Page 55 of Sanctuary

I opened the journal, quickly scanning the neat handwriting that filled its pages. “What am I looking for?”

“Page 42,” Declan said. “Dad’s account of a meeting in Ottawa, 1997.”

I flipped to the page and began reading. My blood ran cold as I absorbed the details—a business proposal, a refusal, a threat. The details were sparse, but the implication was clear: Matheson had approached Tomas MacGallan with a proposal involving government contracts, money laundering, and human trafficking. Tomas had not only refused but threatened to expose Matheson if he ever approached the clan again.

“He’s been nursing this grudge for decades,” I murmured, looking up at Declan. “Waiting for the right moment to strike back.”

“Dad knew he was dangerous,” Declan said, tapping the journal. “There’s more. Turn to the last entry.”

I flipped to the final pages, dated last year before Tomas’ mind started deteriorating. The handwriting was shakier, less precise… evidence of his failing health. But the message was clear: Tomas MacGallan had known his time was short and had made provisions for what would come after.

“‘The black book must remain hidden,’” I read aloud. “‘It contains enough to bring down not just Matheson, but half the power structure in the province. I have entrusted its location to only one person—the one who will lead when I am gone.’”

I looked up at Declan. “You.”

He nodded grimly. “Dad told me where to find it the night before he died. Don’t ask me how he even remembered it. Said it was my insurance policy as the new Captain.”

“And Matheson knows you have this information,” I concluded, the pieces falling into place. “That’s why he wants you eliminated.”

“And now you too, since you’re taking over,” Declan added. “He can’t risk either of us accessing that information.”

I closed the journal, my mind racing. “Does Wren know about this?”

“No,” Declan replied. “And she never will.”

“But Mia needs to know,” I insisted. “This confirms everything she’s been telling us. Matheson’s vendetta is real.”

Declan hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. “Fine. Tell her what she needs to know—but not the location of the black book. That stays between us.”

“Agreed,” I said, relief washing through me. “Thank you for showing me this. But I think you need a better hiding spot.”

Just as I finished saying it, he tucked the journal into the front of his jeans.

“Don’t thank me yet,” Declan warned. “We still have to survive tomorrow.”

As I turned to leave, he called after me. “Connor.” I paused at the door. “Be careful. Not just with the mission, but with her. People like that—they’re trained to make you feel exactly what they want you to feel.”

I met his gaze steadily. “I know who she is, Declan. I’ve seen all sides of her now.”

“And you still want her,” he observed, not a question but a statement.

“Yes,” I admitted. “I do.”

Chapter 27

Connor

Back in my room, I found Mia sitting on the bed, her body on edge as she awaited my return. She looked up as I entered, her eyes questioning.

“What did he say?” she asked softly, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.

I crossed the room and sat beside her, close enough that our shoulders touched. “He’s still suspicious, but he showed me something that confirms your story about Matheson.”

Her eyes widened slightly. “What?”

“One of Tomas’ journals. He documented a meeting with Matheson back in 1997—a business proposal involving government contracts and money laundering that my father refused. God, I can’t get used to calling him anything other than Tomas. Anyway, Matheson threatened him then.”

“Then don’t call him anything but Tomas,” she murmured, her brow creasing. “So, Matheson’s been planning this for decades. Waiting for the right moment.”

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