Page 75 of Sins and Salvation

I kneel by Conor. "Hey buddy, remember that trip we talked about?"

He nods without looking up.

"We're going tonight. Big adventure time."

That gets him. "Tonight? Now?"

"Yeah. We're taking an airplane to Spain. Sound good?"

His eyes get big. "A real airplane? But flying's scary."

"I'll be right there," I promise. "Mom too. All together."

"Are we coming back?"

Maeve moves to his other side, pushing hair from his eyes.

"We're going to live in a new place for a while," she says. "Somewhere cool."

"What about school? My toys?"

"We'll get new toys," I tell him. "And find a school with kids from everywhere."

His face scrunches up, thinking. "Can I take my drawing book?"

"For sure."

That works for now. He goes back to his drawing while we get ready. Lucky kid - still young enough to think this is an adventure, not running for our lives.

I go outside to call Cormac.

"Are they safe?" he asks right away.

"For now. Heading to the airfield soon."

"Good. I've got everything set up. The pilot knows the destination." He pauses. "You were right about Siobhan."

"How?"

"Russian connection all along. Used Petrov, replaced him after you took him out." His voice goes cold. "She wants us dead. All of us. You, me, even the boy."

"I figured." I look at the dark sea. "Did you make Dad threaten Maeve seven years back?"

Silence on the line. Then Cormac sighs.

"Did what I had to do. For the family. For you."

"By sending me away? Threatening the woman I loved?"

"You were going soft. Talking about leaving. We needed you."

Anger fires up in my chest. "You fucking used me."

"I saved you. From Dad's rage. From what he'd have done to you both." He pauses. "Not proud of it. But I'd do it again."

"You won't get the chance," I tell him. "This is goodbye."

"I know." His voice drops. "Be safe, little brother. Take care of them."

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