Page 19 of Fighting Salvation

“Later.”

The line went dead, and he immediately called Watchdog and dispersed with greetings. “What do we have?”

“No CCTV at any of the airports but I’m looking into a tip about a cargo ship that sailed in from South Africa.”

“Bastard.”

“Yeah, and another strange thing, at the same time the ship was in the water, Hansen let himself get caught on camera crossing from Germany into Switzerland.”

“He wanted to get caught.”

“Yeah, that’s my thought, but I’m not sure why.”

“He’s taunting me.”

“Care to explain, boss?”

“Not yet but I want everyone on a call with me tonight. I might have more understanding then.”

Bás spotted Valentina’s brother walking down the hall towards him and lifted his head in greeting. Things were far from friendly between them and he didn’t want that. “I have to go.”

He hung up and pocketed his phone as Rafe reached him.

“She awake?”

“Yes.”

Rafe went to push past him but Bás grabbed his arm. He felt Rafe bristle and then still as he pinned him with a cold stare. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have spoken to her that way.”

“Don’t tell me, tell her.”

“I already have.”

“She forgive you?”

Bás pursed his lips and nodded. “She did.”

Rafe shook his head and palmed the back of his neck. “Look, Bás, I won’t pretend to understand what it’s like to lose your family like that but I do know about loss. I lost the woman I loved for ten years and it was like dying inside a little more every day.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Because for whatever reason, my sister sees something in you.” His eyes swept over him and he smirked. “Fuck knows what, but she does. Just don’t hurt her. If you don’t feel the same, cut her loose.”

“I’ve never done anything that would lead Valentina to believe we can be together.”

“Maybe not, but here’s something you should know about my sister. Well, a few things actually. She’s loyal, she forgives easily, and she loves hard. She’s tenacious as fuck so she won’t give up on you, even though you’ve given up on yourself.”

Had he given up on himself? It was a harsh reality but maybe it was the truth. “I know she is.”

“Just don’t hurt her.”

“I won’t.” He had every intention of keeping that promise too. He’d send Val home where she was safe and when this was done, if he came out the other side, he’d set her free. He must have voiced his thoughts aloud because Rafe chuckled.

“You’re one dumb fuck.” He pushed into the room, letting the door slam Bás in the face. “Hello, sleeping beauty.”

The rest of his words were muffled by the door but he didn’t need to hear them to know they were ribbing each other. It was what siblings did and for the first time in a long time, he allowed himself to think about Sean. Would they banter like Rafe and Valentina? Would they be close? Would his brother be a doctor saving people and have a family of his own? Would he? How different would his life have been if that man hadn’t stolen it all from him?

“I got the results you were asking about.”