Page 37 of Sins and Salvation

Fiona glances at Jack again. "Because I'm not sure who to trust anymore. The Donovan’s are divided, and they are taking sides. If I'm wrong..." If she’s wrong they’d think she was helping the lunatic.

Jack pulls out his phone. "I'm calling Mr. Donovan."

"Do that," Fiona says. "But he'll just tell you I'm lying. He doesn't want Maeve involved."

I study her face, trying to read her intentions. Is this a trap? Or is she really trying to help?

"Show me on a map," I say.

"Mrs. Brennan," Jack warns.

"Show me," I repeat.

Fiona pulls out her phone and brings up a map. "Here. About an hour's drive north."

"I'll go check it out," Jack says. "You stay here."

"No." I shake my head. "If Declan's there, I need to see him. Especially if he is shot, I am a nurse."

"I can't let you leave," Jack says.

"Then come with me. Bring whatever weapons you need. But I'm going."

"What about your son?"

I hesitate. I can't leave Conor alone, but I can't bring him into danger either.

"I'll stay with him," Fiona offers. "I'm good with kids."

"Absolutely not," Jack says.

"Then find someone else," I snap. "But I'm going to that cabin."

Jack runs a hand through his hair, clearly torn between his orders and the situation unfolding. "Let me call for backup."

"No time," Fiona says. "If Siobhan suspects anyone knows where she is, she'll move him. Or worse."

I decide. "Jack, you're coming with me. Fiona stays here with Conor. If anything happens to my son, I'll kill you myself." I turn to Fiona. "That goes double for you."

She nods. "I understand."

"Mrs. Brennan, this is not a good idea," Jack tries again.

"I don't care. We leave in ten minutes."

I go upstairs to dress, my mind racing. I might be walking into a trap. Fiona might be working with Siobhan. But if there's even a chance Declan's being held somewhere, hurt and alone, I need to try.

I check on Conor, still asleep, tangled in his blankets. I kiss his forehead, breathing in his scent.

"I'll be back soon," I whisper.

As I close his door, I notice my laptop on the dresser. The Vancouver job listing still open on the screen.

Choices and consequences.

If I go with Jack to find Declan, I'm choosing this life—the Donovan life, with all its danger and violence.

If I wake Conor now, grab our passports, and slip out the back while Jack and Fiona argue, I could still escape. Still run.

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