Chapter 47

Like a thunder cloud, Agent Richards' warning loomed over me. I slept through the night, unable to get rid of the feeling that something bad was about to happen every time I thought of Monroe Enterprises. Everything, including my friendship with Sophie, my relationship with Ethan, and even my former sense of self, had been overshadowed by the corporation.

The next morning, as I sipped my coffee with a shaky hand, I knew I couldn't bear it alone. I wanted someone I could rely on someone who would tell me the truth, no matter how painful it was.

With my heart racing with each ring, I grabbed my phone and phoned Jack Turner's number. Ever since I inherited Monroe Enterprises, Jack had been my lifeline. He had always been honest with me, even if he was loyal to the Monroes, and I needed that more than ever at this moment.

"Emily," Jack's familiar voice came through. "Is everything alright?"

"No, Jack." I tried to maintain my composure as I said, "Nothing is okay. Can we meet? I need to talk to you about something. It's serious."

After a moment of silence, Jack answered in a somber tone. "Obviously. "Where are you?"

"I'm back in Willow Creek," I answered, looking around my kitchen as my tense muscles began to relax a little. "Will you come over here?"

"I'll fly over this afternoon," Jack assured me. "Emily, hold on tight. I will be there shortly."

When Jack showed up that afternoon, I greeted him with a mix of relief and nervousness. The living room, where we were seated, seemed too familiar for the discussion I was about to have. As he settled in, his professional manner already established, I could see the worry in his eyes.

"So, Emily, what's going on?" With a steady gaze, he asked.

I inhaled deeply as I collected my thoughts. "I'm terrified, Jack. I have no idea what I'm involved with. Agent Richards continues to put pressure on me, saying that if Monroe Enterprises fails, I will be held accountable. I'm unsure of whom to believe, and I keep getting the impression that Ethan is keeping something from me.

Jack nodded slowly as his expression darkened. "I get it, Emily. If the FBI didn't suspect something serious, they wouldn't become involved. They think you're more involved than you might think, which is why they're pressing you so hard."

I answered, feeling the weight of my words, "That's exactly it. Richards suggested I cooperate, to spy on Ethan and bring them information. But how am I going to achieve that? Even though Ethan is meant to be my partner, I feel like we are separated by a wall."

Jack bent forward, staring intently. "You must defend yourself, Emily. Monroe Enterprises is currently under attack, and you are in a precarious situation. What you intended to do won't matter if the FBI has proof of unlawful activity. They will perceive you as contributing to the issue.

"So, what should I do?" Feeling more lost than ever, I asked in a tiny voice.

Jack put a comforting hand on my shoulder and extended out. "Allow me to be your advisor, Emily. I'll guide you through the legal aspects of this; let me take care of the rest. But you must tell me the truth. If you know anything at all, please share it with me."

I paused as I remembered Ethan, the document I had seen in his drawer, and the innumerable times I had heard him whisper or seen his reserved looks. "I don't know everything," I admitted. "But I have my suspicions Ethan is hiding something significant. And when it seems like he's keeping me in the dark, I'm not sure if I can continue to trust him."

Jack nodded and his face softened. "You don't grant trust carelessly, especially when the stakes are this high. You could be in considerably more danger if Ethan is hiding facts.

He inhaled deeply while maintaining a fixed look. "I will be there for you, Emily. I'll defend you, look out for your interests, and explain what we're up against. However, you must assure me that you will take all necessary precautions to keep yourself safe, even if that means avoiding Ethan.

I took a deep breath, a mixture of relief and remorse. "I'm grateful, Jack. Without you, I don't know what I would do."

I experienced an odd mixture of relief and uneasiness after Jack left. I was aware that I could trust him, but I was still troubled by the truth of our chat. I couldn't ignore the danger that lurked in Ethan's stillness, and Jack's warning kept repeating in my head.

Later, Sophie showed up at my door with a gentle grin when I was trying to divert my attention. "Thought I'd take you out for some air," she said, holding up a thermos of tea and a small box of cookies. "Perhaps let your mind relax a little?"

I followed her out into the garden, grateful for her encouragement, and we sat on a bench beneath a big tree's shade. The gentle sound of leaves rustling was calming, but my mind was racing with ideas.

"What are your thoughts?" Sophie offered, giving me a light prod.

I took a sip of tea and sighed. "I'm not sure where to begin. It seems like everything is getting out of hand. Nothing seems secure anymore-not the business, not the FBI, nor even Ethan.

With an understanding look on her face, Sophie put a reassuring hand on mine. You don't have to bear it alone, Em, but I can't claim to understand anything you're going through. There are those who are concerned about you.

"I understand," I muttered as my thankfulness surged. However, I simply I feel as though I have lost my sense of who to trust. Even Ethan. I wish he was protecting me, but it's difficult when he keeps everything so close to the vest.

Sophie looked thoughtfully as she nodded. Realizing that the individuals we trust the most have the greatest potential to harm us is sometimes the hardest thing to do, Em. Please, just use caution.

My phone buzzed as I sat by myself that evening, mentally reliving the events of the day. Knowing that Jack was with me brought me peace of mind as I picked him up.

"Emily," Jack spoke in a steady tone, but I noticed that his tone was strong. "There is something I need you to know."

"What is it?" I asked, feeling my heart race.

With a hint of finality in his voice, he stated, "I've decided that after helping you get settled with Monroe Enterprises, I'm going to step back. I'll be focusing on my law firm and your case full-time."

I was speechless and found it difficult to express myself. "Are you sure, Jack? I mean, Monroe Enterprises has been a huge part of..."

"I understand," he said softly. But my first goal right now is keeping you safe. The business has its own issues, and given what can happen in the future, I'm not sure I can support it morally. For you and Ethan, I'm all in. I hate to admit it, but Henry is the one I owe this.

I felt a wave of comfort and melancholy as his words set in. Jack remained faithful, but it served as a sobering reminder of how hopeless things had gotten.

"Thank you, Jack," I said, scarcely raising my voice above a whisper. "Without you, I don't know what I'd do."

"Remember, Emily," he continued in a quiet but firm voice, "we're all in this together. I'll be there no matter what."

I sat in my living room's dark light as the call came to a close, the truth of Jack's choice beginning to sink in. He was leaving the company he had assisted me with and returning to his position as a Wentworth and Miller associate. The concept was reassuring, but it also brought with it a disturbing insight.

There weren't many people I could trust anymore. And I could have to fight this war by myself if Ethan didn't come clean soon.