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I received more news about the dock. The distraction Nathaniel created was near our vehicle but away from the facilities. The shipyard sustained no serious damage. Additional intel from Bryce confirmed that no one was hurt, including Martin who had been inconsolable since he learned of my disappearance.
When we return to Norfolk, there’s a lot to consider. “What will Nathaniel’s guards say? They witnessed everything.”
Bryce shrugs. “We’ve got them covered, Ana. They just want to get paid and don’t care where the money comes from. Forget about them.”
“How about the investigators who are waiting to interview me?”
“They need your statement to press charges, both for the kidnapping and for the damages at the shipyard.”
“And if I don’t press charges?”
Bryce sighs. “You don’t have to decide on charges right now. You should be resting instead of traveling,” he states with restrained annoyance. He isn’t sympathetic to Nathaniel meeting Sergei.
“I’ll rest when you rest, big shot,” I say to make him smile a little.
Bryce pulls me close and kisses my hair. “Now feels like a good time to relax. Someone kept me up all night.”
I return his embrace and bury my face into his shoulder. His breathing eases. He’s not asleep, if the bracket of his muscled arms around me is any indication. He’s a man collecting calm and strength for later. My brain won’t let me shut down, though hugging Bryce grounds me. I relish the deep sense of peace that comes from knowing that he’s on my side.
When we finally land in a regional terminal north of Columbus, I look out the window.
Sergei and Maeve are both on the tarmac, holding hands. My heart surges at the sight. No matter what happens, those two stick together through surprises and uncertainties. In the same way they share their joys, they hold each other through the challenges.
My brother and his wife enter the plane somberly. I hug them. Maeve lets out a subtle sob and a huge exhale. Sergei is less effusive. If his body language is any indication, he’s in battle mode.
Bryce and Jake stay inside, but the rest of the security exits the plane to give the family a modicum of privacy.
So, here we are. Nathaniel’s still in his seat with Jake beside him, ready for any unexpected or erratic behavior. It doesn’t seem likely. Nathaniel is the picture of a deflated man, sucked of energy and will. He manages to stand up when Father emerges from the bedroom.
Father has freshened up but it’s still a shock for Sergei to see how much his health has declined.
Bryce stands beside me, his hand around my waist. On my other side is Maeve, quietly transmitting her support for us all. She stays back when her husband steps forward to hug our father.
They speak in hushed Russian, greetings so swift and private even I can’t comprehend all of it.
Nathaniel visibly winces. The greeting between my brother and father makes it glaringly obvious how time and language and circumstance make Nathaniel the outsider.
We speak as men, Father said earlier. I hope that is still possible, for everyone’s sake.
Eventually, Sergei turns to our half brother. Smoke is nearly coming out of his ears. Oh, crap. Sergei is not here to make peace.
“I know Nikolay and Anastasia have been able to overlook what you’ve done. I have not. You took my sister. Endangered her. I don’t give a shit how desperate you were. I’d have respected you if you came after me. But grabbing her is beyond reprehensible.”
I’m about to interject but Bryce’s arm tightens.
“I’ll turn myself in,” Nathaniel says clearly. “As soon as we’re back in Virginia, I’ll turn myself in.”
Sergei stares suspiciously, his fists opening and closing. “What do you want then, coming out here? Don’t hold your breath for a goddamn family brunch, asshole.”
“Sergei—” Maeve says softly, her voice like a gentle balm to my brother’s nerves.
Father looks up at me, an unspoken plea. I sit beside him quietly.
“Sergei, I am a man who has made many mistakes, some worse than even Nathaniel’s rash, dangerous behavior.” Father pauses to give way to wheezing. I rub his back. Where there was once flesh and muscle, there are now the ridges of his spine.
“There is no pressure to reconcile,” Father continues, “but it has always been my responsibility to acknowledge your brother. This is what I am doing, which is only the beginning of what I must attempt in order to amend my mistakes.”
We’re all quiet for long, tortuous minutes, no one able to find the correct thing to say. When it feels like an impossible impasse, Maeve steps forward.
