Kate’s words were filled with blazing intensity, and for a moment he found himself considering her crazy plan. Maybe she was right.
But the thought of letting Sutcliffe live, walking away while that son of a bitch remained free to ruin even more innocent lives, was abhorrent.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I have to do this. It’s the only way I’ll ever be able to live with myself.”
“Live with yourself?” Kate’s voice rose hysterically. “If you do this thing, you’ll die. They’ll hang you!”
He just stared at her, his heart breaking.
“Do you think Elizabeth gives a damn about your pride and guilt? Don’t you think she’d rather have a father who loves her and kisses her goodnight, than hear stories about one who sacrificed his life for some mistaken sense of nobility?”
The baby began to cry. Obviously, Kate’s mood was communicating itself to the child.
“Let me hold her again before I leave. Please.”
Kate hugged Elizabeth tighter, making her cry even harder. “No, Talon. If you want to be a father, then you be one for the rest of her life. Do what’s best for her. Don’t abandon us again.”
His arms ached with emptiness. How could he leave them? How could he die without ever making love to Kate again?
Kate’s eyes narrowed. “Make the hard choice, Talon. Choose love instead of hate, or get out of my room.”
“I do love you,” he vowed. “I love you both. But I can’t do what you’re asking.”
Eyes stinging with unshed tears, he turned and went in search of his father.
