Page 5
Sal took a deep breath, “The Disciples are wading into Valentino waters. Your son may hit their radar quicker than not. When they investigate his background, with all their little tools… What do you think is going to come up?”
I felt the blood drain from my face, even as my temper flared, and I was consumed by more shame than I’d ever encountered.
“You’re sure?”
“Pat, you have to retire or…”
“No,” I shifted my head as his intention finally became crystal clear.
For all my instinct to run, I couldn’t fathom the thought of not knowing. Stepping back meant retreating into darkness. I’d have no warning if Vick were in danger, or what the chess board looked like. I couldn’t keep my family protected from the shadows.
“Pat, if they find out he is the son of a federal agent…”
“What if he’s the orphan of one?” a voice intruded, causing my attention to rip toward the sound.
My eyes set in a glare that instantly softened when I realized it was Special Agent in Charge, Ted Blight.
“Sir.” I stressed the word, unsure if he was suggesting something, or trying to support Sal.
“You’re already in a position to assist the cause. Your son is a member of a criminal organization that is striving to be allies with our target. The man you’ve taken under your wing, with the church efforts…”
“C.C Henshaw,” I offered.
Ted nodded, “He’s gonna be important to us. What I need to know is, how far are you willing to go to take him down, to help ensure no one else, especially none of yours, ends up suffering?”
I took a deep breath and tried to wrap my head around the suggestion of dragging C.C. Henshaw into the mess.
“Patrick, we have one of their laptops being monitored.”
I bobbed my head; having heard it was accomplished at a hair salon.
“Last night someone in the Valentino mansion googled the shift change schedule for Brenna’s place of employment.”
I sank down, the edge of the eight-foot table catching my backside long enough for me to stumble back to my feet before it shot away.
“We can announce that crossfire was encountered, and one more of our agents was lost in the pursuit of the Valentino case. Brenna could have the funeral arrangements put together before the weekend. If there is no law enforcement connection to concern themselves with, no fuck you to serve, then they have no reason to act against your loved ones. It is the best way and quickest way that I know to ensure their safety. If you uproot, they will know it was us. They would search until they found you if only to extort what information they could. We need you on this, and you need us to keep your family safe… It seems like a simple choice, but ultimately, it is your call.”
He sighed and put a hand on my shoulder.
“Patrick,”
“Don’t.” I whispered, still reeling with everything that had just been dropped in my lap.
He wanted me to leave without saying goodbye, without a word of warning...
What the hell would they do without me? How would Brenna figure things out?
I realized these were luxuries most people didn’t get the privilege of debating when death came for them.
Even wasting these precious moments considering it was probably selfish enough.
I hated myself for my weakness, but even that wasn’t enough to keep me from mumbling, “Tell him to give me until morning.”
“Pat,” Sal implored, but I didn’t stop.
I hurried toward the bathroom, eager to find privacy in case I lost my composure. I had to get it together before I went home to them for the last time.
Chapter Two
