Cullen nodded slowly and looked at his brother. “Before Alaina died she told me of him.”
“But she planned on leaving with you for America.”
Cullen shook his head. “No. She thought my new wealth would help us to locate our son. She planned to tell me when we reached the ship. She figured you would agree to help us and supply us with what we needed. Once we found our son we could then join you and Storm in America.”
“Why didn’t she just bring the child with her?”
“She doesn’t know where he is.”
Burke shook his head. “How can that be?’
Cullen’s hands fisted at his sides. “Her father took the lad from her at birth.”
“The bastard,” Burke spit out.
“You know I’m going to kill him, don’t you?”
“I can stay and help,” Burke offered.
“No,” Cullen said. “While I appreciate your offer, this is something I must do. Besides, if you stayed Storm would insist on staying with you, and she needs to be taken away from here if she is to be kept safe.”
“You understand my apprehension in leaving you behind?”
“I know, but I also know that you above anyone understands why I must do this.”
“I do,” Burke said. “It is an awful thing for a father to know he has a son out there somewhere but is unable to find him. I will give you all the money you need and any help you want.”
“The money will be the greatest help to me. It will buy me information.”
“You shall have whatever you need,” Burke said adamantly.
Cullen hesitated, then spoke. “I wish there had been time for us to talk more.”
“We will,” Burke assured him. “There will be time when you return home with your son.”
“Home.” Cullen shook his head. “I have never truly had a home.”
“You do now. It waits for you along with your family.”
The brothers hugged and Burke let go of Cullen reluctantly, fearful that he might never see him again.
“Give me your word you will come home,” Burke said, holding out his hand to him.
Cullen grasped his hand firmly. “I and my son will come home, this I promise you.”
The two men turned at the sound of harried voices.
Burke saw Storm speaking with the white-haired man she had freed from the prison. The older man looked agitated.
“I best see what’s going on,” Burke said, and Cullen followed him.
“I must leave,” the older man said.
“What’s the problem?” Burke asked walking up to them.
“I cannot sail to America. I must stay here,” the older man said.
“I thought you had agreed to go with us?” Burke asked.
