“There will be more. Let’s get you out of here.” As if on cue, several muffled explosive sounds jetted through the thick walls. “We’ll handle these assholes. The room is secure, also fireproofed.”
“They don’t want to cross me and this lady is tough.”
When I offered Emmeline an appreciative look, she batted her eyelashes. “Ah, thanks, honey. At least I’m training you well.”
While one of the others moved to yet another hidden compartment, the priest headed toward Emmeline. “I knew your father. Believe it or not.”
She cocked her head. “You did?”
“Yes,” he continued. “We crossed paths early in my career. I found myself in a very difficult situation, all alone. I was hoping to score big on my first case.”
“Taking my family down.”
“Yes. Your grandfather was a formidable enemy, a legend within the ranks of the CIA. His work internationally was brilliant, a master criminal.”
I wasn’t even entirely certain I knew that the true patriarch of the family had handled business outside of the United States.
Emmeline and I shared another look. “My grandfather was an old codger who refused to accept he wasn’t in charge of the world.”
“I can see very much of your grandfather in you.”
“How so?” Her eyes opened wide.
“The stubbornness. Now, go.” He pointed toward the door.
I held out my hand for a shake. “Thank you for your assistance.”
“You’re welcome.”
As soon as I took her arm, we heard another explosion, close enough part of the ceiling caved in. We moved to the opening, but before she walked inside, she leaned around me.
“Just one question. Are you a licensed priest?”
I noticed she was twisting her ring.
“I am,” he told her. “I’ll find a way of sending you your marriage certificate when I get a chance.”
When I pushed my hand against her back, she reluctantly moved into the entrance, a dim light showcasing where we were supposed to go.
Down the two stairs and into the shadows.
“I don’t like the odds,” she said softly.
“You know I won’t let anything happen to you.”
“Yeah? Well, you’re just one man.”
“What happened to me being Superman?”
“I realized the truth.”
Groaning, I offered a pouting look. “You love to wound me.”
“Just sharing the truth.”
She said nothing as we headed into the tunnel, yet only after a couple hundred yards, the lights began to flicker.
As soon as she turned on the flashlight, she turned toward me. “I knew it was the Brotherhood.”
