Page 62 of Sins of the Father

"And Eamon?" I ask.

"Manipulation reduces but doesn't erase responsibility."

The door opens as Eamon walks in. He freezes when he sees our father, then spots both women. His face shows conflicting emotions.

"You told them?" he asks me.

I nod.

Eamon turns to Orla and Sarah. "I won't ask forgiveness. I believed a lie and acted on it. That falls on me."

Sarah studies him. "You saved my life yesterday."

"After I destroyed it seven years ago." Eamon meets her eyes. "Your uncle was a good man. I was a stupid kid who wanted to prove himself."

Orla watches him. "Did you know my father?"

"No. Collins gave me a file. A photo. An address."

"You never questioned it?"

"Not enough," Eamon says. "At twenty-two, I wanted to prove myself."

Tiernan cuts in. "Ms. Nolan's evidence against our organization?"

"Limited to Collins and my father's death," Orla replies. "Justice, not destruction."

Sarah looks between all of us. "This is insane."

"Welcome to our world," I say.

My father considers the situation. "Collins disappears permanently. The matter ends there."

"What about Detective Doyle?" I ask.

"Anonymous information about Collins arrives at his desk. Enough to close the Nolan case without touching family."

I look at Orla for her response. This compromise offers justice while protecting my family. Not perfect, but the best option available.

She meets my gaze and nods. "Fair enough."

Sarah shakes her head. "You people settle everything with violence."

"Sometimes violence is the only language people understand," Tiernan replies.

After my father and Eamon leave to prepare, Sarah rests in the guest room while Orla and I stay in the quiet main area. She stands at the window, arms around herself.

"Does this satisfy you?" I ask. "Collins paid, Eamon admits his part, your father's case closes with truth?"

She keeps her back to me. "It has to. The other option destroys everyone."

I move beside her, close enough to feel her warmth without touching. "What happens after?"

She turns, green eyes searching mine. "I don't know. Everything I planned for seven years ends now."

"Stay," I say, the word carrying implications we can't yet express.

"With the family of the man who killed my father?"

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