Page 86 of Heirs of Havoc

What we have isn't healthy and if they live another day, it's only a matter of time before I take them down with me. That's if I haven't already.

A shiver rolls up my spine as I get closer to Murphy House. The answer is as clear as it was this morning.

I have to end this.

“No …”

My feet stop when I get to the iron gates, my uniform as crumpled as my mind.

Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse.

Police cruisers fill the driveway, yellow tape stretched across the entrance. Hiding behind the brick wall next to the gate keeps me out of sight. But seeing cops filing in and out of the mansion doesn’t make me feel any better.

Are they raiding the house?

Seizing it?

Whatever it is, it doesn’t look good.

I’m already kicked off campus and kicked out of SAA. Dean McQueen’s security mentioned they’ll call the cops if I return. While I don’t think the repercussions of getting arrested would be terrible for me, it’s what comes after. My father.

Dom’s right, wherever he is. If I go back to Forest Hill, I’m right back where I started, but right now, it looks like the only viable choice. It’s not like I can take up refuge in the church. Wait …

“Consider yourself family.”

Lucie’s words replay in my head as I turn away from the mansion.

My feet slow, gazing out at the cross on top of the church, shining under the sun.

There is one other option.

But I’m going to need a hit of bravery for what I’m about to do next.

"Don't be a wuss."

I did nothing to save Dom last time, and this time, there's so much more on the line. If I leave now, I'm exactly what my dad said.

Weak.

It's time to take a chance. On them.

Jogging all the way to the church gives me a chance to think. It gives me a chance to confirm if this is a good idea. But where else can I turn? As far as I know, their family depends on it.

Lev and Vlad depend on it.

When I arrive at the church, sweat soaks my uniform, but a weight lifts off my chest when I don’t see any sign of my father’s men. Or police officers.

Attacking the bookstore was a cowardly move. They wouldn’t dare encroach on the real Reznikov domain.

“Milo? Lucie?” I call to the empty lobby, but no one answers. Making my way into the church, the need to say a prayer builds inside me. It's empty inside the massive main room, the size of a stadium. It makes me feel more alone. “If you guys can hear me, I need your help!” I call to the office above. Or to God. Whoever will hear me. “Vlad and Lev. They need your help."

“A girl?” Someone’s haughty laugh comes from behind me. A woman’s. And it’s loud. Turning around, a woman with a dark bob stands behind me in a pin-stripe pants suit fit to her curves. “A girl!” She laughs again. “I find out my sons are running with Federov and it’s because of a girl?”

My sons?

Vlad and Lev's mom?

If this is her, from what they’ve told me, I’m a little worried.

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