll call you when I’m ready to share. Can you do that for me?”

Carter nodded slowly, though his mind was still spinning, lost in the maze of revelations and questions. He fished a pen and scrap of paper out of his pocket, scribbling down his number and handing it over without a word.

Leonardo took the paper, his expression softening.

“Thank you,” he said quietly. “And… Carter?”

Carter looked up, his eyes meeting Leonardo’s once more.

“No matter how hard this feels right now,” Leonardo said, his voice steady and filled with earnestness, “I’m glad you came to see me. Truly.”

Carter didn’t respond. He just nodded, his thoughts too tangled to form coherent words. And as he stood up to leave, he glanced back at Leonardo one last time, his heart heavy yet oddly lighter at the same time. There was still so much to figure out, but for now, he knew he’d taken a step closer to the truth.

***

Carter entered the apartment, his steps heavy and his mind clouded. He barely noticed Sheila rushing toward him, her face a mask of worry. Behind her was Eric, his concern equally evident.

“Carter!” Sheila exclaimed, gripping his shoulders. “What happened? Are you okay?”

Carter didn’t respond immediately. His gaze was distant, his thoughts still swirling with everything Leonardo had revealed. He wasn’t crying, but the weight of the day was etched in every line of his face. Sheila gently shook him, and Eric tapped him lightly on the arm.

“Carter?” Eric said softly.

Startled, Carter blinked, as if snapping out of a trance. He looked at them both, then spoke, his voice subdued and tinged with uncertainty.

“It… it went the way I hadn’t expected it to,” he admitted.

Sheila frowned, leaning closer.

“What do you mean?”

Carter hesitated, his hands clenching at his sides.

“What if… what if Leonardo’s innocent?” he asked, his voice trembling. “What if what he’s been saying all this time is true?”

Sheila’s frown deepened, her hands falling from his shoulders.

“Carter, no,” she said firmly. “You shouldn’t even be thinking like that.”

Eric nodded in agreement.

“She’s right. You’re only saying this because of what you’ve learned. It’s overwhelming you. But think about it—he’s been in prison for years, Carter. If he was innocent, wouldn’t someone have believed him by now?”

Carter sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair.

“I know what you’re saying,” he murmured. “I know. But he’s my father, Eric. My biological father. Ever since I found out about him, I’ve spent all the time being mad at him, hating him even, for being my father, for everything. And when I finally saw him, I felt like… like I should just leave him there and tell Jeremy and his family everything.”

He paused, glancing between Sheila and Eric.

“But then… seeing him there, crying, pleading with me not to cut ties with him—it reminded me of my father. The man who raised me. What happened when I left him for Elias. And look how that turned out.”

Sheila’s expression softened, but her concern didn’t waver.

“Carter,” she said gently, “this is different. You barely know the man.”

“It’s not different,” Carter argued, his voice rising slightly. “No matter what he’s done, no matter who he is—he’s still my biological father. And I… I can’t shake this feeling. When Jeremy left his home to be with me, I convinced him to go back to his mother, no matter how bad the situation was. So why shouldn’t I follow my own advice?”

Eric crossed his arms, shaking his head.

“Because this is a mistake,” he said bluntly. “If Jeremy finds out…”

“He won’t find out,” Carter interjected. “Because I’m going to tell him everything. The whole truth. Before anyone else does.”

Sheila reached out and took his hand, her grip firm and reassuring.

“Whatever happens, Carter, I’ll be with you,” she said, her voice steady.

Carter smiled faintly at her, squeezing her hand in return.

“Thank you,” he said softly. He glanced at Eric, then back at Sheila. “It’s time. I need to come clean to Jeremy.”

But as he stood there, resolved yet trembling, he felt a cold wave of fear wash over him. The thought of Jeremy’s reaction, of what this truth might do to their relationship, loomed over him like a storm cloud. Yet deep down, he knew he couldn’t avoid it.

He had to face the truth, no matter the cost.

***

Jeremy was seated on the plush couch in his expansive living room, the grandeur of the mansion serving as a backdrop to his focused demeanor. He was smartly dressed, wearing a tailored navy suit and a crisp white shirt. His brow was furrowed, his jaw tense as his fingers danced across the keyboard of his laptop.

The glow from the screen highlighted the serious expression etched onto his face, his focus unwavering as he worked on what seemed to be an urgent task. The room was silent except for the faint tapping of keys and the occasional sigh from Jeremy as he concentrated.

Then, like a jolt of electricity, he heard his name being called—a voice so familiar and dear that it sent a shiver down his spine. His head snapped up, eyes wide, searching for the source. His heart skipped a beat when his gaze landed on Carter, standing a distance away, looking hesitant yet stunning as always.

Jeremy felt a rush of warmth, like life itself had been breathed into him after days of suffocating in solitude. He quickly shut his laptop, setting it aside without a second thought, and leapt to his feet.

