Tomorrow, Kay would likely broach the subject in the sauna—his invitation to a place devoid of cameras or wiretaps was telling. Together, they would strategize on how to seize control of their situation. And Moe would slip away with Miny, they would disappear. With the high-profile trial having ended a few days ago, the threat from their adversaries had dissipated— even Daniel had confirmed they could live in peace. It was regrettable that so much time had been squandered on the futile search for an apartment, now rendered meaningless.

The apartment was now to be sought under the guise of Harper Lee, a solitary omega with a son named Miny Lee. Moe felt a pang of regret as he contemplated the disappearance of their family name from the annals of history— he cursed himself for his foolishness.

In the morning, Moe, sleep-deprived and sullen yet resolute, gave precise instructions to Datu as he bathed Miny, the sound of running water providing cover for their conversation. He instructed Datu to pack a larger bag, just in case an opportunity arose for them to slip away that day, capitalizing on Einar's assurance that he remained oblivious. Stepping out into the glaringly bright morning, which starkly contrasted with his somber mood, Moe let out an irritated sigh as Einar's entourage pulled into the courtyard. Einar emerged from the car, his expression mirroring Moe's own, his stern gaze suggesting he was prepared to address an issue that should never have arisen.

"Hey, Moe," Einar approached, attempting a smile—though if that lopsided grimace qualified as a smile, then Moe might as well be an angel. "Going somewhere?"

"Hey, don't you already know?" Moe, barely containing the bile churning within him, forced a grin—a semblance of a smile. "I'm sure the house is bugged."

"I -" Einar sighed deeply, evidently struggling to steer the conversation toward a more positive direction and grappling with how to address the direct accusation of privacy violation. "It's just a standard security measure, Moe. Even in my house..."

"Why are you here?" Moe asked irritably, sidestepping toward his car, but Einer mirrored his movement, shifting behind him.

"To talk. You've been ignoring me for a week now. And I'm guessing it's because of my last remark, which you misunderstood," Einer cautiously reached out his hand, but Moe kept his own hands firmly in the pockets of his jeans and frowned, signaling - don't touch, it's dangerous. "Moe, please understand that I didn't mean anything bad. I just wanted to get close to you and Miny, and I don't need physical contact..."

"Not enough," Moe frowned in annoyance. "Who would've thought that you, you greedy asshole, would keep wanting more and more? But relationships, Simmons, aren't built on measures of 'little' or 'much.' They need trust, fucking trust!"

"I understand," Einar's lips twitched with a hint of piteousness, his complexion pale, transparently revealing the lingering pain of an old injury. "I'm sorry I rushed you again. I'll try to temper my expectations, but please don't shut me out. If you need time to cool down, I'll give it to you," he swiftly changed the subject. "Are you still searching for a place to live?"

"Well," Moe hummed briefly, raising an eyebrow inquisitively.

"I'd be happy for you to take this house as your own. I'm willing to sign it over to you," Einar observed his reaction carefully, anticipating a response. "Just say the word."

"I don't want it. I just want my own place. I don't need your handouts," Moe twitched slightly, recalling what he'd read. It was mentioned in passing that Moe Hayes didn't own his own real estate, which was essential for a child's full development, and he choked with anger. "Okay, I'm late. This conversation is over."

"Moe," Einar staggered toward him, extending his hands. "Please don't think I want to hurt you."

Moe took a slow breath, reigning in the expression on his face and the emotions overwhelming him. Without a word, he almost sprinted to the car. He flung the door open, slammed it shut, and erupted in frantic roars, stamping his feet on the floor, "Asshole! Piece of shit! Lying bastard!"

It was crucial to vanish as quickly as possible, to find a loophole in the trap and escape its clutches. The bodyguards, once perceived as protectors, now felt like prison guards. Moe's eyes swept over the broad shoulders of the driver and the bodyguard seated in front of him, filled with impotent rage.

The first step was to contact Daniel through a secure line. Sneaking away from the vigilant eyes of the bodyguards at the mall, he purchased a burner phone, paying in cash. Even though Daniel's assistance might be limited, his network of contacts remained a valuable asset, and his advice could prove invaluable.

