Page 80 of Savage Justice

“Who did this? Why? Why would anyone stab him?”

“I don’t know, not at this point. But Ethan will find out and—”

“It’s because of what he does. What all of you do. This life…”

“We don’t know the answers yet, Molly.”

“I do. I do!” I thought I could put my misgivings to one side, turn a blind eye. But here it is, front and centre. Armed attackers, men with guns and knives and fuck knows what else. It could have been me, or worse, Lucy or Noah. I have a vision of Nico bleeding to death on some backstreet, murdered for a few grams of cocaine.

“You need to pull yourself together, Molly.” Her tone is firm, no-nonsense. “Nico will need you, and so will your children. Go and find Lucy, tell her you’re going to be away for a while.”

“How can I tell her…?”

“Don’t tell her everything, not yet. But she’ll wonder where you are. Tell her something, then go and get a few things together. Pack some things for Nico as well. I’ll look after the little ones while you’re away.

“I can’t just—”

“Yes, you can. You need to be strong. Now, go and get ready.”

Numb, I stumble to my feet.

“Do you need me to come with you?”

I shake my head. “I can manage.”

“I know that.”

I’m still biting back tears when I fob Lucy off with talk of a meeting with a gallery owner. “It’s short notice. He’s only in Glasgow for a couple of days.”

“Okay, Mummy.”

She’s in the kitchen, engaged in a game of chess with Robbie, overseen by Mrs McRae. She’s so engrossed that she pays barely any attention to me. There are plans for a beachcombing expedition later, so I doubt she’ll miss me or Nico until bedtime.

“Auntie Cristina will read you your story tonight.”

“Can she do voices?”

“I’m sure she can.”

“Not as good as you. Or Nico.”

“Well, no, but—”

“I won’t say anything in case she gets upset.”

I throw my arms around her. “You’re a very special little girl. Have I told you that?”

She wriggles free. “You’ll knock the board. And why are you crying?”

“I’m not.” I swipe my hand across my eyes. “I have to go.”

“Bye, Mummy.” Her attention is back on the prospect of sacrificing her bishop to save her castle.

I slink from the kitchen.

Cristina is waiting for me outside in the courtyard. “Everything okay?”

“Yes. When—?”

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