The decision was made the moment Damien didn’t answer.
Isla stood outside the Brooklyn safehouse, the air thick with salt and silence. The building loomed behind her… unmarked, fortified, and full of ghosts she no longer wanted to face.
Ethan was inside.
Safe, for now. Because of Damien.
But safe wasn’t enough anymore.
Not when the man guarding her brother couldn’t even look her in the eye. Not after what happened with Valeria. Not after the silence that followed.
She repositioned the strap on her shoulder bag, inhaled once more, and entered.
She met Gabriel at the door, his jaw set.
“He’s stable. No signs of surveillance. But if you’re serious about getting him moved... we’ll have to leave tonight.”
“I’m not kidding,” Isla said quietly.
Gabriel didn’t question her. He didn’t ha