By the time Moe arrived at the spa, he had managed to calm himself down. Stepping out of the car, he appeared outwardly composed, although a slight nervousness betrayed itself in his movements. It should have seemed natural—the all-seeing, all-knowing bodyguards were undoubtedly aware of his recent quarrel with Einar. However, his frustration flared up again at the reception desk when he was informed that all the treatments had been paid for by Mr. Simmons. Moreover, he was offered a membership card, a blatant reminder from Einar that his every move was being watched.

Entering the sauna, Moe's inner turmoil simmered beneath the surface. He greeted Kay with a forced smile, settling down beside him on the hammam's stone bed.

"Not so close, buddy," Kay cautioned, pulling back slightly. "You always forget that I'm the alpha your Othello hasn't written off yet. And though there may be no cameras here, who's to say that a visitor isn't working for him?" Moe glanced around cautiously, noting the other patrons in the sauna who seemed oblivious to their conversation.

Ignoring the caution in Kay's voice, Moe leaned in closer, eager for any guidance his friend could offer.

"You sure you don't have any other helpers?" Kay glanced at him, visibly apprehensive.

"Right. Daniel can back me up later, but for now, I need help covering my tracks—can't you see how Einar's got me under constant surveillance? The bodyguards are practically showering with me, following me everywhere, even to the pediatrician's office! Please, Kay, please," Moe pleaded earnestly, searching his friend's face for a glimmer of hope.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

Kay hesitated, torn between his desire to assist and his instinct for self-preservation. Eventually, he relented.

"Ah, fuck it! Okay, I have a simple idea, but sometimes simplicity is genius, right? Early childhood centers have strict protocols preventing unauthorized individuals from entering, and they usually have multiple exits for safety. So, you'll need a car with a car seat, rented for a couple of weeks, left at a rendezvous point. “

“Yes, I get it! So, I will need a rented car with a child car seat and two gas cans. I will leave it behind later. Add a pepper spray...and a gun with a silencer.”

"Hey, slow down," Kay raised himself up on an elbow, his expression one of disbelief as he hovered over Moe. "Am I supposed to be Santa Claus now, getting all this stuff without being seen? I've been under surveillance since the beginning of my contract, and any unusual activity will be noticed. And why on earth would you need a gun? Gas cans are one thing, but a gun, Moe? It's like asking for a private jet out of thin air."

"A car with a car seat for a child under a year old," Moe whispered soothingly. "I'll handle the rest, Kay."

"Alright, I'll arrange for the car, that's no problem," Kay laid back down, looking resigned to the task ahead. "Manny gave me some money for expenses, but I wouldn't advise getting entangled with him. You'll end up getting caught together."

"Why would I need him anyway?" Moe chuckled in surprise. "I already have a child; I don't need another."

"Fair enough," Kay's expression didn't quite match his words. "You can handle the cash yourself. You've managed to evade the guards a couple of times, as you told me. They won't find it odd. Just say you were looking for developmental toys for Miny. I'll buy you a burner phone. Today, I'll send you the address and timing. The rest is up to you, Moe. I'm sorry, I'm not as brave as you. I don't have a powerful lover."

"Thanks, Kay, that's more than enough for me. And please, don't let Manny know where the car is headed. He'll tag along in a huff," Moe requested.

"Consider it done," Kay flashed a fake smile. "But I'd be more concerned about the older one; he's the more dangerous of the two."

"I know," Moe acknowledged, his eyes welling up with tears. He looked away, refusing to show weakness. He had foolishly placed his trust and almost lost the most precious thing in his miserable life.

"I'm with you, sir," Datu folded his palms in a silent plea that contradicted his words. "Where you go, I go, sir. I understand you want to run away. Please take me with you."

"What are you doing? Are you out of your mind?!" Moe hissed, avoiding Miny, who was wandering around, poking his fingers into his nose. "I'm not going anywhere... just heading to the center for class!"

"You asked me to pack his things for a few days," Datu's expression was gentle yet resolute. "You don't need that much for classes. You want to run away, sir."

Moe covered his mouth with his palm, turned on the water in the bathtub, and sighed wistfully. Perfect secrecy was out of the question; he couldn't hide his intentions from his own nanny. And why would he need Datu, who also lacked proper documentation? He would only be a burden on the road. As if sensing his thoughts, Datu spoke up, "This is the fifth time I change my passport, sir. I work for a long time in Malaysia and Singapore, and there, if the employer is bad, they send me back home with a canceled contract and a black mark on my passport. I have to buy a new one under a different name. I do nothing wrong, sir, but many employers are cruel and greedy. One of them feed me instant noodles for six months and beat me every day. When I complain, another..."

