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We stared at each other.
“It’ll be weird…when you’re awake during the day.”
That subtle smile was there again. “We’re having a baby, sweetheart. I think I’ll be up all night as usual.”
28
BARTHOLOMEW
I sat on the throne made of skulls, the men talking around me, the air stale this deep underground. Ten years of my life had been spent there. Only one friendship had been made, but a lifetime of loyalty had been forged with many.
Without it…I wasn’t sure who I was anymore.
Just a man.
A father.
A husband…someday.
I couldn’t lie and pretend this was easy, to forsake my entire identity, all I’d ever known. But it was the price I had to pay to have what I wanted, to keep my family safe.
I waited at the bar.
He walked inside, fifteen minutes late.
When I noticed the stain on his shirt, I assumed his newborn had stalled him.
That was going to be me soon enough.
Benton sat beside me, ordered his drink, and then looked at me.
“We’re moving to Florence.”
“What’s in Florence?”
“A life away from this.”
He gave a slight nod. “It’s probably for the best.”
“It’s a little warm for my taste.”
“Guess you won’t be able to wear black all the time.”
I grinned slightly.
“Have you resigned?”
“Not yet. I can’t do that until I find someone to replace me.”
“I’m not sure if you can be replaced, Bartholomew.”
With someone else in charge, the operation would be different. Everything would change. It bothered me, but I had to learn to let it go. “I actually have someone in mind…but I wanted to run it by you.”
Benton stilled when I spoke, his fingers freezing on the glass.
“I’ll only ask if I have your blessing.”
He stared at me, his eyes hard, angry but also calm.
