Dragon's Kiss - 7. Chapter 7

Chapter 7

“We should visit your aunt in Florida for a while,” Seol said the next morning when Haje went downstairs for breakfast. “I don’t think we should stay here.”

“There’s something I need to do first.” Haje sipped his coffee and leaned on the counter. “You should go though, take a break from all the trouble.”

“I’m not leaving you here. Someone has tried to kill you twice since the accident.” Seol shook her head and sat down at the kitchen table. “I can’t take it. Let’s go to Florida for a while.”

Haje wanted to correct her; technically, he’d survived three murder attempts. He needed to call Levin before Vincent came downstairs. The faster they found Zavier, the better for everyone. At around three this morning, he’d decided to quit working at the Strassen Foundation the moment he found Zavier. First, he needed to get justice for his brother. Zavier had to pay for taking Shin away from him-, looking at his mother, his jaw set in a hard line, -from them.

“Mom, I can’t leave right now. Levin’s investigation is so close, he needs me in Colston.”

“Your safety matters more. If you stay here, I’m very sure there will be another attempt on your life. I can’t take it.”

“I have Vincent,” Haje soothed. “He’ll take care of me.”

Putting his cup down, he reached for the coffee pot and took it to her at the table. Christina had laid out four mugs on a tray, taking one, he poured his mother coffee, added a spoon of sugar and gave it to her. Placing the coffee pot on a mat in the middle of the table, he pulled out the seat beside hers and met her worried gaze.

“I’m going to be fine,” he promised.

Seol squeezed his fingers, before she picked up her coffee cup. She took a slow sip, then turned to look at him with sad eyes.

“You know, I begged Shin to do the same, two weeks before he died. He came home looking so rugged and wan.” She shook her head. “I told him, ‘Shin, go visit auntie in Florida for a while’; he answered the same way you just did. Then he died. I keep thinking if I'd made him leave for a while, he'd still be with us and you wouldn't be hurting like this. Haje, you had better not follow your brother’s footsteps. I won’t forgive you.”

“I’m not going to get myself killed.” Haje soothed. "I'm careful and we have Vincent in the house. Once they catch the person who did this to Shin, I'll be safe. You won't have to worry anymore, Mom."

"I can't help myself," Seol said with a sigh. "Fine, but if things get more difficult, I won't take no for an answer."

*****

Upstairs in his room, Vincent watched the security feed in Haje’s room the next morning with a frown. Haje hadn’t slept again, he woken up at around one o’clock and spent the night locked up in his bathroom until five in the morning.

Closing his laptop, Vincent pulled on a white t-shirt and buttoned his jeans. Sitting on his bed, he pulled on socks and his shoes, preoccupied with Haje's insomnia. Haje needed a break from investigations and Levin Cooper. He needed time to grieve without worrying he might be killed, maybe then he'd finally get a good night's sleep. Sticking his cell phone into his pocket, Vincent left his room and headed downstairs. He wondered if he could convince Seol to take Haje away for a couple of days.

He paused outside the kitchen door surprised when he heard Seol urging Haje to get away from the city. Her voice heavy with concern when she brought up Shin. It was good to know he wasn't the only one worried. Leaning on the wall, he hoped Haje would take her advice.

Vincent was disappointed when Seol let the matter drop with a simple promise from Haje. Since their accident yesterday, he couldn’t stop the uneasy feeling in his gut. He’d called Jaxton for Shin’s server thinking to protect Haje, but now he wasn’t sure. If Haje didn’t know anything about Shin’s projects why would the assassin still be after him.

Shaking his head, Vincent pushed off the wall and entered the kitchen.

“Vincent,” Seol greeted him with a wide smile. “Good morning, come and sit beside me. I need your help.”

He read desperation in her gaze. He’d been wrong about her giving up.

“Oh no,” Haje intercepted him by pulling out the chair beside him. “Sit.” Haje ordered giving him a warning glance.

Hiding his grin, he sidestepped Haje’s chair and took the seat beside Seol making them a united front. Haje presented him with a dark expression for his little betrayal.

