Page 20 of Sins of Leo

“This is a lot to digest,” she murmured, turning from him and taking a few steps.

“Yeah, well, I didn’t plan to tell you any of it, but events kind of spiraled. Since surrendering to those mercs wasn’t an option, and I wasn’t in the mood to deal with more bullet holes, I had to act fast. Bringing you here seemed like the best bet.”

“Why were those men after us?”

“Not me: You. I just happened to be there.”

“You seemed to think they were after my father’s journal.”

“According to the thief I captured, that’s exactly what they wanted.” He pulled the book from his duster pocket, along with the crumpled image he snatched from her desk.

“Why would anyone want them?”

“Dunno exactly, although having seen the pic, I assume it’s something to do with the Zodiacs. Most likely the journal has something about us, too.”

“You could have just asked me for them.”

“That wasn’t my mission. I was told to protect you and make sure the bad guys didn’t get their hands on your dad’s stuff.”

“Let me guess, told by Sage.”

“Yup.”

“Do you always do everything she says?”

“Yup.” No hesitation.

“What if she’s wrong?”

“I’m never wrong, I just don’t always see everything,” replied a feminine voice. From behind Leo, a woman appeared wearing a light summer frock, the belly of it slightly distended. “I’m Sage, by the way, and you are Dr. Ruth Warmstone. Lovely to meet you in person. Glad to see Leo managed to get you out in time. I worried the other branch might come true. If you’d died, that would have resulted in a poor outcome for everyone.”

Ruth pursed her lips as she eyed the petite Sage. “Leo claims you see the future.”

“Futures,” Sage corrected. “Actions have consequences, and the results eliminate possible offshoots. We are currently on the path where you survived the attack, which gives me hope.”

A chilling thing to hear. “Does your ability show me going home anytime soon?”

“No.” Said without a pause. “You are now fully entangled. I’m afraid the life you used to know is no longer an option.”

“Excuse me? I don’t think so. Whatever it is you are doing here, saving the world, or whatever, is none of my business. You have the blasted journal those mercenaries wanted. I’m not needed.”

“On the contrary, you will play a pivotal role in what is to come.” Sage folded her hands over her belly, and her eyes took on a strange cast as she lowly uttered, “For she shall be the one to lead the warrior to the perilous forest following the clue only a daughter would know.”

A shiver went through Ruth. “This all points back to my father, doesn’t it?”

“Yes.” Sage stared at her.

Leo held up the drawing. “This picture he drew shows a doorway with ancient zodiac symbols. The Zodiacs need to find that entrance, and this, most likely, tells us how.” He held up the journal.

“I don’t see why you need me for that.”

“You heard Sage. Only a daughter would understand.”

“Ha. You’re assuming my father and I had some special bond. I assure you, his journal most likely never mentions me. He was all about his work. Read it, you’ll see.” It emerged a tad bit bitter.

“Maybe you should read it,” Sage murmured. “After all, he wrote it for you.”

For some reason, her words brought a hot flush of guilt to Ruth’s cheeks because she’d never even bothered cracking it open. Why would she when Mom told her it was the ramblings of a selfish man who didn’t care?

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