Page 97 of Beyond Protection
Michael:Police want to talk to Mac. 2 PM. Timeline questions.
Another text, unknown number:
Countdown: 6 days. Proximity to security personnel noted. Will adjust approach accordingly.
My blood ran cold.
"What?" Mac was reading over my shoulder.
I pulled up the earlier message. Showed him the photo of Ma's house. "She was here this morning. 4:23 AM. While I was downstairs."
The blood drained from Mac's face. "She's watching right now."
"Probably."
"And you didn't tell me?"
"I was going to—"
"When? After breakfast? After you finished shutting me out?" His voice rose. "She's taking snapshots, and you were what—reviewing security footage? Checking fence latches?"
"I was trying to—"
"You were trying to protect me by keeping me in the dark?" He grabbed his phone. "We need to tell Michael. The police. Everyone."
"I know. I was—"
"You were scared." Mac's voice softened again. "So scared of failing that you forgot the first rule of protection is communication."
It was another emotional gutpunch.
"You're right," I said. "I fucked up. I should have told you immediately."
He looked at me. Some of the anger drained.
"Yeah. You should have." He pulled up his messages. Started texting Michael. "At least you're admitting it."
I moved to the window. Scanned the street. A gray sedan two houses down. Had it been there this morning? I couldn't remember.
"We should go," I said. "Get to the police early. Show them these messages."
"Yeah." Mac grabbed a hoodie. Then stopped. Turned back. "Eamon?"
"Yeah?"
"I meant what I said, all in or all out. You don't get to protect me by shutting me out. That's not how this works. I can fire you."
I crossed to him. Touched his face. "I'll try. Can't promise I won't fuck it up, but I'll try."
He kissed me. Quick. "That's all I'm asking."
We went downstairs. Ma was in the living room.
"We need to leave," I said. "Police interview."
She read my expression. "What happened?"
"Michael called. We can use all the support we can get."