Seol took the coffee pot in the middle of the table and a clean mug from a tray on the table. She poured him coffee and explained.

“I’ve asked Haje to take a vacation with me in Florida and he’s refused.”

“I’ have things to do here,” Haje protested.

“Like what? You’re on leave,” Seol demanded replacing the coffee pot on the pad on the table.

“Mum, we just talked about this. Why do you need to bring it up with Vincent?”

Vincent sipped his coffee and tried not to feel hurt by Haje’s mistrust.

“Because, he’s cares about keeping you safe,” Seol answered.

He cleared his throat and backed Seol’s argument. “Your mom’s right. You should leave town for a while, concentrate on healing.”

“I’m healing fine,” Haje protested with a scowl.

“You barely sleep,” Vincent countered and turned to Seol. “He prowls through the house at night, or locks himself in the bathroom for hours. I’m worried.”

Haje glared at him. Seol pushed her coffee cup away and stood up. She pointed her index finger at Haje, her eyes hard with determination.

“We’re going to visit your aunt Vicky in Florida. One week, no investigations, no Levin Cooper,” she shook her head when Haje started to talk. “Your opinion doesn’t count, young man. Vincent, I hope you don’t mind coming along.”

“Not at all,” he smiled at Haje. “I could use some days in the sun.”

Haje grumbled under his breath and tugged the sleeve of his sweater over his cast.

Vincent smiled. Seol was making the right decision. Time away from Colston, would give Jaxton and his team time to investigate without fear of getting Haje killed.

Seol nodded in approval and said, “I’ll call the airline. Haje pack a bag, we’ll leave this afternoon if possible.”

“Seriously,” Haje gaped at her. “You’re-

“I’m not joking. Vincent please help him, pack light clothing, it gets hot down there. Stop scowling Haje, we’re doing this.”

When Seol left the kitchen, Haje rounded on him with a menacing glare. “Are you watching me?”

“It’s my job,” Vincent replied with a shrug.

“Do you have to do that even in my room?”

“Of course, what if someone tries to suffocate you while you’re sleeping again?”

Haje sighed and stood. “You don’t have to come along, you know. It’s not like my would-be assassin knows where my aunt lives.”

“Do you watch any murder movies at all?” Vincent asked him with a raised brow.

Haje stalked out of the kitchen, his limp not as obvious anymore. Vincent smiled amused by Haje’s irritation. His phone buzzed, and after a quick glance at the caller ID, he answered.

“Morning,” he said.

“You sound chipper,” Jaxton said. “How’s Haje?”

“Alive, irritated, his mother is taking him away from Colston for a week.”

“Good,” Jaxton said relieved. “I won’t even ask where you’re going. Tom Purcell is dead. My team found him in his bedroom this morning. He was poisoned.”

“Shit, what’s going on Jaxton? You had that guy under tight surveillance,” Vincent cursed and dropped his head into his hand. “They’re all dead.”

Remembering Haje’s request, Vincent asked, “What was Shin working on?”

There was a slight pause on the other end before Jaxton answered. “Shin was chasing down a dangerous trail. If he told Haje about it, I need to know.”

“I don’t think so,” Vincent promised. “I’d have found the evidence by now.”

“Yes, well, the attempts on Haje’s life suggest otherwise. If you find out anything from Haje, let me know, Vincent. With all the department heads on Project Terra gone, Zavier’s safety is now my main priority.” Jaxton sighed before he added. “Be vigilant. Whoever cut your brakes is close, too close, Vincent.”

“Yes sir,” Vincent answered, the call ended and he sat staring at his phone. He hoped leaving Colston was the right thing.

****

Miami was as he’d expected. Hot, busy airport, Haje sighed and tried to shake off his fatigue. He’d tried to get a hold of Levin all morning before they left with no luck. Afraid to leave Shin’s drive in an empty house, he’d stashed it in his suitcase together with the phone. He’d visit the locations on Shin’s map when they returned on Monday. He’d hoped Levin would look into the properties while he was away.

