I chuckle to myself. “Good morning, mate.”
“Good morning, Uncle Uri. I have watched the recording of last night. There are things I would like to work on. I like the new handles and fits of the grips Miss Lovie has designed for me, but I feel like I wasn’t as quick and efficient as I could have been.”
“When in the heat of the moment, you can never be perfect. Your performance was stellar, Sammy.”
“Everyone has room for improvement.”
I nod. “Leave the recording with me. I will take a look. However, this morning I want you to tell me everything you know about those men.”
“I know about Uncle Misha’s secret. This all will connect. I still don’t have a location for the lady, but I know how to draw her out.
“He can’t avoid the storm he’s been trying to hold off. The more he tries, the more I’m going to get involved. She’s not going to like it when she finds out what happened last night.
“I was supposed to die and then she had plans for Mishutka Mishyenka. A son from all the others would be next. We are paying for her losses. That’s what has changed.
“You all came across a man in a blue shirt some time ago, before my first vision of her return. He is her reason. She will use Misha’s secret to try to hurt him and us. That is all I should tell you for now,” he says.
“Misha should know this.”
Sammy looks me in the eyes, and something comes across his expression that gives me pause. I tilt my head as I study him closely. I get the feeling we are all underestimating this child.
“He will. I will tell him. I am not done with my plans.
“This is why I came to work on my weaknesses. I have to be ready. Her time is coming.”
I take the seat next to him. “Show me the recording. We will make the adjustments.”
“Thank you, Uncle Uri.”
“No problem, mate. You will be ready. I will make sure of it.”
CHAPTER 31
Love of a Son
Tasha
Two months later …
It’s beentwo months since that ambush against Sammy happened and I’m still in awe of him. The entire scene has been playing over and over in my head. I can’t close my eyes at night without seeing every detail play in my mind.
I’m also terrified to allow my children out of my sight. Danger has surrounded our family from day one, but it has hit different now as it has targeted my baby directly.
I want answers. I need them, but LaSalle is keeping this one close to the chest. He normally tells me everything, but when he didn’t tell me what was going on with Misha that first night, he never got around to telling me at all.
Not that I haven’t asked. He keeps telling me he doesn’t think it’s his place to tell me. That I should just trust him.
I don’t just want a vacation; we need one. It’s like the kids have been acting out because of my emotions. My home has fallen into chaos, and I’ve had enough.
“What are you doing in here? Are you all right?” LaSalle asks as he finds me in our bedroom, sitting in the middle of the floor, staring off into space.
I look up at him and blink. I only came in here to breathe for a moment and think. I don’t know how I got down here.
“No, I don’t think I am,” I murmur.
He turns to close the doors before he comes to sit down behind me, placing me between his legs. He then wraps his arms around me and kisses the top of my head.
We sit silently for a moment as he breathes me in while rocking me gently and offering me his strength. I close my eyes and fall into the comfort of his arms. He kisses the side of my neck and gives me a squeeze.
