Page 124 of Primal God

According to the schedule that was sent to me, João will be at the hotel for a bit longer before going out with classmates to the building site. I need to catch him before he’s out in the open. Where anything can happen.

At the hotel, we make our way to the front desk.

I say, “I’m looking for my son, João Santos.”

“Mr. Santos is enjoying breakfast on the patio,” the man says, pointing.

My jaw tics. What kind of establishment just gives away information like that?

Alessandro steps forward. “I’d like to speak to the manager.”

While the man is occupied, Brooks and I make our way outside. The patio is crowded, but I spot João’s dark head.

“There.”

“I’ll stay here and keep watch,” Brooks says, his eyes darting around.

I weave my way through the crowd, coming to a stop in front of João’s table.

“Son.”

João looks up. “Dad! Is everything okay?”

He jumps to his feet as he says the last part.

“No. We need to talk.” I gesture toward Eve. “Bring your girlfriend, too.”

They follow me into the hotel, Brooks rounding up the group. Alessandro is still speaking to the front desk worker and a woman who I assume is the manager.

João asks, “Do we need to be somewhere private?”

He must realize this is Brotherhood business.

“That would be best.”

He leads the way to the elevators and we all step inside the lift.

Eve holds onto his hand. “Are we in danger?”

“No, my love. Everything is fine. Right, Dad?”

I hum my agreement, even though it’s not true. Once we reach the fifth floor, João takes us to his room.

He says to Eve, “Can you give us a moment?”

She nods, disappearing into a bedroom, closing the door behind her. João turns to me.

“What’s happened?”

“Someone sent me an email and threatened you.” I open my phone, showing him the email. “We think it might be the man who’s killing Elite Members.”

“Shit.” João rubs his chin. “What do we need to do?”

I throw my arm around him, pulling him close. He hugs me back, as if he knows how much I need this.

“I’m better now that I know you’re safe.” I look down at him. “But I think it’s best if you cut your trip short.”

“Done. Do we need to book a flight?”

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