Haje sat back in the taxi and tried not to let his disappointment sink him into depression. Seol sat beside him holding his hand gently. She squeezed his fingers and he gave her a ghost of a smile. Turning his attention back to the passing scenery, he tried to recall the last time he’d visited Aunt Victoria. Quite a few years back, he thought. Right after college graduation, they’d come down here for the summer. Right before Shin had been called away to work for the Foundation.

They’d spent their days that summer in a cabana by the beach drinking and hosting wild parties that lasted through the night. He didn’t remember spending any time at his aunt’s house other than grabbing a shower and changing clothes. Shin had been the responsible one, handling grocery shopping and making sure their Aunt didn’t kick them out for too much partying. Closing his eyes, he laid his head back on his seat.

This time, his aunt wouldn’t have to worry about parties he supposed. There was nothing to celebrate but grief and sadness. He wished he could sleep the entire week away. They pulled into Victoria’s driveway twenty minutes later. She’d grown a gorgeous flower garden in her front lawn. The front door opened and a short white haired woman stepped out. Victoria hadn’t aged a day, he decided as she walked down the short steps headed to their taxi. She still walked with a spring in her step.

“You made it,” Victoria greeted with a wide grin, her lips curving into a beautiful smile. Seol paid the driver and got out of the car to greet Victoria. Haje came out of more slowly, followed by Vincent who went to help the taxi driver with the luggage.

“Look at you, Seol,” Victoria said pulling her into a tight hug. “How are you?”

Seol held on tighter and shook her head. “Fine, now that I see you Vicky.”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t make it for Shin’s funeral.” She patted Seol’s back comforting her. “It must have been hard for you.”

Seol pulled back and gave her a tight smile. “We managed.”

Victoria looked at him and smiled. “Hi, Haje,” she said warmly. He moved closer to hug her and she gasped holding on to his left arm. “Look what they’ve done to you.”

“I’m fine, Aunty,” he promised pulling her into a hug with his right arm. She smelled of peppermint. He closed his eyes when she wrapped a motherly hug around him.

“I’ve got you,” she said gently, rocking him gently.

He pulled away and kissed her cheek. “It’s good to see you, Aunt Vicky. You haven’t aged a day.”

“Still a charmer,” she said shaking her head. “Who’s the handsome one holding the bags?”

“This is Vincent, he’s making sure Haje stays safe,” Seol explained. “We should go in and I’ll explain.”

Haje sighed and turned to help Vincent with their bags.

“Are you sure you shouldn’t be in Colston?” he asked Vincent.

“I’m sure,” Vincent replied setting the bags right inside the door.

****

Being in Victoria’s house was surreal. She kept too many memories alive, Haje thought standing in the hallway leading to the bedrooms. Pictures of the family hang on each side of the wall. Victoria was his aunt through his father’s side; she was his grandmother’s sister and so they’d all ended up calling her auntie. She’d lined the walls with the life she’d lived. Her family: her two daughters and their children, his grandmother, and pictures of his father, he reached out to touch a picture of his father in his teens. There was one of him and Shin standing in the backyard. Taken the summer they’d visited Victoria’s house together. Shin looked so carefree. Dropping his hand to his side, he abandoned the pictures, switched off the hallway light and headed to the kitchen.

The microwave clock read three-twenty in the morning. He’d barely slept. He’d gotten in two hours before the dreams had started. Haje walked to the shelves above the sink. Aunt Victoria had a habit of hiding her liquor when guests came. Smiling, he searched through the cupboard shelves. A smile tugged at his lips when he finally got the bottle of whisky tucked behind a saltine box and chocolate cake mix.

He slipped out of the kitchen door to sit on the lounge chairs set on the deck in the backyard. The night was quiet, the neighborhood asleep. He tipped the bottle to his lips. Here he sat alone, he thought swallowing the burning liquor with a lump. Being away from Colston and murder attempts, a cold, tight, painful knot in his chest, reminded him how he missed Shin.

