“Julian Blackthorne.” His voice is deep, amused. “Unexpected. Last time we spoke, you said you never wanted to see me again.”
“That was 1998. I’ve had time to reconsider.”
“The shipping container incident.” He laughs. “You saved my operation. My life, probably. I’ve always wondered when you’d call that debt in.”
“I’m calling it now.”
“Tell me.”
I tell him everything.
“How serious?” he asks.
“He’s threatening to kill her entire family. Expose what I am in front of everyone. Force me to choose between exile and destruction.”
“And you’re not choosing exile.”
“No.”
“Interesting.” A pause. “I’ve known you for a long time, Julian. You like your alone time. Why not just walk away?”
“Things change.”
“Apparently.” Another low laugh. “I can be there by tomorrow night. I have resources in Miami—weapons, contacts, a boat if we need a quick exit. What’s your plan?”
“Contain him—away from civilians. End this one way or another.”
“And if ending it means killing him?”
I think about how Damien used to be before I made him into the monster he is now. He was a good man once. My best friend. Someone I would have done anything for. But times have changed, and he’s left me no other choice.
“Then we kill him,” I say. “If that’s what it takes.”
“Good. I was hoping you’d say that. Send me coordinates. I’ll bring everything we need.”
He hangs up. I dial the third number.
Sofia doesn’t bother with pleasantries.
“Damien is in the Bahamas,” I say.
“Say no more.” Her voice is cold. “I’ve been waiting for an excuse.”
“You know what happened in Belfast.”
“I know he killed my progeny. I know he left her ashes in a box on my doorstep with a note that said ‘regards.’” Her voice doesn’t waver, but I can hear the fury beneath it. “I’ve been tracking him for decades, Julian. If you’re telling me that moment is now—”
“It’s now. He’s threatening people I care about. I need allies.”
“You have one. When and where?”
“Nassau. Day after tomorrow. The wedding is at four PM—that’s when he’ll make his move.”
“I’ll be there by morning.” Her voice sharpens. “And Julian, if we’re doing this, we do it right. No half measures. He’s had a hundred and fifty years to walk away from his vendetta. He chose not to.”
“Agreed.”
“Then I’ll see you soon.”
