"So if the president isn't behind this…then who is?" Liv bit her lip. She planted herself in her office chair as her team stumbled upon tasks of their own.
"Liv it's urgent!" Finch seemed nervous. She walked normal but her blood was pumping now. She tried not to show it, but when she saw Cyrus of all people at her law firm, her knees nearly buckled.
"Liv he's gone.." He had tears in his eyes.
"Who's gone, you are not making any sense." She was truly scared now.
"J-James. They to-took him Liv. We have to find him he's innocent." She never heard Cyrus stutter before and she never thought she'd see him cry.
"Ok ok we'll find him. Did you try his cell?" She grabbed her laptop. Cyrus paced but answered that he tried all that. Then he stopped short and got Liv's full attention.
"The night we had dinner at the white house, I kept getting strange messages and calls. Someone is trying to pin Amanda's death on the president and I was trying to prevent it." A single tear escaped.
"Cyrus what exactly happened?" Liv's stair made him nervous. Everyone stopped and listened to what he had to say. He sighed.
"I messed up Liv…" Cyrus trailed off. He shook like a leaf, but spoke anyway.
FLASHBACK (Cyrus point of view)
Dinner was weird. You could almost see the tension hanging in the air. I've been texting James the whole time, apologizing for not spending tonight with him instead. I planned to make it up to him, but then he suggested that we adopt a child. Before I could text him back, my phone rings. Saved by the bell.
"Excuse me. I have to take this." The unknown number that came up made me concerned. Maybe it's a prank call.
I answered without identifying myself. It's safer that way.
"Do you know what happens to liars Cyrus? They pay!" The voice sounded angry. I didn't understand what they were talking about. I traced the call but it led to a bar mainline. Many people come and go.
"Goodnight Cyrus." The first lady seemed content.
"Goodnight First Lady." I hid my concern as best I could.
I followed the main hallway out of the White house and head towards my car. I felt so paranoid, but I shook I off.
I went home that night and everything seemed normal. No one was following me, James took the trash out, and the neighborhood was peaceful. Days passed and I barely even remembered the threat. We had a press conference coming so we needed a clear mind.
"Mr. President, you have a press conference in a week and you never prepared your speech yet. We should get to it."
I was in with the president, when someone delivered the newspaper to me.
It read 'Dead Men Tell No Tales'. I looked up and directly through the window, a tall man winked at me. He showed me a picture with red slashes through the faces. I couldn't make out the faces but he was gone before I could do something.
"Liv.."I whispered. I left the president and had secret service follow me. We had a quick meeting about the president's safety. I told them to tighten up on who gets in and out and to be the ears and eyes of the place. Then my phone buzzed.
The game has just begun. It was a creepy message to stare at. I typed back.
Listen you jerk. I don't know what game you're trying to play, but you are done. You are not a threat because we are the threat to you. Leave town and never come back because when we find you, you will stand down.
Touchy I see. Listen, I just wanted to let you know that I was in the neighborhood and so I stopped by to visit an old friend. James will love our new home. I'll let him know you said hi.
I froze. He must've seen because he called me and laughed in my ear.
"Hahaha..you should've seen your face." The voice sounded male maybe the same white guy earlier.
"Where is he?" I was angry.
"Uhoh I think someone is upset. Tell you what, no police no public and no back up. Just me, you, and James."
"Not going to happen. Bring him to me and we can talk." I prayed it worked.
"Last time I checked, I'm the one calling shots. Now I'm not in the mood to talk so…I'll ring you." He yawned. Probably wasn't the driver. He hung up and I jumped in my car and went straight home. He was gone! No sign of struggle, but he was not there.
END FLASHBACK