“Riley’s getting pretty good with target practice. I know he’s not likely to need it, but I want to make sure he’s as safe as he can be going in. It’s weird to think that he’ll be in New York in a couple of months. I think he’s ready. Now all we have to do is find the right way to lean on Ellie Stratton’s current batch of lawyers. I’ll find a way to get Riley in there. While he’s getting good with a gun, I’m trying to be patient. It seems like most of what I do these days is wait. Adam is fairly certain he’s been talking to Hutch on the Dark Web. I think my brother’s somewhere in Pakistan right now, but Ian doesn’t want to move. Any move could spook McDonald, and if she thinks for a second… Sorry. I want to talk about nice things with you. Hope you’re having a good day.”
“It’s Thanksgiving and it’s hard without Theo. It was his favorite holiday. I wish you were here holding my hand. I miss you, Mia.”
December
“So just when I thought I had the uncle thing down, TJ started eating solid food. What the hell? I’ve been in a lot of horrible situations but none of them scared me as much as that first diaper. How could mashed bananas make that smell? It’s never going to end because the team is breeding like rabbits. Charlotte’s pregnant again and Phoebe and Jesse are having a boy. You’ll never guess what they’re naming him. Harry. No. Got you. James. James Harold Murdoch. Ian actually went to church to pray for a boy this time. Just one. I heard him praying to God to bring another penis into his house. I guess the girls are all into princess stuff right now and they like dressing up their dad. My big brother can rock a tiara, let me tell you. Naturally I bought them a big case of princess costumes for Christmas. Heard you were spending the season in London. Riley told me you’re writing a story about Damon Knight’s old unit and the mission that got him the Victoria Cross. I’m glad Ian could set that up for you. I’m sure it will make a hell of a story. Merry Christmas. Stay safe.”
January
“I saw Fain the other day. I was going up to Michael’s place and he was coming out of the building. Apparently he’s got a girl he sees when he’s in town. He said you came home for the holidays at the last minute. I’m glad. Your brothers would have missed you. I know I do. Every day that goes by makes me miss you more. I don’t know if you’re listening to these messages or maybe you’re just deleting them, but I can’t stop. Not until you tell me to. I think we’re going to make a move soon. The person we think was Hutch has been quiet, but I think I’ve pinpointed where they are right now. I found a cluster of well-done bank robberies in Italy. They’ll move soon because the cops will be on them. I think they’ll take Stephanie up on her offer. Protection in exchange for cash. The minute we get a yes, I’ll have to go to Sierra Leone and wait for them. I’ll let you know when I’m leaving. I hope the book is going well. I love you, Mia.”
February
“It’s time. I’m packed and we’re heading out in the morning. It’s just me and my brothers and Li and Kai. Erin is coming with Avery and Charlotte on a separate plane. It’s going to kill her to leave TJ with Grace, but she wants to be there. They’ll stay at a secure location, but she needs to be close. Faith is going to meet us in Freetown and Ten will be there for backup. This is it. I want you to come with me. I want you on that plane beside me tomorrow morning. If I could go back and change one thing, it would be the way I made you feel. You’re so smart. You’re strong and brave. I think you might be the best part of me. If I don’t come back, know that I was better for loving you. That’s what I’ve figured out. Even if you can’t ever forgive me, can’t ever love me, I wouldn’t take it back. I love you. I think I’ll always love you and I’m a better man because I love you. Michael has a key to my place. If anything happens to me, there’s a box in the hall closet. It’s got some pictures and stuff from my Navy days. It’s not much, but I’d like you to have it. If you don’t want it, I guess give it to Ian. But that’s not going to happen. I’ll be back in a few days and we’ll have Theo. And then I’m coming for you. So you should think about that. I’m going to prove to you that I can be the man you need me to be. I’m going to go to New York and help your brothers. I’m going to be in your world. I’ll be there when you need a kiss. When you need strong arms around you, holding you close, I’ll offer mine. If you get lonely at night and need a man who’ll worship your body with every part of his soul, I’ll be down the hall, waiting for you. I’m going to win you back, Mia. It’s going to be my mission in life. I love you. Yeah, get used to hearing that because I love you and I won’t keep that inside anymore. See you soon.”
Austin, TX