Page 100 of Erik's Salvation
“She’ll be okay,” he said quietly.
She was less worried about her physically and more worried about emotionally. Brigid was strong, and she liked to put on a brave face. But she’d loved James for a long time. That kind of love didn’t just go away.
When it was time for them to go, Erik slid an arm around her waist and led her to the hotel. As soon as they were inside, they headed for the elevator. The rooftop bar was called The Nest, and from what they’d researched, the place got busy. They were lucky they’d been able to reserve the tables they had.
When the elevator doors opened, they stepped into a dimly lit bar. Music boomed and loud voices competed with one another. Erik tugged her toward a small stand.
“Hi. Do you have a reservation?” a waitress asked.
“Yes, for two, under Silver.”
Hannah barely paid attention to the exchange, instead shifting her gaze to the open doors that led to the balcony. Was James out there? Could Brigid and Henry already see him?
Her belly did a little dip.
“This way.”
Erik pulled her forward as they followed the waitress to a shadowy corner.
“Here you are,” she said as she stopped. She handed them each a menu. “I’ll be back in a few minutes to take your order.” They had a great view of the entire bar, including everyone who came and left through the elevator, yet people didn’t even glance their way as they passed.
“It’s okay, I know what I want,” Hannah said before the woman could leave. “A vodka tonic, please.”
The fewer visits they had, the better.
“Pacifico, please,” Erik added.
The second the waitress left their table, Erik pulled out a laptop. He was tense. Probably because she was with him. The only reason she was here at all was because Erik wanted her in his sights at all times. Worked for her. There was nowhere else she wanted to be.
He pulled out two earpieces and handed one to her. Then he spoke into the laptop microphone.
“We’re here, Brigid.”
Voices and music sounded through the earpiece. Some wind. Then Brigid’s voice.
“We can see James,” she said quietly. “He’s standing by the railing but hasn’t seen us yet.”
Hannah leaned in. “Remember, it’s not too late to pull out.”
“Hannah. Relax. I’ll be fine.” Brigid sounded confident. “I want to do this for you. And also, for me. If it was a lie for all those damn years, that asshole can tell me to my face.”
“Okay. Just…be careful.” She’d said it before, but she had to say it again.
“I’m going over now.”
“Good luck,” Henry said, his voice sounding distant.
Hannah dug her nails into her palm until Erik unfurled her fist, slipping his fingers through hers.
“Hi, James.”
Hannah straightened at the sound of Brigid’s voice.
“Brigid! What are you… How did you find me?”
The wind was loud when she continued. “Henry and I are having a weekend away, and I saw you over here. Henry’s over at our table.”
There was a brief pause. “Is Hannah with you?”
