65
CHAUTAUQUA INSTITUTION
Sean awoke late the next morning with the sun beaming into his bedroom. Stretching, he flung back the luxurious coverlet and caught a whiff of breakfast aromas. His mother was doing what she loved—cooking. It smelled like Swedish pancakes, one of his favorites. Nothing wheat-germ, too healthy, or cardboard-tasting today. He exhaled in relief.
He was admiring the view out the window when his mom knocked on his door, then stuck her head in. Only mothers could get away with that.
“Good morning, sleepyhead. I’m making Swedish pancakes. Come when you’re ready.”
So he was right. His stomach rumbled in acknowledgment. “Fabulous. I just want to give Will a quick call first. Then I’ll be there.”
“All right.” But she lingered. “Welcome home, son,” she whispered at last, then padded back down the hallway.
He smiled. For the first time, he truly did feel at home among his family.
NEW YORK CITY
“Did you just get up?” Will asked when he heard Sean’s voice. “Come on. It’s past 11. My kids had me up at 7:00.”
“Hey,” Sean said in a serious tone, “I only wanted to thank you—for having my back. I know this time it cost you a great deal, and I won’t forget it.”
“That’s what big brothers do for annoying little brothers,” Will teased. For once he was the one lightening the mood. It still felt unnatural, but maybe Laura’s coaching over the years was paying off. “If you’ve got a minute, let’s loop Sarah in and figure out a plan.”
“Three of us against the world. We can’t go wrong,” Sean teased back.
“It’s really good to have you home,” Will admitted.
“Okay, enough of the mushy stuff. Let’s get to business.”
Will laughed. Their roles were still reversed.
It only took about 10 minutes for the three siblings to conference and figure out next steps.
“I’ll brief Jon. He knows he’s got the exclusive story on the full exposé of Sandstrom, once we’re ready, and we’ll be working with Darcy,” Sarah said. “It’ll happen fast. Jon’s got most of the story pulled together. He’s just been waiting for the final details and the go-ahead.”
“So we’re good. Then I have somewhere to go,” Sean said.
“Oh, where’s that?” Sarah asked.
“Hey, sis, if I wanted you to know, I would have told you.”
“Well, if you think for one minute you’re going to disappear again and not tell me . . .” Sarah started in on him.
Will shook his head and chuckled. His brother was back to his enigmatic self. His sister was back in attorney mode. Both were back to bickering. Things were getting back to normal.
It felt good.
CHAUTAUQUA INSTITUTION
After Sean’s stomach was full of Swedish pancakes and lingonberries, he had one more call to make.
Elizabeth picked up immediately. “You working things out with your family?”
Leave it to Elizabeth to go straight to the heart of any matter.
“Yes, I am.”
“You okay?” Her warmth and concern poured over him like a balm.
“I am. And I was wondering if you might have a little time.”
“Sure,” she said, “I’m here. We can talk about anything you want. Take as much time as you need.”
“I was thinking more a little visit out your way. I could catch a flight to Seattle in the morning. If you could carve out a few hours, that is.”
“Wow! That would be fabulous!” Her voice was radiant, happy. “And it’s perfect timing. I just finished a huge research project for the boss—you know, my dad—and I bet the old salt would give me a couple of days off.”
“We could even do the Space Needle, anything you want.”
“You? Tourist stuff?” She laughed. “Things have changed.”
“Maybe more than you know.”
She sobered. “Okay, just tell me when your flight will land, and I’ll be there.”
As soon as they ended the call, he booked the earliest Monday morning flight to Seattle that he could find.
LANGLEY, VIRGINIA
The late-night call was unexpected and startled the man.
“Looks like it’s going to happen soon,” his contact said. “Tuesday morning, latest.”
“And the other?” the man asked.
“It’ll be a done deal by tomorrow noon.”