Page 68 of Sins and Salvation

Sarah eyes us over her coffee mug. "The psycho sister who kidnapped Conor? You're visiting her?"

"We need answers," Declan says.

"Closure," I add, though that's not quite right. I need to look this woman in the eye. I need to know why she targeted my son, and if the threat is truly gone.

Sarah sighs. "You Donovan’s and your drama. I'll watch the little man while you go confront the crazy lady."

"I'm not a Donovan," I object automatically.

Sarah and Declan exchange a look that makes my cheeks burn.

After breakfast, I take Conor outside to the small garden overlooking the sea. We need to go soon, and I have no fucking clue how to explain it to him. Not when I don't even know where we're headed next.

"Are we going home now?" he asks, kicking at stones in the garden path.

"Not yet." I kneel to his level. "Dad and I need to talk to someone first. You'll stay with Sarah for a little while."

His face falls. "I don't want to stay. I want to go with you."

"I know, but this is a grown-up thing." I brush his hair from his eyes—he needs a haircut. "We won't be long, I promise."

"Is it about the bad men?"

I hesitate. "Yes."

"Are they coming back?"

"No, baby." I pull him close. "They can't hurt us anymore."

Declan joins us in the garden. "Ready?" he asks me.

I nod, though I'm not ready at all. I hug Conor one more time, feeling his small arms squeeze my neck.

"Be good for Sarah," I tell him. "We'll be back soon."

Declan lifts Conor up with his good arm. "Hey buddy, while we're gone, think about where you want to go for vacation. Any place in the world."

Conor's eyes light up. "Disney World?"

"If that's what you want." Declan sets him down. "We can go anywhere."

I kiss Conor's forehead one more time. "Be good. We'll be back soon."

Sarah hands me my phone and jacket. "Try not to get shot this time."

"No promises."

I grab Cormac's car keys and head for the Audi. Time to visit the woman who tried to destroy my family.

* * *

Cormac waitsfor us in his office, a glass of whiskey already in his hand I think he drinks twenty-four-seven. He looks tired, dark circles under his eyes. For a moment, I feel sorry for him—for the weight he carries as head of the Donovan family.

"You're taking her to see Siobhan," he says to Declan, not bothering with pleasantries. "Are you sure that's smart?"

"Not your decision," Declan replies.

Cormac sighs. "The woman who tried to kidnap your son?—"

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