Chapter Seventy-six: Lethal Connections and Last Goodbyes in Chaos

Ethan’s Point of View

I stared at my phone in disbelief after Kaz hung up. We’d known each other for years, and I believed that, in many ways, he was one of my dearest friends. I know that professionally, that was crossing a line and that his line of work was more than questionable, but the man had a good heart and wanted the best for his family and community. It was always through that lens that Kaz Brzezinski operated.

His last request was for me to find Lillianna and keep Rei safe at all costs. I would do that for my dear friend and Xavier. I prayed that he had been able to reach Aamon and that Kaz’s men got him to the hospital on time. Lillianna was more dangerous than we’d given her credit for, and our lack of awareness may have cost the life of a great man.

I reached out to the contact who had been working discreetly for Aamon. I would need her help with this. I did not need to concern myself with her payment; that was taken care of by Aamon. But I needed her help tracking down Lillianna - the sooner, the better for everyone. She was one of my operatives as well, working on both sides of the law as a double agent. Only Kaz, Aamon and I were aware of this though.

Chloe was a quick learner and could think outside the box when necessary. She wasn't afraid to ask for support when needed and never tried to be a hero. I could tell that her friendship with Rei was authentic and genuine. Just like Grace, she had remained in Rei's life long after fulfilling any obligations.

Thankfully, Chloe answered her phone after just a few rings.

“Chloe, Lillianna needs to be found. She shot Don Brzezinski when he confronted her after breaking into Rei’s home,” I said.

Chloe's voice trembled with panic as she asked, "Ethan, are Rei and the kids alright?"

“Rei was with Xavier. The children are with Grace and Aamon. Lillianna fled on foot. She had used one of the Brzezinski enforcer’s cars to reach Rei’s house, leaving her motorcycle at her apartment,” I shared.

“How did she manage to get one of their cars?” Chloe exclaimed.

“Lillianna killed Andrei and Marek while they were monitoring her,” I responded.

“How in the hell did she manage that? I’m going to need backup for this,” Chloe sighed.

“Do you want Iris to accompany you? She would be a believable companion since Lillianna saw her with Alex at the restaurant?” I offered.

Iris was a valuable member of my team, trained in lethal tactics and ready to face any danger. She and Chloe had a strong bond forged by their shared experiences on previous missions. Alex and Iris had actually started dating after meeting at the restaurant. Because of this, Iris had been spending a lot of time with the young man and had become a part of the friend group. Not only did this provide extra protection for Xavier and Rei's friends, but if Lillianna encountered them while Chloe and Iris were searching for her, it would be believable that they were hanging out together. The women would have a better chance of survival taking on Lillianna if they worked together.

“That would be work. Can Iris pick me up? Lillianna won’t recognize her car,” Chloe said.

“Stay safe and keep in touch. Don’t underestimate Lillianna. She has already taken out two enforcers and shot Don Brzezinski in a short span of time. So, be cautious and vigilant,” I emphasized.

“Understood,” Chloe replied.

“I’ll connect with Iris now. She’ll message you once she’s arrived at your place,” I said.

"Just answer one final question. Is it necessary for Lillianna to remain alive?" Chloe demanded, her voice sharpened to a dangerous edge.

“No. Use your professional judgment,” I answered.

“Thank you, Ethan,” Chloe said before hanging up.

I couldn’t wait for Aamon to contact me, so I called Jakub, Kaz’s trusted bodyguard. He also answered right away.

“Ethan, we’re in the ambulance right now headed to the hospital. They’ve managed to stop the bleeding, and there is hope Kaz will be able to hold on until his grandchildren make it to the hospital to say goodbye,” Jakub said.

His tone was even and controlled, but I’d known the young man for a long time—long enough to detect the slight catch in his voice as he spoke. Kaz was like a father to him, and I knew that the Don would have also given Jakub instructions on the next steps.

“What did Kaz want you to do, Jakub? I can help. Just tell me,” I pleaded.

“The gang that Xavier used to run with. They were following Rei and Xavier today, which you already know. What you don’t know is that they killed the cop who stopped to check in on them. They’ve connected with Lillianna and are after both Xavier and Rei. Kaz wanted them taken care of,” Jakub responded without hesitation.

“The Don wanted me to ensure that it was finished, that no threat to Rei or Xavier remained,” the young man added.

“Stay with the Don and watch over him at the hospital. I have two of my best operatives taking care of Lillianna. I will gather a team to find and apprehend the three young men responsible for the gas station incident. You can trust that they will be dealt with, just as Kaz wanted," I reassured Jakub.

Amidst the ambulance's blaring sirens, I could hear the young man take a deep, shaky breath.

"Jakub, Kaz is just as important to you. Make sure you have a chance to say goodbye before you reach the hospital. The attention will be on Aamon, Rei, and the grandchildren then. But I know how much Don Brzezinski means to you and your family," I spoke in a gentle tone.

“I feel like I failed him,” Jakub whispered, his voice catching as he spoke.

“I know, Kaz, and I'm sure he instructed you to wait outside because the Don planned to show mercy towards Lillianna. You followed his orders and did everything right by getting Kaz medical attention and giving him a chance to say goodbye to his grandchildren. If you hadn't acted quickly and called an ambulance, Kaz wouldn't be holding on right now. You did well, son. Aamon won't be angry with you,” I reassured him.

“Thank you, Mr. Steele,” Jakub whispered and ended the call.

Those delinquents had become too brazen, crossing lines and attempting to intimidate Xavier and Rei. Knowing their history, the consequences would be irreversible if the gang could harm Xavier and Rei. I was determined to follow protocol in apprehending them. I was familiar with their backgrounds as I had reviewed their files while advocating for Xavier Woods's employment in my government department. They would not hesitate to engage in a physical altercation with law enforcement, forcing us to use deadly measures. Kaz and I wouldn't have to get our hands dirty; these criminals' recklessness would ultimately lead to their demise.