Page 90 of Legal Returns
They have been hiding from Ne and Yui for over two years. They owe Yui in blood. The smug look on Ivan’s face makes me wish I were the one getting to end his life and knock that smile right off.
I grin in amusement. This is about to get ugly. I wouldn’t cross Yui on her worst day—after what those two did—damn.
“You heard the kid. It’s showtime. Everyone look alive. We’re only observing, and if needed, extraction teamB. Bean, you take your shot and let them handle the rest.”
“Ugh, I got it. I hope they hurry this shit up,” she grumbles.
“I can take your place,” Ryan says.
“Sammy says it’s my shot. You stay where you are and cover your wife. I’m having a baby, not missing an eye or hand. Relax,” Bean replies.
Carmen
I amcalm and nervous at the same time. Yui reaches for my knee under the table and gives it a gentle squeeze. I look to my brother’s assistant and give her a smile.
“You aren’t in this alone. I would never allow anything to happen to him again.”
Hearing the hurt and disapproval in her voice from the events of the past, my heart aches. I don’t think she will ever forgive herself. Especially since those jerks are still out there.
I nod. “I know. I just can’t stop thinking about the fact that there was a version of today where we both failed him.”
“But that version has been erased. We know our mistakes, and we won’t make them.”
I cover her hand and give it a squeeze. “Thank you. I needed to hear that.”
Her eyes harden as she looks past me. “He is here. Remember the plan. We will triumph.”
I nod my head and lick my lips. Picking up my menu, I begin to look it over once again. The weight of my bag at my feet brings me comfort.
“Nelson, my friend, that you?” Ivan croons as if he’s surprised to see my brother here.
I school my features, so he doesn’t see I know he’s full of crap. Ne plasters a smile on his face as he allows Ivan to pull him into a hug. He deserves an Oscar if you ask me.
“Ivan, what are you doing here?” Ne stands to greet Ivan as he comes to our table.
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you face-to-face. When we spoke and you said you were having lunch with your sister, I figured I’d have lunch with mine. I’ve always liked this place.
“The food here is great. I had time today, so here I am, and I’ve run right into you. Two birds, one stone, da? You know Tatian, don’t you, my friend?” Ivan replies.
“Yes, I remember her. Hello, Tatian.”
“Hello, Nelson, good to see you.”
“Come, sit, join us. I insist,” Ne says. “You both know Yui. Do you remember my sister, Carmen?”
“Ah, da, Carmen. You are all grown up. It has been so long.
“And having baby. You look beautiful. How have you been?” Ivan says as his gaze falls on me and he gives a wide smile.
“I’m well, Ivan. It’s good to see you. How have you been?”
I want to hiss at him that it doesn’t matter how he is because I’m going to take his head off for coming here to try to take my brother’s life. I already know I’m the one who takes his life.
I even know exactly how. In fact, I’m itching to do it. Yui gives my knee another squeeze and I relax my expression.
Ne pulls Tatian’s chair so she can sit between him and Yui. Ivan takes the seat beside me as Sammy told us to make sure he does. In the version of this day where my brother loses his life, it’s because the seating is wrong.
I wasn’t able to save him because of where I sat. In Sammy’s evolving visions, as we made plans and changes, this is the right order. My brother doesn’t survive when we do this wrong.
