Page 28 of Unshakable

Convincing Toula totake his assistance had taken far less time and effort than Henri imagined. Even though he planned to leave tonight, he didn’t want to. He wanted to enjoy more time with her, listen to the sound of her voice and make her laugh.

He didn’t push to meet her granddaughters, as per their understanding. He wanted to, of course, but life always became more complex when additional personalities entered the room. He liked the relationship between the two of them right now, without anyone else involved.

And he wanted her life to be simplified, burdens lifted. Already, he’d contacted his accountant and attorney to set up a trust for her and, upon her death, each grandchild.

Beatrix would be dealt with differently.

They would institute a private scholarship to pay her tuition, housing and other college expenses, and her mother would explain the mysterious relative with no one else to bequeath their funds upon when things changed at home. He would keep an eye on Beatrix’s progress and direction, intervening if needed.

Toula gave permission for that much contact.

Could he keep his word to not entangle Toula further? To let the money free her time and energy for the sole purpose of raising a formidable empath capable of handling Kamen Tourelle for at least one more generation?

He had to. While he didn’t put much credence in Michael’s vague warning about her, he understood very well she would do anything and everything at her disposal to protect those girls, and he didn’t want to ever put himself in her line of fire.

He wanted her grounded, focused, living each day with and for the future of those girls. He would do the same behind the scenes, together hoping and praying change was still possible in this bleak situation.

And for him, the information Tourelle hadn’t meant to give him beckoned. At least two other families existed, somewhere in this wide world, who kept Tourelle’s attention the same way the Thibodeaux ladies did in Louisiana.

Maybe he could find them, learn more, protect more and serve more. And the prophecy still needed to be identified and unraveled, the sooner the better. Live up to his reputation, the Grigori reputation, for being a helpful guide for humanity, redemption or no redemption. All these things could leave a legacy for Sam. If his son ever wanted such a thing.

As he packed his bag and left the motel, his phone rang in his pocket. He looked at the screen and sighed. Michael had called once a day for the past three days and Henri felt no compulsion to have any further conversation.

He knew all he needed to know.

Instead, he called Sam, who for whatever reason, sounded happy and sober when he answered. “Hey, Dad, how are you?”

“Doing well, just about to get in the car and head home. How’s the weather up there?”

While Sam went on about snowfall and classes, Henri wondered about him. Would Sam ever be strong enough? Free of vice long enough? Strong willed enough should he be pulled into this conflict?

If Henri died and Sam were forced to follow the protocols put in place to protect his fortune and dispose of his mortal, hybrid body, could he handle those things? Would he melt under the pressure, under the discovery that his father lived a far larger life than he ever imagined?

Would he be sad he’d chosen not to be a bigger part? Might he pick up where his father left off?

“Dad? Are you still there?”

“Yes,” he paused to clear the emotion from his voice. “I’m still here. Tell me when your semester ends, again?”

Henri got into his car and started the engine, at peace he’d done all he could in his power, for now, to put time, space and learning between this important family and the danger stalking their line. Given them a fighting chance.

End of the world stuff, if Tourelle’s lies could be trusted. With three families in play, how many empaths were in danger around the world?

Tourelle would become more dangerous once he learned of the protective hedge he’d placed around Toula and Chloe. He would see through to the meaning and understand they grew stronger.

Which would enrage him, tempt him to act out. Henri needed to be prepared to stand firm against him. More thoughts and more preparations for tomorrow.

Henri cleared his throat. “How secure is your place, Sam? Do you have a security system?”

“I do, and the building has additional security. Why?”

“Just wondering,” he bluffed. “We’re talking about New York City, after all. Lots of benefits, I know. Just want you to be safe and aware.”

“Dad?” Sam asked, his tone changing, becoming more serious. “I know we have our differences. You should know I’m not taking chances. I know the drill. I’m trying to clean up a little.”

“The dentist is okay, you can go to the dentist,” Henri reminded him, his heart squeezing because his son only understood the most rudimentary of their lifestyle rules. ‘Cleaning up a little’ meant nothing over decades.

Perhaps this small amount of knowledge would be enough to keep him safe, make him insignificant to someone like Tourelle and his ilk.

“We take risks every day,” he told Sam, his tone gentler now. “We make decisions every day and hope they’re the right ones. Do the best you can.”

“I do.”

“And I’m always here for you, even if we disagree. If something happens and you don’t know where to turn, don’t understand, always come to me. No judgement.”

“I know,” Sam reassured him.

He’d never be able to tell his son of the love affair he’d cultivated here. They didn’t have that kind of relationship. “All right, I’m getting on the interstate. I’ll let you know when I’ve arrived at home.”

“Be careful. Love you.”

The line went dead, and Henri wondered if Sam would love him as much and judge him as little once he learned about his romance with Toula and other dealings within this strange and noble situation.

He’d placed his son in danger, his single regret. One day, he’d have to understand, and maybe even forgive.

---