“Babe!” he exclaimed, his voice filled with relief and excitement. In a few long strides, he was at Carter’s side, his arms wrapping around him tightly, pulling him close.

The moment Carter’s body pressed against his, Jeremy’s heart began to race, his entire mood shifting from subdued to elated. He held Carter like he’d disappear if he let go, as if the world finally made sense again with him there.

Meanwhile, Carter stood frozen, his arms awkwardly wrapping around Jeremy in return. Fear coursed through him, stronger than anything he had felt in a long time. His chest tightened, but he tried to focus on the warmth of Jeremy’s embrace, savoring it despite the storm brewing within him.

Jeremy pulled back slightly, only to press his lips to Carter’s in a kiss so passionate it seemed to hold all the emotions he hadn’t been able to express in Carter’s absence. It was fervent, unrestrained, and filled with longing. When Jeremy finally pulled away, he rested his forehead against Carter’s, his breath shaky.

“Where have you been?” Jeremy asked, his voice tinged with a mix of relief and frustration. “Do you have any idea what kind of torture you’ve put me through this past week?”

Carter managed a sheepish smile, cupping Jeremy’s cheek with one hand.

“I’ve missed you so much,” he said softly. “So much has happened this week… more than I can explain right now. But I’ll tell you everything, I promise. I just… I don’t know where to start.”

Jeremy’s frown softened as Carter cupped both his cheeks, looking into his eyes with a mix of love and fear.

Carter’s voice trembled slightly as he spoke, “I love you, Jeremy. So much. I want us to get married, just like I told you. I want us to raise the kids together, maybe even expand our family. I want a future with you.”

Jeremy’s face lit up with a bright smile.

“I want that more than anything,” he replied. “In fact, I don’t even know what we’re waiting for. Let’s get married today and make it happen!”

Carter chuckled nervously, nodding.

“I’m ready, but…” His smile faded, replaced by a somber expression. “There’s something I need to tell you first. Something about my past. About my father. If I don’t tell you, I’ll feel like I’m betraying you.”

Jeremy’s smile faltered, replaced by a look of confusion. He chuckled nervously, trying to ease the tension.

“You’re scaring me, Carter. What is it?”

Carter took a deep breath, summoning every ounce of courage he had.

“The thing is… my father, all this time, has been…”

Suddenly, a loud, piercing scream echoed from upstairs, cutting him off. Both Carter and Jeremy’s heads snapped toward the staircase.

They saw Laura rushing down, her face contorted with rage and panic, her voice trembling as she screamed, “No!”

Jeremy’s concern flared immediately.

“Mom?” he called, moving toward her as she descended the stairs, her steps frantic. He caught her as she stumbled, his hands gripping her shoulders.

“Mom, what’s wrong?” he asked, his voice laced with worry.

Laura shook her head furiously, her eyes red with unshed tears.

“We have to go, Jeremy. Now. There’s no time to waste!”

Jeremy frowned, confused. “What are you talking about? Where are we going?”

Laura’s voice cracked as she spat out, “To make sure that murderer rots and dies in prison!”

The words hit like a thunderclap. Both Jeremy and Carter froze, their hearts instantly turning cold, though for very different reasons.

Jeremy’s lips parted as a silent “What?” escaped.

Laura’s voice broke as tears spilled down her cheeks.

“I just got a call,” she said shakily. “He’s been released on parole today.”

Carter’s heart sank, a soft “What?” slipping from his lips, though no one heard him.

Jeremy gasped. “He was supposed to be in jail for a really long time. How… how was he released?” His voice was tense, his mood shifting rapidly.

Laura snarled, her anger bubbling over.

“I don’t know. But I’ll make sure he goes back. And this time, I’ll make sure he dies there!”

With that, she started for the door, her steps determined and furious. Jeremy hesitated, turning to Carter briefly.

“We’ll talk later,” he said quickly, pressing a kiss to Carter’s lips before following his mother.

Carter grabbed Jeremy’s arm, his grip desperate.

“Jeremy, I really need to talk to you!”

“Later,” Jeremy said, his tone distracted. “I have to deal with this first.”

He pulled away and hurried after Laura, leaving Carter standing there, his mind reeling.

Carter’s chest felt tight, his thoughts a chaotic swirl of fear, guilt, and helplessness.

‘Leonardo got out today?’ he thought, his stomach churning. ‘If Laura and Jeremy find him… they might do something to him.’

He knew he had to act. Taking a deep breath, he started for the door, but his phone rang, jolting him. Without looking at the caller ID, he answered.

“Hello?”

The excited voice on the other end made him gasp.

“Leonardo!” he exclaimed, too loud and full of shock.

“Yes, it’s me,” Leonardo replied, his tone cheerful. “Surprise! That’s the big news I wanted to tell you.”

Carter cut him off, his voice urgent. “Where are you?”

