Page 132 of Bride By Coronation

Bridget narrows her eyes. She warns, "I don't know what this monster has told you, but I can assure you he can't be trusted. Now, please. Get in the car."

Fiona insists, "He did know Dad. And Kirill's not a monster!"

I squeeze her waist and suggest, "Why don't we all take a breather? It's late, and I'm sure everyone is exhausted. Let's get some sleep and meet up tomorrow. Then we can have a civil conversation."

Dante pulls his gun out, snarling, "Our civil conversation doesn't involve you. Now, get your hands off Fiona."

Ivan moves toward us and calls out, "You might want to think twice about threatening your daughter's husband." He points his gun at Dante.

"Dante! Put the gun down!" Fiona shrieks.

"Fiona, come with us," Bridget pleads.

A loud horn blares through the air, and lights from an approaching black SUV appear.

The pilot steps out of the plane, holding an M4 assault rifle, ordering, "Lower your weapon!"

Dante doesn't flinch.

The SUV races toward us, honking the horn and slamming on the brakes. Sean's voice shouts, "Put the gun down, Dante!" He opens the door and jumps out.

Dante keeps his gun aimed at me as his gaze darts toward Sean. "What are you doing here?"

Sean steps in front of Dante, sternly ordering, "Put it down."

"He's a Petrov," Dante seethes.

Sean nods. "I know. But put it down."

Dante hesitates.

"Mom. Tell him to put it down. Now," Sean demands.

Bridget glances between everyone. "Dante, put it down."

He meets her eyes.

"Please," she adds.

He slowly lowers his Glock.

Sean points at Ivan and the pilot, instructing, "Lower your weapons."

They don't move.

"Do it," I call out.

They slowly obey.

Fiona asks, "Sean, what are you doing here?"

He pins his gaze on me, answering, "We have to go."

"Go where?" Fiona questions.

"Why would you go anywhere with him?" Bridget interrogates.

Tense silence fills the air.

---