Page 235
“Sage.”
“What did they do?”
“They set fire to the house.”
I stare at him.
The kitchen where I made cinnamon rolls.
The table where I told Sean I was his daughter.
The bedroom where I slept behind a locked door for the first time in months.
Gone.
“Is everyone okay?”
“Yes.”
“Your men?”
“Kane has a cut. Arthur has a bruised face. Nothing serious.”
“Why did Navarro burn your house?”
Sean’s expression changes.
“He wanted to hurt you.”
I shake my head.
“I don’t live there.”
“He knew you left something behind.”
My heart stops.
“The letters.”
Sean reaches behind the door.
I don’t breathe.
My backpack appears in his hand.
One corner is burned black. The canvas is wet and covered with dirt, but it is here.
I cross the room before I realize I’m moving.
Sean gives it to me.
I clutch the bag against my chest.
The smell hits me.
Smoke.
Fuel.