“Please leave my family out of this,” he said.
“You should’ve thought about that before you started murdering people,” I replied, watching him. “I’m sure those people begged for mercy too.”
His lips thinned, knowing I was right.
“Is Hawthorne alive? How many people escaped the destruction back then?”
“I don’t know.”
“Is that the answer to the first or the second question?” Godfrey leaned into the table.
“Both.”
“I’m going to introduce myself to your wife and daughter.Do they know about your occupation?” I got up from my seat. “Maybe it’s time they knew you kidnapped people, even children, for a living.”
Andrew bolted up, releasing a heavy sigh. “Please don’t.” He glanced around the arena cautiously before sitting back down. “Many people died that day, but some of us survived.” His voice lowered. “I don’t know if Hawthorne is alive. I heard his car flipped several times, and his driver died. But someone has taken over his organization.”
“Who?”
“Not sure. We only talk through a burner, but his voice is altered when we talk.”
“Are you still working for him?”
“Not of my own volition.” His fingers curled into a fist.
“They threatened your family?” Godfrey asked.
Andrew nodded. “I wanted to start over after the destruction. I got a new identity, got married, and started a family. They found me somehow.”
“What are you doing for them?” I asked.
“Kidnap people for them. There’s a lot of money in the business.” Andrew glanced over at his family. “I just want to cut ties, move to another country . . . redeem myself for my sins.” He looked at me and then at Godfrey. “I didn’t realize the sins I committed until I had my family. I’m sorry for making your life hell back then. For ruining your childhood.”
Godfrey sat back and crossed his arms, considering Andrew’s words. Andrew was part of something so dark that the blood on his hands could never be cleansed. Even though I appreciated his intentions, I took his words with caution. Over the years, I’d learned what people were capable of. Deception often reigned supreme for those with greed for power. I didn’t know Andrew well, but he’d worked for a psychopath. How could I be sure Hawthorne didn’taffect him?
But I could use Andrew to get what I needed.
“We’ll help you get to any country you want. I have access to private planes,” I said. “But you need to help us too.”
“What do I need to do?” Hope sparked in Andrew’s eyes.
“Lure out the individual,” I said, formulating a plan in my head. “Next time he calls you, let us know right away.”
Chapter Thirty-Three
Eva
When Kain returned from his meetings, he asked me to stay the night. Grandpa was playing bingo with his friends, so he didn’t need me.
Kain went to pick up Thai food for dinner while I showered. Our relationship had grown deeper after he shared his past with me. We both understood each other’s flaws and accepted them. The day after he learned about my fear, he sent me websites and videos that helped people overcome their phobias. I appreciated his thoughtfulness and didn’t want to disappoint him by saying I’d tried all those methods in the past. Hypnotherapy was the most effective, but it didn’t completely cure me.
The more time I spent with Kain, the more at ease I felt about myself and where I was in my life. He created a safe space for me to be myself. The age gap between us wasn’t an issue; it became a contrast that improved our relationship. He had ayouthful side I adored, and he claimed I had wisdom that inspired him to be a better man.
After getting dressed, I walked out to the kitchen and saw Kain unpacking the takeout containers from the bag.
“Need any help?” I asked.
“Wanna get plates and forks?” He kissed me. “I need to reply to an email. Be right back.”
