Gabrielle exchanged a glance with Beatrice. “Lance had been working for my organization, Purgatory, as a consultant. With his two brothers. His last mission that involved Lazarus went south, and he was seriously wounded. Soon after, he vanished. He discharged himself from the Navy and disappeared off the grid. Even his brothers, and his closest friend, Gabrielle’s husband, couldn’t reach him. We think that his injuries shook him more than he could ever admit. It was a pure coincidence that he appeared at Rusty’s gym and I was happy to see he’s back in shape. Well, as much as we can tell. I don’t know if he will stick around, but one thing’s for sure, we’ll see him again. I’m convinced it’s partly because of you. By giving him purpose, you forced him out of his hole.”
Beatrice nodded and smiled. “And you reached him somehow. Something changed as he finally reconnected, it’s a great relief. And it’s because of you. I even learned that he spoke with Kai a few times over the phone.”
Lazarus scoffed. “Kai wants to know more about Purgatory. I think he’s getting bored.”
Gabrielle took another sip of wine. “Nonetheless, it’s a step in the right direction for me. Thank you, Deva.”
Deva shook her head. There was no credit to be had. Lance was a good man, and she liked him. Twirling the wine in her glass, she changed the topic. “Do you think Finch knows that I’ve had something to do with the collapse of his plan?”
“It’s difficult to know. But if it’s the case, I doubt that you are on top of that list. And rest assured that I will take all the flack, Deva. I would never put you on the spot.” Lazarus’ serious tone reassured her greatly. Never in her life had she been completely safe anyway, why would it change now?
“I’ll take the flack that is mine, thank you very much.”
Gabrielle laughed. “We should make a list ordering us in the level of involvement, or who had priority to take Finch down, and sign it with our blood. It would give a certain flair to this mission.”
Beatrice shook her head as everyone laughed. “And you Deva, as you are now free, what do you intend to do? Return to San Antonio, and the therapy center?”
How many times had she pondered that very question without coming to any conclusions? “I don’t know yet, Bea. It’s so strange. I’ve always had a goal, or knew what my next step was, and now? With my father gone and me back in Chicago, I’m not sure.”
Gabrielle’s eyes looked at her with such intensity, Deva could almost read her thoughts.Aleksei.
“What about letting things flow for a while, maybe you’ll find the answers you are searching for. You know there is always a plan B anyway.”
Lazarus blinked at Gabrielle’s cryptic words but didn’t add anything to it.
Beatrice’s eyes turned to Deva but didn’t add anything either. Instead, she lifted her glass.
“I want to thank Deva for everything she had done, for her sacrifice to help us stop Finch. To one of my wonderful Dark Sparrows, for her courage and to have avoided a bloody war.”
Both Gabrielle and Lazarus lifted their glasses. Touched, Deva lifted hers.
“Anytime, my friends. Never hesitate to ask for my help if you need it.”
