Fifty- Did she just say brother?

Chloe could not ignore the whirlwind of emotions encamped within her. She was just about to tell them all about Markings in a manner that would almost ensure her safety and while she does that, she would have to deal with the fact that Nathaniel would be in the same room.

Walking into the conversation room where Lucille had earlier told her they would all be, Chloe found herself replaying what the pictures showed her.

Definitely it was the same room.

But then, she had to wonder. Who took those pictures? Certainly that person wanted either her or Nathaniel to get hurt.

Chloe almost smirked. That person certainly wouldn't have foreseen Chloe deciding to not address the issue or worse, blow it up.

"Chloe, you are looking good," Gabriel commented as she walked towards the men.

Heaving a huge breath, smiling after, she had her seat next to Gabriel and faced them. "I actually feel a bit better." She could feel Amir's eyes watching her silently. "And I have decided to tell you guys who the person is."

Gabriel shifted, more interest on his face. "The very one that captured you?"

She nodded. As her eyes roamed the room some more, she noticed Nathaniel wasn't actually there. "Where is Nathaniel?"

"He won't be joining us." She felt a kind of relief. She wouldn't feel so burdened after all.

But still... she wanted to see him. See his face that is. Or perhaps to put it better, to see the emotions his face would carry.

"So Chloe..." Sebastian who had been busy with a device in his hand reminded her she had an information to give.

"Yeah... Before I go on, I just want to say I am sorry. I have kept the information from you all to protect a secret of mine. I had to do it."

"Chloe," Amir called gently. "We know that. You don't have to be sorry. Just tell us who that bastard is and we will make sure he regrats even laying a finger on you."

The tone his voice carried... it reminded of that person...

He always showed immense anger and determination with his eyes. Chloe smiled within her, she sure did miss her brother.

" Do you guys remember the man that led the raid?"

"That moron?" Amir sneered.

Chloe sighed. She was about to do it. "He is... the one."

"What?" Gabriel asked, his voice sounding like that of one in doubt.

"Wait... why?" Amir asked the question she wish she had a response to.

"He and I struck a deal while in that junkyard." The men told her to go on with thier attentive gazes. "I had no choice. I had to agree to help him."

"With what?" Sebastian asked.

Chloe paused her mind. She had to be careful from thence. If she fails to be, she could uncover herself way to soon. And since she was about to use her situation to find out the real truth, being discovered was not number one on her list.

"Chloe?"

"Hmm?" Her head turned towards Gabriel. "Oh. Sorry. He told me to plant evidence that will be against you."

"Evidence? Why is that guy so fixed on that?" Amir asked.

"How does he intend to have you plant the evidence?" Sebastian asked like he were a cop interrogating a witness.

"Well... he didn't say." Chloe shrugged.

"Well, now that we know what he is up to, let's wait and watch how things play out. When he contacts Chloe... Wait." Sebastian wore confusion on his face. "I really can't guess how exactly he will contact Chloe."

"Well, when he does, Chloe will let us know. What we are concerned with is catching him. I really am curious as to why he wants us jailed." Gabriel looked towards Chloe who watched on with a mind trying not to ruin things. "Chloe, did he give any clues while he held you captive?"

"No."

Amir slapped his thighs and got up. "Well, let's wait then. Sebastian?"

"Yeah?" the man answered.

"How  is it going with Tate?"

"He has changed location for now."

"And the person he is working for? Who is this person?" Chloe's interest was pricked. They all never got to know who the person was.

Sebastian gave a curt nod, cleared his throat and turned the laptop on the center table so they all will be able to view it.

"That is him?" Gabriel sounded amused.

"Why? Do you know him?" Amir asked, his head turning towards Gabriel in his leaning position.

"I recognize him."

"Yeah?"

"He works for Anderson."

"The very?" Amir stood straight instantly as Gabriel nodded. Chloe took one more look at the black haired man who was wearing a sly smile that suited his rough features well.

Then her mind pondered on the Anderson name. She could never forget that name. He was the reason Nathaniel kissed her back then...

Chloe's hands were already approaching her lips when Amir asked, "Why would he want to frame me? That too painting me as a rapist."

"You know how competitive he gets when we are ahead of him," Gabriel said, rubbing his chin, his elbow resting on the couch's arm.

"And what have we done so far that would warrant him repeatedly framing me? No, there is something else." Amir looked so serious as he had his seat again.

"Shall we pay him a visit?" Gabriel suggested.

A smirk grew on Amir's face. "Like old times?"

"Like old times."

"While you are at it, please try to not get jailed again," Sebastian said monotonously, his hands typing angrily on his phone. "You know how crafty he can be."

"We will be careful. Chloe?"

"Yeah?" She faced Amir.

"It's all coming together now. When we nab that Wood guy..." He sighed. "Just know that we've got your back."

"And..." Gabriel continued Amir's words. "Whatever he has on you, we won't give him a chance to use it."

Chloe smiled. "Thank you guys. It would be so awesome to have you as brothers." Amir's literally jaw dropped. "You are just amazing men."

"Did..." Amir gulped loudly as a finger almost nervously pointed in no particular direction. "Did she just say brother?"

Chloe gasped quietly, her hand on her mouth. She didn't think that through before talking.

Gabriel didn't look moved as he shook his head. "She is just unbelievable."

"I didn't mean it that way guys."

"Clearly you are spending too much time with Nathaniel." Gabriel got up. "If I decided to go ahead with how I feel, you won't even be able to recall his face anymore." He struck a confident pose. "I am that irresistible."

"Oh come on," Chloe scoffed, a smile hidden within. "You are just being cocky."

His gaze at nothing darted to her and he said, "Do you want to try me? I started it before and I can just continue easily."

"You know I won't even look your way. You helped me get with him remember?" Chloe asked with a very big smile. "Oh ." He gave up instantly. "I shouldn't have done that," he said as he had his seat.

"How can you like him still Chloe?" Amir who had been quiet through Gabriel's drama asked. Clearly he was refering to the thing with Kate.

"I-" Her phone's ringtone filled the air. As she took a look at the caller ID, the look on her face changed.

"Is it him?" Amir shifted.

She showed them the screen that displayed RESTRICTED CALL. "Most probably," she said.

It definitely was him.

"Put in on speaker," Sebastian urged.

As she did, Markings chuckle filled the room and after, he said raspily, 'Hello Pepper. I hope you have been thinking of me.'

Chloe felt her breath hitch. He just used her real last name.