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“Everything is the same. No news yet.” I pick Aisling up. “Hi, sweetheart.”
“Momma.”
“I love you so much. You’re such a smart and beautiful girl.”
“Momma.” I hug her tight. I’m not saying goodbye, but I’m not stupid either. I don’t know what Cillian is up to. There’s a high probability I won’t be coming back.
“You be good from grandma.” I kiss her head before whispering in her ear. “I love you, Aisling.”
“Momma.” She touches my face, bringing tears to my eyes.
I set her down, and she starts crying. I hate to see her cry, but I need to be strong for both of my children.
Upon spotting the determination on my face, Anita asks, “Ava, what is going on?”
“I need your word that you will keep Aisling with you. You will keep her safe.”
“Yes. But that’s not what I asked.”
“Just promise me.”
“I promise.”
I pull her in for a quick hug.
“Don’t do anything stupid, Ava.”
“I won’t,” I lie, letting her go.
“Wherever you go, make sure you have an exit strategy. Don’t trust anyone and second guess everything.” When I peer at her in shock, she pats my hand in a motherly manner. “You found Niko. You don’t need to say it. I’m a mother. I can see it in your eyes.” She gives me a curt smile. “Be careful and call Viktor. Don’t do this by yourself.”
“You’ve been nothing but good to me, Anita. Thank you for being such an amazing mother figure. It’s been really nice to feel like I have a mother.”
I swallow the tears threatening to spill at any moment when she replies, “I’ll always be on your side.”
“I have to go. Take care of my baby.”
I leave without looking back. This is one of the hardest things I have ever done, but I don’t have a choice. I return to Viktor’s office. The only way I can get out of here is by using the secret passage.
Once I’m inside, I do a last check of the cameras. Everyone seems to be in the same position.
My cell pings from my back pocket, startling me. I take it out. It’s a text message with an address.
After breathing out a heavy sigh, I stow my cell away and head for the bookshelf.
I quietly stroll through the passage. If I’m lucky, no one will be inside. I don’t hear any voices, thankfully. The last time I took this passage, I was trying to escape Viktor.
It feels like a lifetime ago.
I open the door to the outside and check that the coast is clear. I let out a deep breath when I see that it is. All I need to do is get in one of the SUVs.
Because of everything going on recently, Viktor insisted that the key for each vehicle be left inside in case people need to make a run for it. Something about not wasting time. I hesitantly walk to an SUV. The controller to open the gates should be inside the SUV. Another instruction from Viktor.
I couldn’t be more grateful. Everything I need for my plan to work is at my disposal.
I get in and close the door quietly. After checking to make sure the coast is still clear, I start the vehicle. I try not to attract attention since I can’t afford to have anyone stop me, especially Angus.
Once I get through the gates, I’ll speed away. It will be too late for anyone to stop me then.
