“Thank you for rescuing me and helping me with Theodora,” I repeat maybe for the billionth time.
He glares at me. “Treat her right, okay? I might not remember anything, but you say she was my sister, so if I learn you did something to her, I’ll kill you.”
I laugh. “Whatever.”
He comes to a complete stop and looks at me. “If I ever need you?”
“You have my number.”
“It goes both ways—” He narrows his gaze before saying, “Thank you for doing this and helping me end them.”
I snort. “It’s not like you gave me many options.”
“You could’ve walked away at any point.”
But he’s wrong. “Not from you. Never from you.”
“I. Am. Finnegan. Gil.” The annoyance in his voice is palpable.
“Yes, but once upon a time you were Archer St. James. My best friend. If you asked me for a kidney I would just ask left or right. I understand you’re now Finnegan Gil, but… I can’t just forget my friend.”
“I’m not him,” he insists.
“Can I ask you a favor?”
“It depends.”
“Just remember that there are people who love you and have missed Archer for almost eight years. Think about visiting them.”
“What am I supposed to tell them? Hey, I was told I used to be your child, but I’m not interested in being a part of your family.”
This is my last chance to convince him. I need to bring him to Theodora. She deserves to see him at least once. She should be able to say goodbye and get closure. “But what if—”
“Sorry, but I have my own family. I don’t need anyone else.”
“If you don’t mind, I’m going to tell them that you’re alive.”
“So they’ll forgive you?”
I shake my head. “No one blames me for what happened, except myself. They’re good people who have suffered a lot. Knowing you’re still around might lighten their hearts.”
“It’s up to you. As I told Lang”—he taps his temple—“I can’t turn off Finnegan just because you miraculously found me.”
I nod as if understanding. As he climbs the staircase of the jet, I use my last weapon. This has to work, “By the way, Piper was Archer’s wife and the love of his life.” I salute him and turn around.
If anyone can bring him back, it’s Pipe. Or maybe she already tried and failed. I can’t imagine what I’ll find when I get home.
Chapter Twenty-Four
To: Phillis
From: SI Brad
Subject: Honey, I’m home!
I don’t want to pressure you, but do you know where you’ll live once you leave the center?
I’m asking because I have to buy some furniture for my place. I just found out that my brother only bought a bed.
If you are taking over the penthouse, I’d want to have someone else help me with the purchases. Off the top of my head, I could ask Mom, your mom, or Aaron to help decorate the place to your liking.
I would probably go with Aaron, who knows you better than most.
Well, that’s a lie. Piper understands you the best, but she’s not available.
She left… long story.
Only her parents know where she is, and they asked us to respect her privacy. We’ve argued a few times that if I had been here, she would’ve told me, and I’d be with her.
They claim I’m wrong.
Between you and me, I could just go and search for her. However, I’ll respect her wishes. I don’t know when she’ll be back, but she won’t be back before you arrive home.
If you’re wondering where I’ll stay, don’t worry about me. My cousin Gabe offered his guest room.
I heard our goddaughter might be arriving soon. Burke is glad I’m back in Seattle so I can take over RCC. He didn’t even allow me to take a couple of days to recover. After making this a better world for him and his family, he dismissed me. The next time he needs someone to help him change a lightbulb, I’ll refuse.
Your brothers are still too spoiled.
Tell me, what’s new with you?
Love,
Seth
PS Aaron finished the nursery based on your design. It looks pretty. Pictures attached.
To: SI Brad
From: Phillis
Subject: Are you really home?
I texted you, and you never responded. Either you’re ignoring me, or Burke chained you to the chair so he could take time off. Which one is it?
Unfortunately, I’m staying at the center for another month. The world doesn’t feel safe, even when I know you’re around to take care of the bad guys.
How do I know?
I took a stroll around town, and I freaked out when I saw a tall blond man with tattoos who looked like one of the men who captured me in San Francisco. I didn’t react well. I’m not ready to go out in public—or leave the center.
Seattle is a far reach.
How’s my living situation?
Well, Piper stopped responding to my messages. Do you think she’s mad because I told Mom about her new perspective on Arch’s opinion?
Did she leave because of that?
Is it my fault?
We’ll figure out Piper when I can leave this place.
What am I going to do for housing when I’m out? It seems like I have a few options. I’ll either take a guest room in one of my brothers’ homes or your penthouse.
Decisions, decisions.
I’m glad you’re home, and I hope the mission was successful. How are your parents? I bet they are happy to have you home.
Have I told you Dad came to visit?
He wasn’t aware I could receive visitors until Mom told him. I don’t know what surprises me more, that he came right away, or that he’s on speaking terms with Mom. And that’s when you say, but they always talk to each other during events. That’s just the PR side of the former spouses.
They’re pretty good at pretending that everything is okay.
Your next question might be something like, but they do at least talk when they fuck.
I don’t know the answer to that, and I hope I’ll never find out. My brothers have caught them several times. Not me—thankfully.
Talk soon?
Teddy
PS Do you still have your phone?
PS2 Is Burke reading your correspondence?
To: Phillis
From: SI Brad
Subject: Chained to a chair and other misadventures.
Burke wouldn’t dare to chain me. He’s scared of me, ha!
I don’t have your current number, and I haven’t had the time to ask any of your brothers to give it to me. You might wonder why I lost it. Well, I have a new telephone. As you recall, the guy I worked with provided me with a burner so we could stay in touch. I gave it back to him when the mission ended.
Piper has her own set of issues and they have nothing to do with Archer being dead. I don’t know when she’ll be back. Don’t take it personally. Some things came up, and she has to deal with them—why she chose to do it alone is beyond my comprehension. I spoke with Jude and Gabe and they’re just as confused as I am.
Aaron promised to help furnish the penthouse based on your Pinterest. He said he’ll call you to check which option you’d like.