Page 119 of Revenge

“You look happy,” he observes.

“I am. I never imagined having a family.”

“Why not? Despite all your flaws…” he says mockingly, “… ‍you’re a good man.”

“With the life we live, it didn’t seem possible.”

“You got lucky with Ava. Don’t let her go. She’s good for you.” I look at him curiously.

“I think you’ve had too much to drink,” I chuckle.

“Not at all. These last two years have been nothing but tragedies. It’s nice to have something good for a change.” I understand what he’s saying. But I know the reality. This could end without notice in a blink of an eye.

“Oliver, I want you to put together a contingency plan in the event something happens to me.”

“What?”

“I want to know there’s a plan for Ava and the kids in case I die.”

“Do you know something I don’t?” He sits straighter as he sets his glass down.

“About a month ago, I ran into Cillian as I came out of Manarch Industries. Nothing happened because the man is a coward, but it could have played out differently.” I decide not to tell him about the sniper since it won’t make a difference now.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I don’t have to tell you everything,” I say more firmly than I mean to. Oliver shakes his head in disapproval.

“What do you have in mind?”

“Ava and the kids are set financially in my will. But I want you to find a place out of state where she can go, plus new identities for all three of them. They will also need a security team who will leave with her at a moment’s notice. Most importantly, I don’t want anyone to know.” I drain my drink.

“I didn’t know you had a will.”

“It’s in The Box.”

The Box is a secure safe room I had built inside Eros.

“I can arrange everything.”

“They’re what is most important in my life. Regardless of how much we argue or disagree, you’re the only person I truly and fully trust.”

“I love you too, brother. I will put something in place for your peace of mind. But I know we will never need it. Between us, we won’t let things get that far.”

I walk to the bar. “I’m counting on you to protect my family if I can’t.”

“With my life.”

“You’re a good brother. I know I don’t say it enough, but I’m grateful for you,” I confess.

“What are you two talking about?” my mother asks, entering with Aisling. Aisling speaks, not giving Oliver a chance to respond, and I’m ok with that.

“Dada,” Aisling calls, trying to leave my mother’s arms. I take her.

“Hi, princess,” I kiss the top of her head.

“She’s talking up a storm,” my mother says proudly.

“Not at all. All she says is Dada and Momma.”

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