Leonardo hesitated. “I’m at a phone booth, just a short distance from the prison.”

Carter’s heart raced. “You need to leave. Now! Jeremy and Laura are coming for you. You have to hide, and I’ll find you.”

“Hide? But how?” Leonardo sounded scared now.

“Just go!” Carter insisted. “Run as far away as you can. I’ll figure out how to find you later. Just trust me!”

Leonardo agreed and hung up. Without wasting a second, Carter dashed out of the house, his mind consumed by the storm of emotions and the desperate need to protect the man he wasn’t sure he could call his father.

***

The loud, relentless banging on the door made Sheila’s heart race with irritation and anxiety. She stormed toward it, her voice sharp as she yelled, “I’m coming!”

The pounding only grew more urgent, igniting her frustration further. Her blood boiled as she reached for the doorknob and yanked it open.

Before she could even process who was there, Carter shoved past her, his face pale, chest heaving as though he had just outrun death itself. The door slammed shut behind him as he quickly turned the lock. Sheila blinked, startled by the urgency in his movements.

But Carter wasn’t alone. Another figure stumbled in behind him, collapsing against the wall, his hands braced on his knees as he gasped for air. Sheila’s gaze fell on the man, her breath catching as he straightened slightly and lifted his head.

Time seemed to freeze.

Her heart pounded painfully in her chest, the blood draining from her face. The man before her was someone she knew, someone whose very existence sent a chill crawling up her spine. Her legs felt weak, her stomach twisting into a cold knot of fear. The raw shock on her face gave way to something more primal—a mix of dread and panic.

“No…” she whispered, her voice trembling.

Her wide eyes darted back to Carter, who stood there with an equally troubled expression, though his seemed laced with determination.

“What have you done?” she demanded, her voice shaky but sharp.

Carter exhaled, running a hand through his disheveled hair as he spoke quickly, “Sheila, I had to. I couldn’t just leave him out there for Laura and Jeremy to find.”

“What?” Sheila’s brows furrowed deeply, her initial shock giving way to anger. “You brought him here?” Her voice rose, her words almost trembling with fury.

Carter stepped toward her, his expression earnest.

“I didn’t have a choice. They’re out there looking for him. Laura’s out for blood, and Jeremy… I don’t know what he’ll do.”

Sheila’s eyes flared with disbelief.

“So you thought bringing him here was the solution?” she yelled, her voice filled with frustration and fear. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done, Carter? How reckless this is?”

Carter’s hand shot out, gripping her shoulder gently but firmly, his voice pleading.

“Sheila, I know how it looks, and I know you’re scared. I am too. But this was the only place I could think of. It’s safe here. Just for a little while. I’ll figure out what to do next.”

Sheila shook her head, pulling back from his grip, her face a mix of anger and disbelief.

“Carter, this time you’ve really messed up.”

“I know,” Carter admitted, his voice breaking slightly. “I know I’ve put you in a terrible position. But I couldn’t just leave him out there. If Laura finds him… if Jeremy finds him…” He trailed off, his words heavy with unspoken possibilities.

Leonardo, who had remained silent, finally straightened, his breathing steadying. His presence only seemed to heighten the tension in the room, his silence more unnerving than any words could have been.

Sheila’s gaze flicked to him, her heart hammering. Her anger simmered beneath her fear as she looked back at Carter.

“And you think that justifies this? Bringing him here? Do you even realize what could happen if they find him with us? Do you have any idea what you’re risking?”

Carter’s shoulders sagged, but his voice held a quiet resolve.

“I know, Sheila. I know what’s at stake. And if it all goes wrong…” He swallowed hard, his gaze dropping momentarily. “If it all goes wrong, I’ll take responsibility. I’ll bear the consequences.”

The room fell into a tense silence, the weight of Carter’s words settling heavily between them. Sheila’s eyes softened momentarily, a flicker of worry breaking through her anger.

“Are you ready for that?” she asked, her voice quieter now, but no less stern.

Carter met her gaze, his expression unwavering despite the storm of emotions roiling inside him. He wasn’t sure if he was ready. Fear, guilt, and a strange sense of duty churned in his chest. But he nodded.

“If it comes to that… I’ll do what I have to.”

Sheila let out a long, shaky breath, her hand gripping the edge of the door for support. Her fear lingered, palpable in the tension in her posture and the way her eyes darted to Leonardo.

In the corner of the room, Leonardo finally spoke, his voice quiet and laden with guilt.

“I didn’t mean to cause all this trouble…”

Sheila shot him a sharp look but said nothing. Her anger and fear were not easily quelled. She turned back to Carter, her voice low but firm.

“You better figure this out, Carter. And fast. Because this? This isn’t just reckless. It’s dangerous.”

Carter nodded, his jaw tightening as he absorbed her words. Deep down, he knew she was right. And yet, looking at Leonardo, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he’d made the only choice he could.

To be continued…