Page 138 of Trapped Truth

“What does that mean?” Ember glances between them.

“It means he’s weakened. Vulnerable. I have no doubt his hatred and desire for vengeance will lead him to my son in the end. I refuse to watch that happen.”

Too many thoughts to grasp hold of whizz around my mind, ping-ponging in a chaotic hailstorm. It was clear from the beginning that my father’s strategy was risky. Returning to London and relying on hired help screamed of desperation after the blow we dealt him overseas.

Unfortunately for him, we’ve made it harder than he anticipated to recapture his empire. This wasn’t a clean-cut operation. Eventually, that hired help needs to be paid. Without his Estonia base bringing income, he must be running extremely low on funds.

Azrael shifts from foot to foot, cracking his knuckles. “Now is the time to end this war.”

“We’re ready to strike.” I eye my mother’s drawn expression. “All I need is a location.”

She stares back without blinking. “I can give it to you.”

“If you do that, no amount of freedom or privilege will protect you from his wrath. Let me take you somewhere safe first, where he can’t hurt you anymore.”

“I can’t leave yet.” She passionately shakes her head. “Someone has to ensure the path is clear for you.”

“That person doesn’t have to be you!”

“But it should be. This is my life, my fight. I’ve spent too much of it pandering to the whims of that monster.” Her voice lowers to a murderous whisper. “I want to watch his whole world burn.”

Though I’m taken aback by the flash of violent thirst, I’m not about to deny her the pound of flesh she’s due. But I’m also sure as hell not bringing the entire might of Sabre Security down on my father’s head while she’s in the crossfire.

“We have to speak to our team about this,” I reply, a vague plan starting to form. “But when the time comes, you will be extracted and go willingly. I won’t lose you again.”

“I want him to suffer, Blaine. For all the people he’s hurt.”

“Trust me, we’ll bring the suffering. Just clear the way, and let us handle the dirty work.”

She nods rapidly, the tears pooling along her waterline creating a shimmering mirage. In a leap of sheer faith, I stretch a hand out for her to take. Angela briefly pauses then places her palm in mine, chilled and trembling.

“You’ll be free soon, Mother. I promise you.”

She sucks in a startled breath at the olive branch I extend. “All I ever wanted was to see you. Just once. No matter what happens, I’m happy we had the chance to meet. You’ve made me so proud, Blaine.”

“Don’t talk like that.” I squeeze her hand. “I’m getting you out.”

“I know.” There’s not a whole lot of conviction in her tone.

“How do we contact you to make the arrangements?”

Spine lengthening, Azrael stretches himself out, a coiled panther ready to leap. “The Hunter knows how to reach me. I will remain by your mother’s side until you’re ready to move.”

“For what price?” I regard him with distrust.

“None of your concern, boy.”

“It’s okay,” Angela tries to assure me. “You can trust him.”

I don’t much like it, but we’re fresh out of options. The bloodthirsty Angel of Death acting as my mother’s bodyguard isn’t exactly my first choice. If nothing else, I suppose he can be trusted to raze down anyone who dares get in his way.

When I tilt my chin, Ember follows me in rising to stand, exiting the booth together. The deserted sandwich shop has remained closed and empty this whole time. Still, I don’t intend on pushing our luck by staying any longer.

“We have to go. Once I’ve spoken to our associates, we’ll be in touch. Be ready to move soon. There’s no time left to waste.”

“We’ll be waiting.” Angela slaps on a brave smile.

“In the meantime, be careful.”