Page 156 of Blind Prophet

His entire being lights up, reminding me of the young man I fell for years ago, before the world got between us.

“I can’t imagine anything I would prefer more,” he says softly.

“You’ve never been excited about visiting my parents before.”

He takes my hand, his thumb tracing circles on my palm. “You’re giving me a second chance. With you. With them. With everything that matters.”

* * *

Snow might be absent from the California coast, but holiday magic fills the air as we arrive at the party. The estate of a prominent actor—coincidentally adjacent to Dorian’s Montecito property—glows with thousands of twinkling lights, transforming the palm trees into something from a fantasy.

Jack and Ava Sullivan stand at the entrance, greeting each employee with the warmth of family rather than bosses. They’re a stunning couple, Jack with peppered gray hair swept back, spectacles, and a well-tailored suit that communicates understated wealth, and Ava in a deep red velvet sleeveless dress with tattoos lining her arms and thick bangs that crown her enormous, deep-set dark eyes. They live in San Diego, but I haven’t met Ava Sullivan before. She’s as beautiful as she is approachable and warm.

Jack takes my hand and introduces me to his wife.

“Ava, this is Caroline, the one I’ve mentioned so often this past week.” I smile at the skillful absence of a last name, given my no-longer estranged husband is at my side. “And this is Dorian Moore.”

Dorian and Jack exchange firm handshakes.

“It’s wonderful to meet you,” Ava says, her attention focused solely on me and not the tall, attention-grabbing man at my side. “I understand we’re indebted to you.”

“Well, the investigation is still ongoing,” I answer, although her statement makes me wonder what exactly her husband has shared.

“I’ve been assured that the FBI is confident in their case against Cromwell. This has been a good year. Arrow’s done good work,” Jack says.

I tilt my head, curious about his statement, not certain I agree it’s been a good year.

The US media had focused on the extremist groups responsible for the domestic attacks, but by the end of the week, the leading headlines shifted to stock rebounds and holiday sales forecasts. The international media headlines have shifted to international cooperation and calls for increased security initiatives.

In our last briefing, the FBI and NSA were both working on procuring evidence of links between Cromwell and the extremist groups he co-opted for his purpose. The prosecution team didn’t share their strategy, nor will they, as they are in the initial stages of processing the case, but it’s widely expected they will pursue individual prosecutions, which means Cromwell’s case will not depend on the prosecution of any other involved members.

“You don’t look like you agree,” Ava comments thoughtfully.

“No, I do,” I say, as it’s a holiday party, and I don’t wish to dwell on dark subjects, like my concerns surrounding current events and if we can truly say it’s been a good year. But with Dorian at my side, and given I might not get the opportunity again, I ask Jack, “Did you determine if your brother had any involvement?”

There’s no sign of discomfort or annoyance with my question. If anything, I sense respect in his steely gaze.

“Other than being susceptible to a friendship struck in a bar, and recommending Luke to Arrow, he had no involvement.”

I want to ask if that’s been officially determined, if the investigation has officially concluded Liam Sullivan had no involvement, but I sense Dorian’s hand at my back, and the tips of his fingers dig into my waist.

“Your friend, Nick Ivanov, has proven a great ally,” Jack says.

Jack and Dorian are nearly the same height, and it feels as if the conversation is now between the two of them, with Ava and me as spectators.

“Surprising, isn’t it? Given his connections?” Dorian answers.

“It is,” Jack says. “Are you still in touch with your other friends?”

Dorian’s lips spread into a smile, and it’s then that I realize he no longer appears bound by societal or business expectations. That smile is one that says he’s truly done with climbing or cloak-and-dagger charades.

“The alliance disbanded. As I’m sure you’re aware.”

“Are there any negative implications for you?”

“No, none at all, actually,” Dorian answers. “The friendships remain. The connections. Zenith maintained security in stressful times, and if anything, has retained respect and confidence from clients.”

“See? A good year,” Jack answers. “Have you heard from Jiang Tu?”

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