Page 73 of Dark Reunion

“I’m with you. I remember when you ran. I remember the abuse you suffered,” she reflected, and Dean looked down. “I remember what he made you do. They don’t, but I’ve been a prisoner of these walls long enough to know. These old eyes and ears have witnessed too much inside these walls to sleep peacefully, knowing I could’ve stopped the abuse and chose to do nothing out of fear. It’s time.”

She looked around the group like a wise grandmother would. “It’s time that we all stood up for our home, our children, and our children’s children. I can remember a time before Carlos and…” Stepping forward, she cupped Dean’s cheek. “I see the man in, the one the boy who ran wished he could be. I will follow you.”

Dean’s heart constricted in his chest. “Thank you.”

That seemed to settle it for the rest of the room, like the final approval had been made. They chatted a little more about strategy and where weapons were being hidden.

An hour later, Ricco, Maeve, and Dean slipped back into the dark hallways like ghosts.

“Alright, I’m with you. I’m not sure I fully forgive you, but I want to try.”

Dean nodded.

“So…what now?” Maeve asked.

“Nothing yet. I’m waiting for Keene to come back. He also needs to be eliminated, or the Righteous will continue to come for us,” Dean answered and looked at his phone. “We need a way to stall my father for a couple more days. By then, Keene should be back, and it will be time to make our move.”

Dean unzipped the pocket on his jacket and pulled out a pair of mags and a switchblade, handing them over. “Get back to your room and hide these somewhere safe.”

Maeve tucked them away inside her sweater. “Dean…”

“It’s okay. It’s going to take time, but I’m hoping that you’ll give it to me. But first, we need out of here.” He laid his hand on Maeve’s shoulder. “Go, I’ll wait five minutes before I head up.”

Dean watched her walk away and waited until he couldn’t see her anymore before he touched Ricco’s arm.

“I need you to take another message to Alvarez,” Dean said.

Ricco narrowed his eyes. “Again? I swear you’re trying to get me killed,” he grumbled.

“It’s more dangerous if I stay silent.” Dean lowered his voice, each word deliberate. “Get word to Alvarez. Tell him Isabella is here, that my father found her, and left my man for dead. If he ever wants to see her again, we need to meet, and in a different location this time.”

Ricco stared for a long moment before sighing. “I know you know this, but it is suicide if your father finds out.”

Dean’s mouth curved, humorless. “So is breathing a moment longer in this house. Just make it happen. Please.”

Ricco nodded. “You’ve got it, but I’ve never known a man so determined to dig his own grave.”

Dean’s eyes lit up, a thread of humor filling him as he thought about Morry and the guys. “That’s only because you haven’t met the rest of my unit yet.”

Ricco chuckled. “I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing at this point.” He waved a two-finger salute as he walked off.

A breeze whipped through the hallway, making the lights flicker as if the ghosts tied to this house were stirring, restless for revenge. Maybe they would drag Carlos’s soul to hell when all this was over.

He glanced up. Somewhere above, his father slept, certain of his control.

Dean smiled faintly. “Sleep well, old man. It’s the last peace you’ll ever have.”