Page 52 of Sanctuary

“You don’t have to trust me,” I replied, reaching into my pocket. Everyone tensed, but I slowly withdrew the envelope Elise had given us. “This contains everything about Matheson’s operation—proof of what he’s planning, security protocols, building schematics. Even what he has on me.”

Connor took the envelope and handed it to Rory, who opened it cautiously. His eyes widened as he began flipping through the contents.

“Jesus Christ,” he muttered. “This is detailed intelligence. Security access codes, patrol schedules, personnel files...”

“She’s telling the truth,” Connor said firmly. “Matheson had her captured in Niagara Falls and taken to a remote cabin close to the Quebec border. The guy in charge of her tortured her for days, trying to force her back into the mission. I made it there just as he was about to rape her.”

Wren gasped, her hand flying to her mouth.

“I found her just in time,” Connor swallowed hard. “We killed the guy. But Matheson is still coming. Tomorrow night, with a tactical team.”

Declan’s gun had lowered slightly, though suspicion still radiated from him. “What does he want? Why target us specifically?”

I stepped forward carefully. “He believes your father had something—records, a ledger—that could destroy him and his allies in the government. He’s willing to eliminate your entire family to get it.”

Declan and Rory exchanged a meaningful look. “Dad’s black book,” Declan said quietly.

“You know what she’s talking about?” Connor asked, surprised.

Declan nodded grimly. “Dad kept detailed records of every deal he ever made, every favor owed, every dirty secret he covered up. Insurance, he called it.”

“Where is it now?” I asked.

Still not trusting her, Declan replied, “Somewhere safe. Somewhere only I know about.”

“That’s what Matheson wants,” I insisted. “And he won’t stop until he has it—or until everyone who might know its location is dead.”

The room fell silent again as the magnitude of the threat sank in. Finally, Kat spoke.

“If what she’s saying is true, we need to prepare. We have less than twenty-four hours.”

Declan’s eyes remained fixed on me, his expression hardening. “If—and that’s a big if—we believe you, what do you suggest we do? Run? Hide? Hand over what he wants?”

“None of those,” I replied. “I suggest we fight. On our terms, not his.”

“Our terms?” Rory echoed.

“We know when they’re coming,” I explained. “We know their numbers, their equipment, their approach. We have the advantage of familiar territory and time to prepare.” Declan’s eyes met mine briefly. “Plus, you have me, who they won’t be expecting because my captor was to hold me for seven days before Matheson returned. Tomorrow will be the seventh day, and I can guarantee you, he doesn’t think I’m a priority right now.”

Declan looked at his brother thoughtfully. “You’re suggesting we set a trap.”

“Exactly,” I nodded. “We use your knowledge of the estate to create choke points and ambush positions. We control the battlefield.”

Rory was already nodding, “It could work. The estate has multiple security features your father installed that aren’t on any blueprints.”

“Like the tunnel system,” Connor added, watching as understanding dawned on his family’s faces.

Wren had been quiet, her gaze fixed on me. “And what happens after?” she asked softly. “If we survive this—what then, Mia?”

The question hung in the air, its implications clear to everyone. What place could an assassin have in their family after this?

My shoulders slumped slightly. “After this, I disappear,” I said, my voice steady despite the pain of knowing I’d never see Connor or her again. “New identity, new country. It’s the only way to keep all of you safe from whatever comes next.”

“No,” Connor said firmly, surprising me with the vehemence in his voice. All eyes turned to me. “That’s not happening.”

“Connor—” I began, but he cut me off.

“We’re married,” he said, the words resonating through the room. “You risked everything to warn us, to protect us. I’m not letting you face what comes next alone.”

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