Page 49 of Sebastian

“They’re dead,” he said coldly.

“I know. Your father said to tell you that he intentionally left more to your sister, knowing that somehow you were behind all of this.” He stared at Matthew, trying to reason how he would know such information. “He also said that the coins he collected are still in a secure location that only your sister’s son is aware of. They belong to him now.”

“No. You can’t know that.”

“Your wife. Now, she’s another story. She’d like to ask for your forgiveness.”

“My forgiveness? For what?”

“For cheating on you with your assistant director, Chet Myers. They were happy together for almost twenty years while you ignored her and stole from those most important to you. She also wanted me to tell you that the lump you felt should have been checked on years ago. It’s malignant.”

He gasped, stumbling backwards against his chair.

“Wh-who are you?” he whispered.

“No one important,” repeated Matthew. Hex opened the door, and the MPs came in, carting the director away.

Emelia leaned against the desk, gripping the edge with her hands. She shook her head, sick at what they’d discovered. This had been happening for years. How many people died because someone else held their fate in their hands?

“I need to go home,” said Emelia. “I need to hug my sisters.”

“Then let’s get my girl home,” said Sebastian, kissing her temple.

As they left FBI headquarters, the director was being read his rights and placed in handcuffs into the back of a car. It would be months of testimony and trials ahead, but hopefully, he would live long enough to be found guilty and hear the verdict.

“Matthew? How did you know all that information in there?” asked Hex.

“Baptiste found out from family,” said Matthew calmly. “I thought it might be helpful when the time came.”

They were too tired to question it any further. Gathering their belongings from the hotel, they waited for their ride home at the small municipal airport. When the jet landed, Alistair was surprised to see Clark piloting.

“Now’s your time, brother,” smiled Brix. He looked at his friend and nodded. As he started to move forward, Brix and Major held the others back. “Give him a minute.”

“Hi there,” she smiled, looking up at him. “You guys have had quite an interesting few days.”

“Yeah. It’s been – strange.”

“Strange can be hard,” she said quietly. “Are you okay?”

“I am. Thank you for asking. Are you alright? Are you settling in okay?” he asked.

“I think I am. It’s a lot all at once. The place is huge, and I’ve gotten lost a dozen times,” she laughed. “In the air, I’m good. On the ground, I’m a lost goose.”

“Well, lost geese are my specialty,” he smiled. “Would you like to have dinner with me when we get back? It can be at the cafeteria or anywhere. I’d just like to get to know you.”

She swallowed hard, staring up at him, then nodded.

“I think I’d like the cafeteria if that’s okay. The food is so great there.”

“I couldn’t agree more. I just need to drop my gear when we get back and shower. Six-thirty okay?”

“I’ll be waiting on my front porch.” They stood, just smiling at one another for a few moments when Major finally cleared his throat.

“Hey, uh, can we go home now?” Alistair laughed, shaking his head.

“Yeah. Let’s go home.”

CHAPTER THIRTY