Page 42 of Prodigal Son

Eden was having ballet flashbacks now. And after the last two days, she wasn’t in the mood for them – or her mother’s…well…bullshit.

“Mother,” she said, and Vivian cut off mid-tirade. She had to take a steadying breath. “I love you, and I respect you, but you have got tostop. Yes, I am an adult, yes, I have served in Her Majesty’s Secret Service, and it’s with that experience that I’m telling you – not asking for permission – that I’m seeing this case through to the end. Whatever’s happening here, whatever this company – whatever thisgovernment– did to these thirteen men, it wasn’t ethical, and it looks like they’re willing to keep that secret.

“I need you to stay here, where you’ll be safe. Watch over Axelle for me, because she has no one else in the world. But I’m leaving with Charlie. I’ll ask you to kindly keep your opinions of my sex life to yourself, because this is about work. The kind of work I do best.”

She was breathing too hard when she finished, shaking a little at the edges. It was the most insubordinate thing she’d ever said to her mother, and while that left her vaguely sick, it was also thrilling.

Vivian stared at her a long moment. “Well, I suppose I can’t stop you.”

It wasn’t approval, but that had never been anything she’d given freely.

Eden went to pack her things.

~*~

Because they were the kind of family who tamped down their feelings about one another until the last minute, Fox was expecting someone to take him aside just as they were leaving. He just wasn’t expecting that person to be Albie.

“You?” he asked when his brother hauled him into the empty cloakroom at the front of the pub.

Albie frowned. “Me, what?”

“Nothing. So. Last words of wisdom, is it?”

The frown deepened. “No, I…” He sighed and rubbed at the back of his neck. “Okay, so, maybe, yeah. You need to check in.”

“Yeah, I–”

“No, Charlie. I’m serious.” He was always serious; Fox could count his smiles on one hand. But he looked extra serious right now, blue eyes wide, chin tucked down imploringly.

“You are, aren’t you?”

“Yes, I just said I was, didn’t I?” He softened. “You’re possibly the most dangerous person I know–”

“Possibly?”

“We do both know Mercy Lécuyer, yeah?”

“Fair point.”

“But you’re only one man. And not a very tall one at that.” He did crack a smile then, and had to speak over Fox’s “fuck you” riposte. “I’m sure Eden’s competent, but–”

“Christ, don’t let her hear you say that.”

Albie sighed. “Your sniper is incompetent at best, working for the other side at worst. And Dad is…look.” He made a face. “I don’t trust him, alright? Not about any of this.”

Fox felt his brows shoot up. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but you were one of the ones who wanted to save his sorry ass.”

“I was, yeah. But that doesn’t mean I like any of us having to rely on him.”

Something very much like nervousness made itself known in the back of Fox’s mind; a high, squeaky little voice, but one that couldn’t be quashed. Project Emerald he believed because he’d seen the file; had picked shattered window glass out of his hair. But did he trust Devin with his life? Trust him to make the calls that would ensure the success of their mission as a group? Or would he bail on them the moment things went south and flee for parts unknown?

He’s left everyone,that little voice said.He always bails. That’s what he does.Every wife and girlfriend, every child. In the history of their unlikely family, Devin was famous for one thing: leaving.

Fox blew out a breath. “Yeah, well, he’s just an old man. Nothing I can’t handle.”

Albie gave him another smile, this one tight in the corners, sad around the eyes. He clapped a hand on Fox’s shoulder and squeezed. “Call if things get fucked. We’ll send in the cavalry.”

A half-dozen snarky comebacks formed in the back of Fox’s throat; dismissals, flippant jokes. But what he said was, “Thanks.”

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