Episode Eleven
"That's enough, Julian," Ethan said, stepping in and gently pulling Julian back, lowering his own gun.
"What's going on, Ethan? Is something—?"
"Someone's taking photos." Ethan scanned the area, tense.
"Photos? Who the hell—?"
"I don't know. Let's just go home."
Julian scoffed. "Seriously? I cleared my whole afternoon. You said we were going out."
"I meant to… but you wouldn't tell me what happened 17 years ago. I need to understand, Julian."
Julian paused, then looked away. "I... I don't know, man. Let's just go."
Just then, a black car screeched around the corner—and opened fire.
"Shit!" Ethan yelled, whipping the wheel. "Get down!"
Bullets shattered the windows. Glass flew. Ethan gritted his teeth, trying to keep the car steady.
"Give me the gun!"
"No, Julian, it's too dangerous."
"I'm not asking."
Ethan hesitated, then handed it over.
Julian aimed from the backseat, firing at the pursuing vehicle.
A sharp pop. The car lurched.
"Damn it, we've got a flat!"
They bailed, letting the car roll. Ducking behind a dumpster, they watched as men riddled their abandoned vehicle with bullets. Ethan's eyes widened.
Nathan.
Their leader had just stepped out of the attacking car.
Later, Ethan dropped Julian home, his knuckles white on the steering wheel. He'd spoken briefly to Don Emilio, his voice tight.
"Hello, Dad."
"Stay safe, Ethan. You're a hero. I believe in you."
Ethan drove off into the night, heading to Nathan's mansion. He snuck in, planted cameras, then hid—waiting to strike.
---
Don Emilio's Mansion
"Dad?"
"Julian? What's the matter?"
"Ethan asked me… about what happened 17 years ago."
Don Emilio stiffened. His eyes widened, and his body trembled.
"What did you tell him?"
"Nothing."
His breathing slowed as he sat down. "Good. That's better."
"Better?"
"You want Ethan to find out about our secret? I told you—he's not supposed to know. He might be my son, but he's a pawn. He does what I say."
Julian flared. "A pawn? Have you forgotten who pulled you out of that wreck 12 years ago? If not for Ethan, you'd be dead. He might not be legitimate, but he's family. The way you treat him—it's cruel."
"I get it. But you can't tell him. I was angry. I regret killing Rose every day. She was your sister. I lost control. I let the devil in."
Julian didn't say a word. He hissed and walked out.
---
At Nathan's mansion, the door slammed shut.
"That bastard escaped!" Nathan roared.
He stormed into the bathroom—right where Ethan waited. As soon as the door opened, Ethan smashed a bottle over Nathan's head.
"You son of a bitch!" Nathan shouted, grappling with Ethan. They fought hard—neither giving in. But Nathan got the upper hand. He tied Ethan up, then beat him with a club until Ethan stopped moving.
Leaning in close, Nathan sneered.
"Tsk. Poor Ethan. Knew this day would come. You'd beg at my feet."
"You monster," Ethan spat.
"Say what you want. I won. I could kill you now."
"You won't get away with this."
"I'm not going to kill you, Ethan. Not today. I want you to remember this face—and run next time. I won't be so merciful."
Nathan took out his phone, recording a video.
"Childish," Ethan muttered.
"It won't be soon." Nathan grinned.
He dumped Ethan from the back of a van onto the front steps of the Cruise mansion. His body was battered, barely alive. A guard spotted him and rushed him inside.
---
"Jesus Christ, Paulo!" Don Emilio shouted when he saw Ethan.
"I found him at the gate," Paulo said, out of breath.
"Get the doctor! Now!"
The doctor arrived quickly, examining Ethan.
"Don Emilio… I'm afraid Ethan won't be able to walk. His injuries are severe. He'll need light movement therapy, but full recovery isn't guaranteed."
"What are you saying?"
"His blood tissue and ankle damage… I'm sorry."
The doctor left.
Ethan stirred. "Father..."
Don Emilio rushed over. "You're awake. Who did this to you?"
Ethan hesitated. He knew Emilio's rage could be lethal.
"Who!" Emilio snapped.
"It's nothing. I can handle it."
"Don't insult me. You're half-dead!"
"It was Nathan. I think he's working with Rezaki. It was planned."
"Don't worry. Maxwell will take over the mission. You can't go out like this again. We'll show the Montenegros who's in charge."
Ethan shook his head. "Don Emilio."
"What?"
"What happened 17 years ago? I need answers."
"You're barely alive and you're still asking about—"
"I know. I saw it that day."
Silence. Emilio froze.
"Who told you…?"
"No one. I saw you myself."
Don Emilio staggered, collapsing slightly from the shock.