Page 589 of Lodestar

“Because that’s what it takes,” Conor interrupted, his palm settling on my shoulder. “You can’t bring these bastards downby riding in on a white horse, sword in one hand, shield in the other, Goldstein.

“If you ever want our world to be less corrupt, then you’re going to have to get your hands dirty like the rest of us.”

He swallowed, but I knew that he saw the truth of Conor’s words in the resignation in his expression. “What’s our first move?”

I smiled at him. “Good decision. Smart.”

And that was when I underlined the words ‘The End’ on this part of my life.

Some endings were beginnings, after all.

One lay on the bed to our left; one sat on the monitor in front of us.

It was fitting, however, that Conor was at my back.

That was where he’d always be.

God, how I loved him.

How blessed I was to have him.

My man. My love.

My everything.

72

TEXT CHAT

GRAIL

21:34 Bitter grapes served

aCoooooig

04:44 Target eliminated

THE WHISTLER

04:54 Target eliminated

DEAD TO ME

04:54 Target eliminated

EAGLE EYES

04:54 Target eliminated

DAGDA

05:14 Target secured

TROY

05:14 Target secured

LODESTAR