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“…fifty-three women sold into slavery, promised to crime lords and underground club owners for all manner of depraved acts.” The reporter shudders with barely contained sadistic glee. “Now, thanks to the intervention of Senator Marlowe, these women will be granted sanctuary on American soil, and will be able to start their lives again.”
Yes.
The report crosses to city hall, where the senator stands in front of a gaggle of reporters with three of the girls from the boats. “This is an extraordinary case, and a big win for human rights,” he beams at the cameras. “We’ll be working with each of these women individually to find the best outcome for their cases. For some, they might be able to return to their home country. For others, we offer them asylum here in the US. It’s important they know that the United States of America is the land of the free.”
Yara puts her head into her hands, her entire body wracked with sobs. I mute the television. Eli slides across to her and places his arms around her shoulders. I know how good a hug from Eli feels.
I reach across the table, holding out my hand. Yara touches her fingers to mine.
“Thank you,” she whispers between sobs.
I’m not sure I deserve her thanks. I think I should be the one thanking her and Eli. Something warm surges through my veins – the kind of warmth I feel around the guys, but different somehow – warmer, softer. Not a sensation I’m used to, but one I want to experience again.
I did the right thing. And I did it my way. And although it might’ve brought down a world of trouble on our heads, it’s worth it a hundred times over.
I made Julian August proud.
Eli helps Yara to her feet. “We’ll go watch the report upstairs.”
I nod. Yara needs to feel safe in this house, and part of that means giving her privacy when she needs it. And if what she needs right now is more hugs from Eli, then I’ll happily give it. George closes the thick book she’s reading and edges to the door. Something flickers in her eyes, some sense that Noah and I need to be alone. “I’m hungry. I think I’ll get a snack.”
“I made some ginger crunch,” Noah says. “It’s my mother’s recipe. It’s only a little mangled.”
“Microwave popcorn it is.” George disappears down the hall.
Noah slumps down in Eli’s seat. He peers up at the screen. His face softens, his jaw unclenching ever so slightly. “He did it. My father actually went through with it.”
“Looks like.”
“I’ve been thinking about what he said.” Noah spins in the chair, turning his back on his father – something he should have done a long time ago. A familiar spark of darkness glints in his eyes. “About this shipment of Howard Malloy’s. If Howard and Mackenzie didn’t have anything to do with Grey Death, then that can’t have been what was in it. I’m wondering if it had something to do with the treasure Julian traded for you.”
“Shit,” I breathe. I haven’t considered that. After all, the two events are thirteen years apart. “Maybe…”
Noah nods. “If that shipment wasn’t drugs, then what the fuck was it? And if it disappeared just before Malloy, then the two things are related. Which means…”
My mind whirs as I finish his thought. “Which means that whoever made Howard Malloy disappear knows that I exist.”
Claudia
My birthday.
Antony stays over at the club. He calls to tell me he’s putting on a special fight in my honor and we should come to the club once we’re done with Gabriel’s thing. He hasn’t been to the Manor in days, choosing instead to stay over at the club or Pluto-knows where while he works on keeping money flowing into the August coffers. I’m touched by his offer, especially since this was supposed to be a very different kind of day for us.
If that policeman hadn’t shown up at my door, if I hadn’t let Gabriel’s pagan smile or Eli’s kind eyes or Noah’s darkness draw me in, if I hadn’t been who I am, then Antony and I would be at the courthouse right now, taking possession of Malloy Manor.
Instead, I’m the queen of a criminal empire, with a new family to share the spoils – a family I’ve created for myself, and will protect until my dying breath.
I spend the day with Noah in the study, confirming the shipping contracts I want to be renewed so we keep the wheels of criminal commerce turning in Emerald Beach. Gabriel commandeers a sitting room on the first floor, bars the door, and refuses to allow anyone but George entry for the entire day.
Finally, just as I’m ready to pass out from hunger and curiosity, Gabriel sticks his head around the door. “My surprise is ready. Come with me, M’lady.”
“I like this M’lady business.” I hold out my hand. I’ve changed into a slinky red dress with a plunging neckline that I’ve already had to smooth twice because Noah can’t keep his hands off me. Gabriel takes my hand and starts to guide me like I’m a Victorian heiress.
“Can you call me ‘Your Excellency’?” Noah pipes up as he trails after us.
I lift an eyebrow. “Did I hear that right? Did Noah Marlowe just crack a joke?”
Noah snorts. “Don’t get used to it, August.”
