Page 76 of Hard Wired

“I’m not judging. I know you care for Sylvie, that’s obvious. But this situation is as messy as mud season. I just don’t want to see either of you getting hurt. I almost said something last night, but… It’s been so long since you had a friend.”

That made him feel pathetic. “I know my life has been really messed up for a while. I haven’t known what to do. But everything’s changed since I met Sylvie. Last night, we talked about everything. She knows the truth, and she’s going to help me fix things.”

Maureen glanced over her shoulder, checking that the others weren’t close by. “But don’t you think you’ve let other people control you for far too long already? Expecting Sylvie to fix things is the same as putting all the responsibility on her shoulders. All the power. Isn’t it past time you were responsible for yourself?”

He set his cup roughly on the counter. Coffee sloshed over the side. “I like you, Maureen, and I’ll let you get away with pretty much anything. But you’re going too far. I am doing something.” He dropped his voice to a whisper, though his tone remained harsh. “I’m going to testify against the Syndicate. I’m going to help take them down.” He prayed that Maureen wouldn’t disapprove. “And I’m going to make sure you and everyone else who’s important to me is safe. Sylvie is trusting me. I hope you will, too.”

She patted his arm. “Oh, Dominic. I’ve always trusted you. And I’ve always known you were capable of so much more than you believed. But you prove your worth through your actions, not by making plans or promises.”

She didn’t think he’d go through with it.

He picked up his coffee mug and put it in the sink. “I’ll prove myself. You’ll see.”

Maureen had it wrong. He wasn’t putting all the responsibility on Sylvie’s shoulders. He did need Sylvie’s help and her support. That was the only path forward.

But in the end, Dominic was the one who’d have to face down his uncle and his former allies. He was the one who’d carry the burden of being a traitor.

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