"Good grief..." Moe sank onto a chair with Miny, bewildered by the revelations. "How could this happen?"

"You're good, kind, and caring, and I love Miny as my own," Datu smiled dreamily. "I'll go anywhere for you. Please, take me!"

"Well," Moe regarded him thoughtfully, "a pariah opening up to another pariah, life dealing them both a hard blow. So why not?" he voiced. "Why not? I'll have to make documents for Miny anyway. I've got the money; I'll do it for you too."

"Shh, baby, shh," Moe hushed as he slipped a pacifier to the indignant Miny. Patting him on his weighty sling-wrapped butt, Moe hurried to the back door, checking the instructions Kay had sent him. Datu, carrying his scrawny backpack and a large bag, shuffled along silently, his nonchalant, swarthy face blissfully calm, as if they were out for a simple stroll. Moe looked at him enviously— he needed to learn not to be so introspective!

Bounding out onto the fire escape, Moe raced down quickly, tightly gripping the railing and frantically scanning the small yard filled with garbage cans. A small family minivan with tinted windows awaited below, and Moe beamed—just what he needed! Thankful for Kay's help, he carefully handed the sleeping Miny to Datu and waved to Kay.

As the door swung open, revealing the dark interior, Moe felt a pang of unease. He hesitated for a moment, pushing Datu away, who was occupied with settling Miny into his ring sling, only to relax when an anxious Kay peered out.

"Hurry up! What's taking so long? Damn it, why did you bring him along?" Kay grabbed Moe's arm, pulling him closer, his eyes filled with fear, signaling that Moe had fallen into a trap.

"Let go," Moe, gripped by terror to his core, lethargically yanked his arm away, but three men in black masks sprung out of the minivan, expertly seizing his elbows. Gotcha. Moe, feeling as if in slow motion, watched as Datu retreated towards the yard exit, clutching Miny protectively— my son, my poor, poor son... Turning back to the pale, sweaty Kay, he asked in a strained voice, "Why, Kay?"

"I'm sorry, Moe," Kay looked up at him with anguished eyes. "You figured it out, didn't you? I'm an aging whore who can't save money, accustomed to living the high life. I've been promised so much money that I could go anywhere and live happily ever after. I'm sorry. It's nothing personal."

"At least let Miny go. Take me instead, and I won't resist," Moe pleaded, his eyes filled with desperate hope. "Let him have a chance at a happy life that you and I never had. Please."

"Stop talking," Moe was shoved back into his seat, one of the kidnappers advancing towards Datu, who silently made his way towards the exit. Kay, desperation flashing in his eyes, leaped out of the car after him, expertly kicking him under the knee and pinning him down. Moe thrashed about, screaming wildly, elbowing one of the assailants in the abdomen and another in the kneecap, but a resounding, brutal blow struck the back of his head, rendering him deafened and immobilized, everything feeling like it was enveloped in absorbent cotton - surreal.

"What the -" The remaining kidnapper rushed over to Kay, who was rising from the ground, and exclaimed, "You wanted Moe Hayes, well here he is! The child's not -" His words were cut short as a ghastly scarlet rose bloomed on his chest, blood spurting out in torrents.

"Are you insane? Why the hell are you here? I told you to do him in the woods!"

"Idiot, you lost the baby!"

"Damn it, the babysitter's running down the street, drawing attention to us! Let's take Hayes! Drag that corpse over here before it bleeds all over the place! One drop and we'll bury you in the woods, got it?"

With adrenaline-fueled urgency, words spat out like bullets as Moe sluggishly attempted to slide off the seat, only to be forcefully pushed back, his wrists and ankles expertly bound with zip ties, reminiscent of a previous ordeal. His mouth was taped shut, rendering him mute, as he was unceremoniously dumped beside Kay, who sat motionless, staring blankly at a point in the distance, still warm but unmistakably lifeless. So much for the promise of a new life at the end of the earth, foolish Kay. Overwhelmed with emotion, Moe trembled with sobs, feeling a profound sense of relief— at least Miny was safe, his innocence preserved, his future intact. Though Moe himself faced imminent peril, knowing that his careless existence was soon to meet its end.