Page 70 of Blindsided
“Never underestimate old Russians with grudges,” Rory says grimly. “They tend to have long memories and longer reaches.”
“So, what’s our next move?” Wren asks, practical as always.
Declan studies the map Kane has laid out. “We go to Wicklow. Find this cottage, find Ella. Simple.”
“Nothing about this has been simple so far,” I point out. “Why would it start now?”
Chapter 25
Kane
Declan studies the map a moment longer, then straightens with an unexpected sigh. His shoulders drop slightly as he shakes his head.
“No,” he says finally. “We’re not doing this. Not yet.”
I stare at him in disbelief. “What do you mean, ‘not yet’? Our sister is out there—”
“And she’s been out there for years,” Declan interrupts, his voice unusually measured. “If Dad has kept her hidden this long, rushing in blindly could put her at risk. We need to approach this carefully.”
“Since when are you the voice of caution?” I demand, anger bubbling up. “You’ve been pushing this whole treasure hunt from the start.”
“I’m not saying we abandon the search,” Declan clarifies. “I’m saying we need to gather more information before we go charging into the mountains. If these Russians are as dangerous asDad claims, we need a plan.”
I want to argue, to insist we leave immediately, but there’s a logic to his words I can’t dismiss. Still, every minute we delay feels like another minute Ella remains in limbo.
“What do you suggest?” I ask tightly.
“We take a day or two. Regroup. Do some research on this Viktor Petrov, figure out if he’s still a threat.” Declan rubs his temples. “We’ve been running on adrenaline since we found that first letter. We need clear heads for what comes next.”
Wren nods in agreement. “He’s right, Kane. We’re all exhausted, and exhaustion leads to mistakes.”
I look at Kori, seeking her opinion. Her eyes meet mine, steady and thoughtful.
“A short pause might not be a bad idea,” she says gently.
I exhale slowly, letting go of some of the tension in my shoulders. “Fine. Where do we regroup?”
“Let’s head back to that first hotel we stayed at when we arrived,” Declan suggests. “The one near Malin Head.”
While Declan steps outside to make the call, I pace the conference room, unable to settle. Kori watches me from her seat at the table, concern evident in her eyes.
“She’s waited this long,” she says softly. “A day ortwo won’t make a difference.”
“I know,” I admit. “It’s just... now that I know she’s real, that she’s out there somewhere, waiting feels impossible.”
Declan returns, looking frustrated. “The hotel is fully booked. Some technology convention has taken over the entire place.”
“Now what?” Rory asks.
Before anyone else can suggest alternatives, Kori speaks up. “You could all stay at Wavecrest. There’s plenty of room, private, and close to the Wicklow Mountains. We would need to stop and get some food in the house.”
I stop pacing, surprised by her offer. “Are you sure? That’s a lot of people to impose on you.”
She smiles, a slight but genuine curve of her lips. “It’s not an imposition. There's bedrooms and plenty of sofas to sleep on.”
“That’s very generous,” Wren says. “Thank you.”
And so, it’s decided. We’ll spend a few days at Wavecrest, researching Viktor Petrov and planning our approach to finding Ella. I’m still chafing at the delay, but as we drive back toward the coast, with Kori beside me in the passenger seat, I find my anxiety gradually easing.
