Page 61 of Blood of the Loyal
"Meaning Eamon Kavanagh won't face federal charges for his assistance. Clean record, moving forward."
At least he's protected. Whatever happens to my career, I accomplished that much.
"Agent Quinn," Martinez concludes, "clean out your desk. Turn in your credentials. We'll contact you when the review ends."
I stand, shake hands professionally, and walk out with my spine straight.
In the parking garage, I dial Eamon.
"How did it go?" he asks immediately.
"Administrative leave. Byrne's in custody. You're clear of federal charges."
"What about your career?"
"Uncertain. But I made my peace with that choice." I unlock my car. "Eamon, how do you feel about California? Or maybe Colorado?"
"Are you asking me to run away with you, Agent Quinn?"
"I'm asking if you want to build a life with me somewhere they don't know what a Kavanagh is."
His laugh carries joy and relief. "I thought you'd never ask."
"Pack light. I'll pick you up tomorrow morning."
"Sorcha?"
"Yeah?"
"No regrets?"
I think about the badge I just surrendered, the career I spent twenty years building, the institutional loyalty I abandoned for one dangerous man.
"None at all."
The FBI gave me purpose for two decades. Eamon Kavanagh gave me something worth abandoning that purpose for.
Tomorrow we start over. New city, new names, new life.
Just the two of us against whatever comes next.
It's everything I never knew I wanted.
