Page 271 of Lodestar

“Life’s short…”

“It is. I think she’s torn.”

“Between?”

“He killed Da and her stepmother. He’s her uncle.” He sighed. “It’s complicated and I don’t think she can handle complicated right now.”

“Understandable.”

“Yeah, I think so. I won’t push it but if Dagda codes in the middle of the night or something, I’ll tell her and she can make an informed decision.”

“Best way.”

“What are you working on?”

“Pinning Foundry’s and Smythe’s locations down.”

“You’re taking them out?”

“Star wants to and I think it’ll give her closure before we pass this to Interpol and let them handle the Sparrows.” My phone buzzed and I smiled when I saw it was a text message.

Star: Be Your Love - Bishop Briggs

Me: Still talking to Finn. Will listen in a little while.

Star: Dagda updates?

Me: Finn says it’s looking rough.

“What is it?”

“Star’s awake.”

“Unsurprising—it’s been a hell of a day.”

I blew out a breath. “You’re not wrong. Getting Troy and Lyra settled next door wasn’t easy. Sorry for wrecking Saturday dinner.”

“Don’t worry about it. Wasn’t like you wanted that shit to go down. If it weren’t for you, Dagda would be dead.”

“That close?”

He hummed.

“Fuck. I’m not sure what to say to that.”

“Why?” he inquired.

“He killed Star’s mom.” Never mind his role in Da’s death. “She wanted him dead, but I’m not sure now. She asked about him so maybe she’s changed her mind.”

“Maybe she wants to question him?”

“Could be. What did Eoghan tell you about Jorgmundgander?”

“Everything.”

“Crazy, no?”

“Insane. I thought he was talking about a Marvel movie at first.”

---