Page 47 of Dan

“What do we do with him?” asked Eric. Dan stared at the man, recognizing that he didn’t have long to live.

“Swear that you won’t call Yancy or Zach,” said Dan.

“You have my word. I don’t want to speak to them, but they do need to be stopped. Not only do they have a vendetta against G.R.I.P. for refusing to do business with them all these years, but they’re out to kill this group of security agents called REAPER. I can’t find any information on them to warn them, but she’s coming for them.”

“We’ll make sure they know,” said Gaspar.

“Good. That’s good,” he said, giving an exhausted nod. “The security system will keep them out, although it didn’t work with you.”

“We’re special,” smirked Dan. “You know, I really wish you would have done something about them sooner. From where I’m sitting, you would have been a better guardian for Finley than they were parents.”

“I often thought that myself,” he smiled. “But killing isn’t in my blood. That belongs to my half-siblings. You love her, don’t you?”

“I do,” said Dan. “She’ll be my wife soon.”

“Make her happy. She deserves that more than any human I’ve ever known.”

“Is there anything you need? Any medical attention we can provide?”

“No,” he smiled. “I’m down to days now. My kidneys and liver are shutting down.”

“Are there other half-siblings we need to worry about?” asked Nine.

“Not any longer. You’re down to the last two. Find them and end this madness. I know that they were working with a man who wanted to find G.R.I.P. as well, but I don’t know his name.”

Debating on whether to leave the man or put him out of his misery, Dan made the decision to leave him. He would die a slow, painful death, and in some ways, he deserved that. But he wouldn’t die by his hand. Not today.

“Where are we headed?” asked Sophia Ann, getting into the SUV. Dan looked back at her, then nodding to the others, he spoke.

“We’re going to end our problem.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

“I’m sorry it’s taking longer than expected,” said Dan to Finley on the phone. “We’re headed to New Mexico.”

“What’s there?” she asked.

“Your parents.”

“Oh. Be careful, Dan. They’re not right in their head.”

“I know, baby. Finley, did you know that Gunderson was also your uncle?” He stared at the screen as she slowly shook her head. “He’s dying, thanks to your parents. But he wanted you to know that shock therapy was never actually done on you. It was all an implanted suggestion by your mother. She made sure you knew what kind of pain was happening, what it was doing to you, all of it. You were drugged and made to believe that you had it done to you.”

“Is that possible?” she whispered.

“I’m afraid so. I’ve asked Ashley and Bree to speak with you about it. I hope that’s okay.”

“Yes. Yes, of course. I need to clear all the clouds from my brain. Get everything straight. I’m happy to speak with them.”

“I love you, Fin. I’ll be home soon, baby.”

“Love you, too.” Finley set the phone down on the table and looked up to see Dan’s grandmothers walking toward her. Sara Anderson was a stunning woman at nearly six-feet-tall. She was curvy with beautiful freckles across her nose. Ella Robicheaux had fiery red hair, thick with curls, and a smile that lit up the entire room.

“We heard a rumor that you’re alone again tonight,” smiled Ella. “How about we do a girls’ night at Sara’s cottage? Julia is going to join us as well.”

“I’d love that,” smiled Finley. “I mean, I think I’d love that. I’ve never had one before.”

“You’ve never done a sleepover with other girls, even when you were little?” asked Sara.

---