Chapter Twenty-six: Difficult, Dangerous Decisions

Don Brzezinski’s Point of View

Xavier Wood's supervisor in the elusive government agency was my meeting companion. We didn't often interact with those on opposite sides of the law, but we had an unspoken understanding. Ethan Steele was a rare breed - a kind, unbiased and moral man. These qualities were hard to come by in either of our spheres of operation. Under different circumstances, it would have been a pleasure to meet with him. Unfortunately, today was not one of those.

Ethan Steele was a master of balance, easily navigating between two opposing worlds. As a high-ranking officer in the covert government organization where Xavier Wood worked, he could feel the tension in the room, and his expression turned somber when I spoke so formally. This wasn't just a casual catch-up between old friends. Something serious had happened.

"I'm afraid my granddaughter has gotten involved with one of your agents," I said grimly.

“Oh no, romantically?” Ethan groaned, apprehension creeping into his voice. He was all too aware of the risks involved, and it was an unspoken agreement that any romantic involvement between our two groups was strictly forbidden.

“They were discovered in a compromising position at the exclusive new club,” I divulged cautiously, mindful of just how much information to share.

“I know that Rei doesn’t know about you or the organization. It would be safe to assume that she doesn’t know who my guy works for unless he’s revealed that,” Ethan replied, trying not to panic.

“No, she has no idea. Rei only thinks that Xavier works for the government and travels for his job. He’s been watching over my granddaughter for years. I know Xavier is in love with her, but Aamon had warned him years ago not to pursue her,” I answered.

“Xavier? Xavier Woods?” Ethan gasped, his face turning pale in fear.

I merely nodded, but I could see the worry and suspense building in his eyes.

“Kazimierz, please listen to me. Xavier may have made some mistakes, but he's a good person. He was trying to fit in and made a naive decision to hack on a dare. But we helped him get out of that toxic group, and now he's an invaluable team member. Xavier has saved countless lives and has a heart of gold,” Ethan begged, fearing for Xavier's safety.

“You sent him on an assignment without questioning why, and for that, I thank you. A little time and space would be good for them to see if he is someone my granddaughter truly wants to pursue a relationship with. The longer you can keep him occupied and apart from Rei, the better,” I replied.

“There is a slight problem I could use your help with, though,” I continued.

“Kaz, even though we are friends, you know I can’t look the other way if I become aware of anything nefarious linked to you or your organization,” my old friend sighed.

“I have a matter to discuss with you regarding one of my grandson's operatives, Lillianna. She has become a thorn in my side. While Lillianna is effective at her tasks, she seems fixated on my granddaughter and Xavier Woods. Somehow, she has managed to infiltrate Rei’s small group of friends. But I must warn you, Lillianna is dangerous and unpredictable. She often disregards the directives given by Aamon and can be more violent and deadly than necessary. If you have the opportunity to apprehend her for any crimes, I need your assurance that she will not be offered a deal to turn against my organization,” I explained.

I could see the wheels turning in Ethan’s mind, and he nodded in agreement. Though we were a criminal outfit, my organization respected the law and was careful to enforce what needed to be done without getting caught or creating messes they would be left to clean up. Often, we were called in for favours in dealing with undesirables who needed to disappear because of the crimes they were committing against vulnerable souls. We had a mutually beneficial relationship and a friendship fostered between Ethan and me long ago for this very reason.

Ethan had suggested that the Draven couple, whom he knew well, adopt and raise Rei as their child in exchange for a modest payment. His recommendation proved to be excellent. The Dravens were kind-hearted individuals who followed instructions carefully and were grateful for the benefits their assistance provided. When the time came for them to step away from Rei's life, they were reluctant to do so. They only agreed after being assured that Aamon and I would continue to watch over my granddaughter from a distance and provide protection when necessary.

We had fulfilled our promise, faithfully guarding Rei. It was difficult to refrain from intervening, but Casimir wished for his daughter to be shielded from the harsh realities that had taken her mother. He desired her to have a chance at a normal life and her future children.

I often pondered the what-ifs, imagining how different things would have been if we had raised her alongside us. Would she have grown to love her step-brother as deeply as he loved her? The thought left a lingering feeling of regret in my heart.

The possibilities haunt me still.

I wondered if it would ever be possible for me to meet my granddaughter Rei and her children. The people responsible for Autumn's death had been taken care of, so that specific danger was gone. However, if I openly acknowledged Rei and her kids as my family, would that put them at risk? I worried my connection to the organization might make them new targets for our enemies.

Ethan appeared to understand the inner conflict I was struggling with and knew the source of it. "Rei and her kids will always be at risk if their connection to the Brzezinski family is discovered. They would have a safer life with Xavier," my long-time friend stated gently.

“Just like he pretended to shield Rei with Lillianna’s pathetic excuse for help?” I spat, the words dripping with disdain.

“No, they completely screwed that up. If it weren't for Aamon and my assistance cleaning up their mess, Rei would have discovered the true story behind the Ravenscroft family's disappearance,” Ethan agreed.

“But Lillianna was the mastermind behind their downfall, not Xavier. All he did was arrange the meeting. That family was pure evil. How did you not know who they were connected to? His involvement with Rei was nothing but toxic and put her in constant danger,” my friend added.