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He stops talking and clears his throat. He swipes tears off his face and I rub Skye’s arm as she sobs again. I grab a tissue and wipe my face as what he’s saying sinks in.
Dad takes another minute to compose himself. “I gave them some information after that, but it came with Nova. She lives in their system now and will keep them away from you. If she fails, then Luke, do what you must to keep you and your sister safe. Whatever it takes. It’s the reason I didn’t question you joining the Marines. My dad was one tough motherfucker, and I knew you would gain the skills to be like him, to protect what’s yours, better than I ever could. I’m so proud of you, Son.”
I let out a sob and Mark sits next to me and grabs my shoulder. Skye clings to me, her lip wobbling as she tries to hold it in.
“And Skye, my smart, beautiful, brave girl. You’re going to change the world, sweetheart. I can’t wait for you to show them how it’s done.”
Skye dissolves into sobs, her whole body shaking. She buries her face in Jordy’s neck and I rub her back.
“Try not to drive your brother too crazy. He’s the only one, besides me, on the entire planet that loves you more than anything. Don’t forget that when you’re mad at him.”
There’s a knock in the background. Skye’s youthful voice comes through the speakers. “Dad! Luke’s video calling from the ship,” she shouts through the door. Skye gasps from the couch next to me.
“Be right there!” he shouts, smiling at the camera as tears stream down his face. “I’m so sorry I’m not there for you guys, but I love you more than anything. Stay safe and be well, my beautiful kiddos. Until we meet again.” He sighs and wipes his cheek as he reaches over and hits the end button. The screen goes black, and Skye turns to me.
“That was only a few months before he died,” she says.
I nod, remembering the video call. When I asked why his eyes were red, he blamed allergies. Jesus, he had just filmed a goodbye video to us, and we had no clue. He knew he could die, which means his death wasn’t an accident either. I’m not surprised. Things just didn’t add up.
Fox runs his finger over his bottom lip, lost in thought. Dylan leans against the armrest of his chair, arms crossed, also lost in thought. Jordy meets my eyes as he comforts Skye.
I turn to Fox. “Can you get into Nova’s system?”
He rests his elbows on his knees. “Luke, I’m good, but your dad was genius level. I doubt anyone on the planet has the skills for something like that.”
“So, I’m supposed to let these assholes walk after killing my parents?”
“That’s what your dad wanted you to do. Whoever it is, they’re dangerous. And his message is a little late since they’ve already gone after Liv,” Dylan says.
“Does that mean Nova is failing? You created Nova 2.0. Do you understand any of this?” I ask Fox.
“Nova 2.0 is just a home security system. No one’s ever been able to create an AI with the level of sophistication your dad is talking about. This is new age futuristic shit. It's way out of my league.”
“So, my hands are still tied,” I say.
Dylan nods and stands. “There is one thing you can do.”
He levels me with a stern look. I sigh and stare at the coffee table in front of me. Liv getting shot forced me to reevaluate things. I was ready to lay myself at her feet and beg for forgiveness, but she wouldn’t let me. She pushed me away so hard, my neck still aches from the whiplash. I’ve been staying away from her because that’s what she wanted. But is it what she needs?
I force myself to understand what my dad was trying to tell me. My dad isn’t to blame for my mom’s death, even though I'm sure he carried the guilt anyway. Just like I've been doing.
Jesus Christ. I am my father’s son. But I can learn from his mistakes, and my own. I need to keep Liv close to protect her, just like I do with Skye. I left Liv because I was terrified I’d cause her death, like I caused my parents’. But that was never the case. I had no control over their deaths.And I have no control over whatever the assholes who killed them will do next.
My only choice is to grab onto the things I want in life and never let go. That begins with Liv. I’m hers, and she’s mine. I just need to remind her of that fact. And I need to do it now before its too late.
Skye wipes at her face and turns to me. “Dad’s right, Luke. None of this is your fault. It’s not even dad’s fault.” I nod and she squeezes my hand. “Go get her. Keep her safe.”
“I will.”
Fox is with Skye out in the gym while the guys and I meet in Brando's office to form a plan. I trip and nearly face plant as I lunge for my phone that rings from my desk. Garett’s name is on the screen, and I never miss a call from him. We spoke yesterday, and it’s not usual for him to call back so soon.
“Is she ok?” I put it on speaker so everyone can hear him.
He sighs. “I think it’s time for you to come out. She’s torturing herself with these crazy dreams about you. Maybe your presence will help her figure out what she wants.” My heart soars as he speaks.
“Thank Christ,” Mark says.
“Did she say she wants to see me?” I need to know what I’m walking into.
