Page 79 of Beyond Protection

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"Why did I let Michael hire you?" Mac's voice was soft. "Your file looked like someone who'd lost something real. Someone who understood what it costs to fail." He paused. "I thought maybe you'd see me. The actual person."

The words hit like a fist to the sternum.

"You hired someone who failed." The words came out with all their sharp edges showing.. "On purpose."

"I hired someone who knew what failure looked like. Who'd do anything not to see it again." He met my eyes. "Everyone else would want to protect the symbol. You looked like someone who might actually see the person."

"I don't know if I can—"

"I know. That's why it works."

I couldn't speak. Couldn't breathe. Three years of carrying that failure like a stone, and Mac had looked at it and seen—what? Qualification? Proof I wouldn't let it happen again?

Or just proof I was human?

I stood. Used the motion to steady myself. "I should finish the sweep."

"Eamon—"

"Goodnight, Mac."

I made it three steps.

"I know you're going to leave," Mac said to my back. "When this is over. When she's caught. That's what professionals do, right? Job ends, you go."

I stopped. Didn't turn.

"I'm just asking—" His voice cracked. "Could we have this anyway? Even if it's just for now? Could we have something real before you disappear?"

That's what broke me.

Not that he was asking.

That he'd already accepted I'd leave.

That he was negotiating for borrowed time instead of believing I'd stay.

I turned. "Mac—"

Light swept across the living room window.

We both froze.

A car. Slowing down and stopping across the street.

I moved without thinking—stepped between Mac and the window, hand reaching for my phone. My pulse kicked hard against my throat. "Get back from—"

"I see it." Mac's voice was tight.

The car sat there. Engine running. Headlights off.

Someone inside.

Watching.

My heart hammered. Every nerve ending lit. This was the moment—this was when she'd—

The car pulled away. Slow. Deliberate.

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