Chapter 302: No more Secrets
Luna could only comfort her best friend without a word as Morgan departed with heavy steps.
She knew of the inner demons that plagued the mans mind day after day and the lengths that he would go to protect Lily despite the fact she hated him to his core.
Lily’s father knew that too. Even in his grief over losing his wife, he had respected her will and supported the child she had died to protect.
He made sure that Morgan and his sibling Jamie weren’t separated, that they both had food in their stomachs and a roof over their head. He had even paid for Morgan’s tuition in order to get into the Police Academy.
Morgan repaid this with his loyalty and devotion. Whenever Lily’s father needed somdthing done, Morgan would make sure it was taken care of. If he needed information, Morgan would provide it.
Morgan willingly acted as a rat
The soft chime above the front door broke the silence, signaling someone coming in. Morgan passed right by Leo on his way out, barely giving him a glance as he disappeared into the street beyond.
Leo blinked and stepped inside, watching the man’s back retreat before glancing at the others.
"Who was that?" he asked. "He looked like he was walking away from a funeral."
Greg leaned back against the couch, arms crossed. "That was Morgan. Old buddy of mine. We go way back."
Lily’s scowl deepened, but she didn’t say a word. Her fingers dug into the fabric of her sleeve.
Luna walked over to the door and turned the lock with a soft click. She didn’t look at anyone as she spoke. "We should talk. About everything. About what comes next."
Rachel, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, let out a slow breath and nodded. There was no humor in her voice when she finally spoke.
"Yeah. No more secrets."
The group slowly gathered near the corner of the gym where the mat-covered floor and the soundproof walls made it easier to talk without worrying about anyone outside overhearing. The silence was thick, almost suffocating, and no one met each other’s eyes. Shoes scuffed against the rubber flooring. A few leaned against the wall, while others sat cross-legged on the ground, their expressions uncertain. The air hung heavy with tension and unresolved emotion.
Penny let out a dramatic sigh and placed her hands on her hips. "Wow. Okay. I know the vibe in here is supposed to be serious, but damn. Did someone spike the air with brooding energy, or is this just everyone’s resting face?"
Her voice echoed for a second. Nobody laughed. Not even Rachel, who normally had something witty to say in return.
Penny’s smile faltered as she crossed her arms and leaned against the wall, awkwardly looking away.
Leo let out a slow breath, rubbing the back of his neck. His ears twitched slightly with the motion, catching the weight of the room.
Nobody should be keeping secrets anymore. We promised that to each other." he said, glancing around the group. His gaze eventually settled on Lily. His voice lowered. "Who was that man that just left? The look you had on your face suggested something was wrong there."
Lily’s expression tightened. She didn’t answer right away. Her eyes flicked to the locked door, then to the floor, as if debating whether or not to respond. But finally, her voice came, raw and bitter.
"He’s the one my mother died in the line of duty to protect."
A hush fell again. The weight of her words dropped hard into the middle of the group.
Luna hesitated before stepping forward, her hands loosely folded in front of her. "His name is Morgan. He’s on your father’s payroll."
Lily’s head snapped around so fast it looked painful. "What?" Her voice was sharp, angry. "No. No, he’s not. My dad would have told me—"
"This isn’t new....I have known for a while.." Luna said gently, trying not to provoke. "But it’s true. He’s worked for your father for years."
Everyone’s expression shifted. Surprise. Curiosity. Confusion. Even Greg looked unsettled as he processed the information.
Lily stood there for a long second before a tremor of rage crossed her face. "Are you telling me the man my mom died to protect is the one my dad’s been paying? All this time?"
Luna nodded slowly. "From the few times I’ve seen him... it felt like his whole existence was based on atonement. Like he couldn’t move forward. He kept himself close. He watched over you. From a distance, but always there."
"I don’t want that!" Lily shouted suddenly. Her voice echoed off the gym walls, the sound sharp enough to sting. "I don’t want someone protecting me because they feel guilty! That’s not what she would have wanted!"
She trembled, fists clenched at her sides. "The bastard who killed her is dead. That Chapter is over. It’s not Morgan’s fault. So why is he punishing himself like this?"
No one had an answer.
She turned away, grinding her teeth. Her shoulders shook once, just slightly, before she forced them still.
Then, as the silence began to stretch once more, Rachel gave a few exaggerated coughs into her fist. "Okay," she said, voice tight and clearly forced. "Hate to break up the family drama and emotional trauma hour, but... I’ve got a confession to make too."
Everyone turned to her, the tension only shifting from one focus to another.
Rachel rubbed the back of her neck and shifted her weight from foot to foot.
"So you know how I claimed to be a bodyguard sent by the government to protect Leo?"
Greg’s eyes widened in shock whiel Adam and Luna’s brows furrowed at Rachel’s words.
"Well that was only half true. My grandfather assigned me to protect you and complete several other tasks....including monitoring everyone to see if they pose a threat."
Leo’s gaze was unreadable, but he didn’t look angry. He looked tired. "Why didn’t you tell us sooner?"
Rachel let out a small defeated laugh. "Would you have let me stay if I did? Honestly I wouldn’t be surprised if you told me to leave right now..."
Leo let out a sigh as he watched Rachel fidgeted on the spot. Everyone could tell just how anxious she was as she awaited judgement from the group.
Glancing around briefly at the group before closing his eyes and slowly began to speak.
"Rachel...."
She flinched, ears twitching as she awaited judgement.
"We are going to need more details on these hidden assignments of yours."
Rachels face brightened slightly when she heard that.
Her friendship with them had not ended. At least not yet.