Impossible to form coherent words, he only nodded as Lazarus continued. “Somehow, she thought that her mission wasn’t closed, and needed to put a final nail in Finch’s coffin. Can you believe she discovered over two hundred accounts linked to our dear father? She sent everything to the FBI and gave me a copy of everything so I could relay it to Devin. If the FBI doesn’t close them all, Devin has offered to do it discreetly. It seems that Finch had made another enemy, and I’m not against using his hatred for our cause. And Catriona even found some more dirt Finch wanted to plant on all of us. I’ve taken care of it, erased every lie so nothing can taint any of your careers, or put you at risk of arrest. We’re not innocent choir boys, but if we go down, let it be because of actual things we’ve done, and not because of lies.”
Inhaling deeply, keeping his emotions in check, he tried to make his voice sound as detached as possible. “It was very generous of her to leave the convent. After all she endured, I wouldn’t have been surprised if she remained behind closed doors, even for our family.”
Debbie came again to refill their coffee and frowned at his still full plate. Thankfully, she was called away before she could tell him so.
Lazarus didn’t utter a word about his untouched meal, and instead corrected him. “For a cop, your information isn’t very accurate. Although not surprising as you must’ve been busy with your report and convincing your captain to let you back to work. What did he say? What was his input on all this?”
Liam straightened; sure he’d misheard his brother. “What do you mean, not accurate? Are you referring to my report?”
“No, I’ve read it, and it’s to the point. That’s why I’m surprised you’re referring to Catriona being back at the convent. You must know she decided to walk away from her vocation. I haven’t said anything about her personally as Archer took care of everything for her. It’s no surprise, as she’s decided to adopt Cary and Ted.” Lazarus eyed Liam as if he’d sprouted another head. “Haven’t you talked to Archer lately? Everything was done quickly, but it wasn’t a secret. As soon as she got out of the hospital, they put the wheels in motion. I thought you knew. You were close to her, I assumed she’d confided in you, told you what she was planning concerning the boys.”
Liam’s heart sank. “She probably didn’t want me to learn about it. I couldn’t protect her, so why would she tell me? She was withdrawn just before she left the hospital. It was clear she hates me.”
To his surprise, Lazarus choked back a laugh. “Hate isn’t part of Catriona’s vocabulary. You should know that by now. Why would you ever believe that? I haven’t heard from her personally. However, Deva has called her several times. Catriona said that you showed her she wasn’t destined to become a nun. And if she couldn’t have you, she’s nonetheless found a family that makes her happy. Turn it any way you want, brother, but she believes you didn’t want her. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. You liked her, but there’s no need to lie to her about having feelings for her.”
Liam’s initial reaction was to shout that he loved her, and that it was impossible that she wouldn’t know, although he’d held back. He’d kept her at a distance by continually reminding her that their arrangement was temporary, that she was destined to return to the convent and accomplish her vocation. So confident that she wasn’t serious, Liam had concealed his own feelings from her. Even if all he wanted was to admit his love to her, he’d put her fate first. Had he been wrong? Was it possible for a woman consecrated to God to change her mind?
“She could’ve kept Cary and Ted with her at the convent.”
Lazarus wasn’t satisfied. “Archer told me that when he handed her the adoption papers to fill out, Catriona cried when she put none in the field about the adoptive father. She asks about you each time she talks to him or Deva. But don’t worry, Archer has made sure she’s comfortable, and will take care of her until she returns to work.”
“That’s not his place to take care of her!” The sudden outburst surprised the patrons around them almost as much as it surprised Liam himself. The faint possibility, that glimmer of hope that Catriona loved him, robbed him of breath and control.
“Easy, Liam. Calm down.”
Elbows on the counter, Liam leaned his head in his hands.
“I see we were all wrong about your feelings toward Catriona. No wonder she believed that too. You constantly repeating that it was temporary, that she’s returning to the convent...” Lazarus took out his phone and typed for a minute. “I’m sending you her address, but be careful, Liam. She’s unique. I know she’ll welcome you but won’t accept anything temporary. Are you ready for that?”
Anxiety should’ve gripped him, but instead, a serenity descended upon him, a confirmation and certainty that couldn’t be denied. When he looked up at his brother, Liam knew what to do, what he should’ve done from the moment his angel had come into his life. She’d made him see the light, and he wouldn’t let her disappear from his life without a fight.
