Page 101 of From My Past
“Everything?” Kieron asks, raising an eyebrow and leaning over my chair.
“Everything. So, you can stop fronting like that, trying to intimidate me.”
“Garzino Senior?” Kieron said, his voice tight and he moved his hand to my shoulder.
We’d both been nervous about how the Italians would retaliate when they found out that Luca was dead. Kieron did everything in his power to make sure that there was no link back to us, and Cillian had…definitely disposed of the body and any evidence. We were just waiting to hear if there was any retaliation. Any indication that they knew we’d done something…
Kieron was more worried than I was, seeing as he knew the ins and outs of this life, and they must have known something seeing as Joseph had attacked them in the garage. We just didn’t know if that was a sanctioned attack or if Luca had over played his hand.
The only way to see how that situation would play out was to wait and see.
“It’s been reported that Garzino has returned to Italy. Sicily. Probably to lick his wounds and regroup. With the amount of business he’s lost in the last three weeks, there’s no way that he could continue on. Uncharacteristically, he is doing a smart business move and not getting caught up in appearances and reputations. I wouldn’t have expected that.” Kellan said, picking up a file, looking it over and placing it to the side.
“Has there been any word on Trent and Bryan’s cover being blown?” I ask. I’m still so worried about them being targeted, especially because of how close of friends we’ve all become.
“No news yet. I’ve pulled them from their missions, their covers have mysteriously left Boston, and we will deal with the fallout when something comes of it. Trenton, I thought would be good to put on your sister’s protection detail seeing as he’s been a part of this whole thing from the beginning. What do you think?” Kellan asked.
The smile on my face grew. “I think that’s a great idea. It would definitely make me feel better to have someone so close to Kieron and I watching over my baby sister.”
“Good, good. He’s already agreed, he will take over for the other guard tomorrow morning.” He told me, eyeing my ring finger. I look down at my new sparkling, massive engagement ring that really was much too big for my taste, but Kieron swore was just for show and he got me another one for everyday use. I protested and tried to return the big one, much preferring the smaller one that fit my style and personality more, but Kieron just rolled his eyes, telling me that it was the first of very many expensive things I could expect. That it was time I was treated like the goddess I am. That I’m the Second’s wife and I deserved nice things.
And when those lines didn’t work, he literally made it impossible for me to return it by ripping up the receipt and not telling me where he got it from so I couldn’t even take it back. I’d taken to wearing it only when we were at headquarters.
“Trent and Bryan will be safe though, right? From Luca’s dad?” I ask.
“Of course.” Kellan says, shrugging his shoulders and acting like it was no big deal that some of his men could be in danger. Although, I guess, as Skipper, his men were in danger at all times.
“We’re trained spies and warriors, baby. Don’t worry.” Kieron whispered in my ear.
“What happens now?” I put my hand over Kieron’s on my shoulder, looking up at him but asking the room.
“Now, Mrs. Tavish,” Kellan says with a knowing smile, “you can move on. Do whatever you’d like. Maybe something to do with airplanes?”
“I can do that?”
“Of course, you can. We aren’t going to keep you locked inside or force you to give up your dreams. I want to give them to you.” Kieron kneels by my chair with my hands in his, his expression is open and honest.
“Could I…Could I go see my family?” I ask in a small voice, worried that that might be the line for him, it might be impossible because of safety reasons.
But I never should’ve doubted him, not even for a moment.
“Baby, you can do whatever you want to do. Go visit your family, bring them here, hell, let’s all go on a trip together. Whatever you want, I’m down with. I’d love to meet your family, if you want me to.” Kieron said, kissing my knuckles.
We hear a cough and look over to Kellan who is looking off to the side, then looks to us. “I would also be honored to meet your family. I’d like to know my in-laws, and the people who raised such a strong woman.”
My eyes well with tears and I beg them not to fall. “Thank you,” I say pointedly to Kellan and then look to my husband, cupping his cheek and gazing into his dark eyes.
“Thank you so much.”
Epilogue
Kieron
Six Months Later…
“Auggie, how are you?” I hold my arms out to welcome a hug from Talia’s little sister. Trent and Auggie came to visit us at the beach house for the week. Talia and I had organized it so she was able to take time off from her new, albeit entry job, working as an assistant to an aircraft engineer.
I’d offered to talk to one of the company’s, whichever one she wanted, and get her an engineering job, no grunt work or dues paid required. But, as per usual, when I try to use our name and resources to help her out, she refused.
