Eric’s team all became part of Fenris Security’s trouble shooting group. We would send them in whenever a client had a particularly delicate situation. We also subcontracted them out to the Boston PD from time to time.
My parents stayed long enough to make sure that Zantana and Davin got settled. They were also worried about Talia, as was I. They had to get back on the trail of the Fallen that had escaped the battle that day. Both reassured me that Talia would eventually be fine. They left a few weeks back. Their friend Nuriel showed up with info on the location of Atloton. Something about him being in Babylon. Man, did he need a twenty first century geography lesson? They met with Talia and I before leaving. Mom let us know that they would be checking in to see if they were going to be grandparents. After they hugged both of us, mom had a private moment with Talia. I couldn’t hear her but I did see Talia nod in agreement about what was said.
Kaelyn kept in contact with me about the goings on with Guy and the Quebec Pack. He did, in fact, try to take-over while we were in Central America. Looks like I might have to make a trip to Montreal in the future. Turned out he was in league with Luis who had returned to his pack in Southern California. Looks like the booby-trapped van didn’t work. Gage’s second, Shawn, now the Alpha for what was Gage’s territory, reached out to me to say that he hoped we could move past Gage’s indiscretions. I assured him that would be beneficial for all involved.
Esteban returned to help Donovan regain control of his Coven after he sided with us. From what I hear, it’s still a work in progress and has been a bloody affair. There has also been word that the Boston Coven has broken away from the Elders in Europe, with Esteban naming himself the Elder of New England with Donovan the Master of Boston. We currently have a contract to provide security for all the Coven’s property here in the Northeast.
It’s now April, and Khloe and I were in New Hampshire meeting with members of our pack when Talia stopped by for a visit. She had been distant for the last couple of weeks. Something told me that she was fighting some internal battle. Having come to a decision, she had called and wanted to talk with us.
She arrived around eight in the evening. We were relaxing on the couch with the Red Sox on TV, each of us enjoying an adult beverage in front of the fire. Talia came in and sat in the recliner.
“Get you some wine, T?” I asked noticing the determined look on her face.
“No, thank you.” She answered biting her bottom lip, a clear indication to me that she was struggling with whatever she came tell us.
“Spill it, sis.” I offered. Khloe slapped my arm.
“Can’t you see she is struggling to tell us,” Khloe replied.
“Sorry, you’re right. Go on, Talia tell us.” I said.
“I’m leaving.” Talia finally said.
Stunned? Yes, but I wasn’t surprised since she hadn’t gone back to work since we had returned from Guatemala and left the running of her law firm in Lela’s capable hands. I asked the obvious question. “Where to then?”
She looked thoughtful and said, “Not sure. I know I just need to get away for a while. I can’t go to the townhouse in Boston. Everywhere I look, I see and smell Joseph.”
“For how long?” Khloe asked her.
“I’m not sure, but it won’t be for as long as Dorian stayed away,” Talia said as she smirked at me.
“You’ll keep in touch? Keep us updated?” I asked.
“You know I will. I just need a break and this seems to be the only way right now.” She answered.
“When will you be leaving?” Khloe asked the question that I was dreading.
“Tonight. I have everything packed in the Mustang.” She said as she pulled a piece of paper out of her jacket handing it to me.
“What’s this?”
“My new phone number. I got a new one to help with the break from everything that reminds me of him. I only want you two and mom and dad to have it, ok?” Talia asked.
“You got it, T.” I answered as we got up I pulled her into a hug then whispered, “If you need anything, let us know. I’ll miss you, sis.” She nodded as we separated, only to be engulfed in another hug from Khloe.
This time the they were both crying for the other. We escorted Talia to her car. We said goodbye again. Khloe and I watched as Talia pulled out of the driveway and turned south headed to who knows where.
Slipping my arm around Khloe I asked, “She’s going to be ok, right?”
Leaning her head on my shoulder while she wrapped her arms around my waist she replied, “Her heart is broken. It’s going to take time for that to heal. She is right that everything around the house reminds her of him. Talia needs to move past that or she will never recover from his death.”
The two of us went back inside, both of us praying for Talia to find whatever it is that she needs and then to come home.
Acknowledgements
I want to thank my wife Lori for her support and not simply rolling her eyes at me when I told her I was going to write a book. I love you for putting up with my geekdom.
My mom for allowing me to be me and never hindering my imagination.
Now to all of those who helped me along this journey. Lela for always listening to my crazy ideas and pushing me to do this. Tiana, Courtney, Olga, Leia, Jenn, Joy, Andrew, Sarah, Kelly, and Jennifer. You guys are amazing. Whether it was with editing, beta reading, making teasers for me, or answering my endless questions. All of your advice and suggestions have helped me immensely.
Lastly a huge THANK YOU, to you, the reader, for buying this book. It means more to me than you can ever imagine.
Steven L. Smithen
Steven lives in New Hampshire with his wife, Lori and their two cats Bill and Hank. When not at home he can be found on the many highways of the United States doing his day job as an Over-the-Road Truck Driver. He enjoys listening to music and is a voracious reader.
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