****

Vincent woke with a start. He sat up on his bed, taking in his surroundings as he got out of bed. Something had woken him up, he thought as he dragged on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. He left his room and opened the opposite door to check on Haje. He’d insisted on getting a bedroom close to Haje, Victoria had been very accommodating. He sighed when he entered the dark room and found Haje’s bed empty. The sheets were rumpled; at least Haje had tried to sleep.

On silent feet, he headed downstairs to the main floor in search of his insomniac. When he didn’t find Haje in the living room, study or the kitchen, slight panic set in. They were in an unfamiliar place. He’d made sure to lock the doors before they’d slept, but Victoria was just like Seol. She’d probably left a key under the flowerpot or the welcome mat. He’d been too tired to check. Shit! He tried the front door and was glad to find it locked. He went into the kitchen and tried the slide door.

The security lights on the deck came on and he stepped out of the kitchen with a relieved sigh. Haje sat in one of the lounge chairs drinking straight from a bottle. Closing the door behind him, Vincent walked over to Haje’s chair and crouched beside him.

“What are you doing out here?” he asked with a sigh.

Haje shrugged and hugged the bottle against his chest. “I couldn’t sleep.”

“Had another nightmare?” Vincent asked.

Haje closed his eyes and leaned his head back on the chair. Dressed in an oversized t-shirt and shorts, the light turned his hair into a dark mink. Vincent tried not to stare at the curve of Haje’s neck, or imagine pressing kisses right at the curve of Haje’s neck and his shoulder. He dropped his gaze to Haje’s cast and the Jameson bottle.

“Do you want to sleep in my bed?” he asked. “You need to rest, Haje. Drinking-

“I don’t want to sleep.” Haje lifted his head to stare at him. “I don’t need you babysitting me either. No one is going to try to kill me here. Why didn’t you just stay in Colston?”

Vincent held back his retort. Haje was drunk, he’d obviously been out here a while. He grabbed the neck of the bottle Haje held and took it. Straightening up, he walked to the table set against the house and placed the bottle there.

“You’ve had enough drinking,” he said when Haje glared at him. “Have you forgotten you’re taking pain pills?”

Haje pressed fingers into his forehead and sighed. Haje met his gaze for a moment before he looked away and mumbled. “W-will you just sit with me?”

Stubborn idiot, he thought. Taking the lounge chair beside Haje’s, he pushed it until it touched Haje’s chair. He sank into the comfortable cushions and turned to find Haje watching him.

“What are you doing?” Haje demanded with a raised brow. “That’s too close.”

Vincent shrugged. “I’ll watch over you in case you feel like resting your eyes.”

Haje scoffed.

Vincent leaned back in his chair, enjoying the cool night breeze. Unlike Colston, the night wasn’t cold; it was comfortable, the sky clear and filled with stars. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d watched the stars. Haje sat stiffly at the edge of his lounge chair, head bent in deep thought. Struggling to reach out, he thought with a sigh. The past few weeks, Haje had kept tight hold of his emotions. Never sharing, not even with his mother, Vincent closed his eyes, hoping.

It took Haje ten minutes to decide to take his offer.

Vincent sat still, keeping his eyes closed as he felt Haje move beside him. Haje leaned against him, placing his head on his shoulders. Tense with nerves, Vincent tried not to open his eyes and relax. His heartbeat filled his ears, taking in a slow shaky breath; he tried to control his raging heartbeat. Haje sighed and got comfortable, while he lay back tense, super conscious of every breath Haje took in and let out.

His left arm got numb from staying in one position too long. Haje’s breathing had evened out, opening his eyes, Vincent smiled when he realized Haje was deep asleep.

For a split second, he contemplated carrying him back to his bed. Sliding his right hand behind Haje’s neck, he lifted him slightly and shifted. He moved closer so that Haje’s head would rest against his chest and his left arm was free to move. Pushing dark strands out of Haje’s eyes, he brushed his lips against Haje’s forehead, and decided against taking Haje to bed.