Page 25 of Death

“Fucking robot,” I mutter, drawing a chuckle from him.

After I’m done preparing the beverage, I head back to the room where Manuel is busy with the Gleesons and lean my shoulder against the doorjamb.

While I watch Manuel taking photos of each family member, I say, “As soon as the documents are ready, we’ll escort you to a private jet and get you in the air. Once you land in Switzerland, you’ll be met by Malin Ekland. She’ll get you through customs so you’re legally in Switzerland, and after that, you’re on your own.”

Mr. Gleeson nods. “Thank you.”

“You’ll all have new names, and the flight details will show you flew in from the UK. Brian, Emily, Caleb, and Sophie Murphy.” I stare at the children, then mutter, “Maybe consider splitting up for a few years. Sullivan and his men will be looking for a family of four. If you separate from your wife and kids, it will up your chances of flying under the radar.”

“I’m not leaving my family,” Gleeson says. “I’ll lay low so I’m not caught on any CCTV cameras.”

Nodding, I drink the rest of my coffee, watching as Manuel cuts the headshots he took before carefully sticking them in the passports.

Knowing it’s still going to take a while, I drop the empty mug in the sink on my way out of the house. With nothing better to do, I take a seat on the chair, staring out over the dark landscape.

I notice a light shining from the house behind the trees, but it doesn’t hold my attention, and I glance up at the stars.

I see a few satellites moving across the night sky, then suddenly, a shooting star has a smile curving my lips.

Let me find my woman.

It’s the only wish I’ve had since Lorena told me about the woman I’ll share my life with.

Mi Sol.

Chapter 8

CIARA

Lying next to Nolan, who’s sick as a dog, I listen to his wheezing breaths.

He’s been in and out of consciousness all night, and with every passing minute, my heart beats faster and faster.

I slowly turn my head and whisper, “Nolan?”

He doesn’t stir, and I cautiously sit up. Reaching for the chain, I carefully gather the metal links while creeping off the bed.

“Where are you going?” he mumbles weakly.

I freeze and glance over my shoulder. “The toilet.”

He tries to sit up but slumps down again, then hoarsely orders, “Be quick.”

I slowly blow out a breath of relief and climb to my feet.

I have no idea how long I’ve been with Nolan, but a while back, I managed to steal the key out of his pocket while he was asleep. I managed to unlock the chain, but before I could get the front door open, he was on top of me.

Since then, he’s left the key on the kitchen counter where it’s out of my reach.

I walk to the bedroom door and take a second to glance over my shoulder again. Nolan seems to be asleep. I crouch down and pull most of the chain toward me, careful not to make a sound as I gather it in my arms.

Slowly, I look at Nolan. His face is pale and sweaty from the fever. Earlier, he left to get flu medicine, but he took the key with him, so I couldn’t try to escape.

It’s now or never.

My heart pounds against my ribs as I begin to inch my way down the hallway, carefully setting the chain down so it doesn’t drag across the floor.

The minutes it takes for me to get to the kitchen is nerve-wracking, making my breaths burst over my lips in short puffs.