If Only..(Part 1 And Part 2 Included)(Under Edit)

Chapter 21- ..as Bait

It was a long hour meeting for The Hawks.

After an elongated discussion, Jackson stood up from his seat and others followed, "That will all for today." Looking up at the men, "Raven, stay back. others may leave."

She nodded and stayed back. As, the door closed behind them it was only Jackson, Jereff and Raven.

"What are you going to do about it?" Jereff mused lightly rubbing his stubble. 

Jackson glanced at Jereff and looked at Raven, "I have a huge work for you." Leaning over the table, "Modify all the security codes."

Jereff's eyes balled out at his suggestion. Raven stood there baffled, failing to find a right way to react.

"Why?" Jereff's perplexed voice broke through the brief silence.

Jackson read through their confusion and pondered before he started,  "Everything that happened isn't a short term business. At least that is what I believe. Nick was involved in all of our meetings, he knows every tiny detail, about us. About, everyone of us. Now, that he chose to break the oath of non disclosure, we are left bare. The Hawks' life is at stake.
Nevertheless, we have our people to take care. Raven, tell Rose to pick up Sarah from school. She is the utmost priority. And for the rest, excavate the godowns on the northern side of the city, modify the security systems, install new if needed."

"Boss, this is going to take a lot of time, can we spare that much time?" Raven questioned.

"We have no other options. Convey this to the Hawks. We are staying back the night in the hideout. We won't move out until we make a solution out of it. Let Rose stay with Sarah today, and add more men to secure the surroundings of the Claros Mansion.

Jereff silently listened to his words and shook his head to himself, "This is so screwed up."

Before, anyone could speak further Jereff phone rang dragging their attention towards the phone.

He flashed the screen and let out a painful sigh, "Hello!"

A thin voice spoke from the either side of the phone.

"Daddy.. you won't be home tonight?"

Jereff pulled in his lower lip and squeezed shut his eyes. He promised her that he wont be away from her like last night. But, the whole chaos sweeped his mind off his promise.

"I am sorry, honey. I have to stay back. Jackson needs me. Rose will be there for you. She will make fun houses with the blocks for you.

"yay!"

The innocence in the little girl's voice had larger effect on him. A soft smile curved up his lips.

"Be a obidient one and go to bed early." After a sharp sigh, "I will be home before you know."

"I am a good Girl!"

"Yes you are, baby girl." He chuckled, "Good Night, dear. Daddy loves you."

"Sarah loves you too."

As he disconnected the call, a soft grip over his shoulder made him turn towards Jackson.

Jackson read through his gloom. Jereff let out a sharp sigh, "I swear if anyone lays a finger on her."

"No one can reach her. I promise." Jackson assured him with a determined voice.

Jereff pressed his lips and patted his shoulder.  

A few days later;

It was early in the morning. Cleo sat up in her bed frustrated, failing to find Jacob beside her.