“I’m sorry if I woke you,” said Rivet when I returned his call from only a minute ago.
“You didn’t. Do you have news?”
“I’ve spoken with the bomb expert the CIA sent out, as well as Pimm, and neither believe United Russia had anything to do with it.”
I didn’t know the person the CIA sent, but I knew Pimm, and there was no one with greater knowledge on the subject, particularly as it related to UR.
“Has he come up with another theory?”
“It appears almost random in nature, but before you argue with me, I agree that it wasn’t. However, whoever or whatever organization is behind this doesn’t seem to possess a great deal of knowledge or money.”
“What do you suggest the next move be?”
“While Pimm continues researching the materials used, I recommend you and Ms. Kuznetsov return to the UK immediately. There’s a safe house outside of London—”
“She’ll be returning to Whittaker Abbey with me.”
“I wouldn’t recommend that course of action.”
“I respectfully decline your suggestion otherwise.”
“Very well, but—”
“Are you aware of the child, Ranald?”
“I am, Thornton.”
“There is a chance he’s mine.”
“Understood.”
As much as I knew I should go back inside and resume the conversation Losha and I had been having, I was far too wound up to do so.
I wasn’t surprised that United Russia hadn’t taken responsibility, nor that there wasn’t any proof they were behind it. If they had been, the outcome would’ve been far simpler. Sanctions would be threatened, among other things, and I could ensure that, from that day on, Orina Kuznetsov would be off-limits.
Instead, with no lead on who it was, I felt powerless. How could I tell Losha so? How could I promise to protect her and Kazmir when I didn’t know from whom?
Rather than going back inside, I walked the vineyards by moonlight, trying to piece together who, besides her former employer, might want her dead. The list was far too long—essentially anyone who knew someone she’d killed.
“What brings you out at dawn?” asked Burns, coming over the ridge where I was watching the sunrise.
“I’ve been out here since a little after midnight, trying to piece together who might’ve planted the bomb. As I’m sure you know by now, no one believes UR had anything to do with it.”
Burns nodded.
“There are too many other suspects to list.”
“Could be just about anyone.” Burns tapped his pipe on the fence, filled it from his tobacco pouch, and lit it.
“Losha and Raketa have amassed enemies,” I said, using the names most in the intelligence community knew them by.
“What do you intend to do next?”
“Take her and Kazmir to Bedfordshire.”
“Good decision.”
“Rivet didn’t think so.”
“He and I haven’t always agreed either.” Burns shook his head and laughed.
“I’d forgotten you and he worked together.”
“Not much different than you and Kade.”
He made a good point. Burns Butler and Rivet Caird had served side-by-side at a similar age to Doc and me. They were likely as good of friends as well.
“Do you know why Ranald was in Germany?”
I lifted my head. “I don’t other than he was on holiday.”
“Anna’s family is from Kaiserslautern.”
I hadn’t known that either, but also had no idea what point Burns was trying to make.
“He took her home to say goodbye.”
“I wasn’t aware she was ill,” I answered, looking at the sunrise.
“Rivet is a very private man.”
“It’s why he’s been so desperate for my answer.”
“Likely true.”
“How bad is she?”
“Terminal. Doubtful she’ll live through the month.”
Jesus. Here, Rivet was dealing with his wife’s illness, and I’d been so wrapped up in trying to find Losha, I hadn’t even noticed.
“Go back to England, Thornton. Take Losha and the baby with you. Do what you need to do, and let others do their jobs.”
“Understood, sir.” I ran my hand through my hair. “She doesn’t want to leave Zary until Gunner is back.”
“He’ll be here tonight,” said Burns, relighting his pipe.
“I thought…” I didn’t bother finishing my sentence. There was no point in questioning Burns. If he said Gunner would be arriving tonight, he would be.
“I’ll start making arrangements.”
“After breakfast,” Burns muttered. “Sorcha will not be happy if you miss it.”
When I walked up to the cottage, I saw Losha sitting outside with Kazmir on her lap.
“What’s happened?” she asked.
“Gunner will be back tonight.”
“What else? Any word on who planted the bomb?”
“Nothing definitive yet.” I sat next to her. “I spoke with both Rivet and Burns. They agree we should return to England. I’m sorry I disappeared on you. Rivet’s call…”
“Do they think it was United Russia?”
I shook my head. “As I said, nothing definitive.”
“Are we leaving today?”
“I was thinking tomorrow morning.”
She stood and turned to go inside.
“Losha?”
She didn’t turn back around, but she did stop.
“If you’d rather not return to England with me, I’ll do everything in my power to ensure that you and the baby are protected.”
“We’ll go with you, Shiver,” she said before going inside and closing the door behind her.
“There you are,” said Sorcha, wiping her hands on a towel and walking over to hug me when I walked into her kitchen.
“I’ve missed you, Mrs. Butler.”
“It’s Sorcha as you know well. How are you, Thornton?”
I smiled at her use of my given name like Burns had a short time ago. Other than my mother and sister, almost no one ever used it. Even I thought of myself as Shiver. “I’m well, and you?”
“Come with me,” she said, taking my hand and pulling me through the kitchen and out the door to the back porch.
“I was sorry to hear about your father’s passing.”
“I appreciate it.”
She sat on the porch swing and patted the seat beside her; I sat too.
“Let’s talk about Losha and that precious baby.”
“Of course.” I was anxious to hear what she had to say.
“She’s struggling. She wants to trust you, but her instincts are telling her she can trust no one.”
“Did she admit this?”
Sorcha laughed. “Of course she didn’t, but, Thornton, you must never give her cause to doubt you. Earn her trust and prove to her she’ll always have your support.”
“What if she doesn’t want it?”
“Oh, she does. More than anything.”
I followed her back into the house. “Can I help?” I asked, looking at the mess in the kitchen.
“Here,” she said, pointing to a pan and handing me a slab of bacon.
When that and the pancakes Sorcha made were ready, I helped her carry the heaping platters into the dining room.
The first face I saw was Losha’s, smiling at something Burns had said. I loved her smile, and her laugh, and everything about the woman. What would it take to get her to love me back?