Forty

Forty
"LAID TO REST

Eagan's POV

It smells of lilies and formality in the funeral home. For the third time, I adjust my cufflinks and surveying the small chapel with critical eyes. She had to have perfection in everything.

“The flowers on the left should touch higher,” I say to the funeral director. “And I want her bracelet to be more visible.”
The man nods nervously. "Of course, Mr. King. Right away."

He hears footsteps behind him. Liam’s reflection is visible in the polished surface of the casket.

“All is safe,” he says softly. "Perimeter guards in place. No suspicious activity."

"And our other situation?"

"The city's in chaos. Just as you planned." Liam leans in, speaking in a lower voice. “Three Kairos lieutenants attempted to seize leadership. One's already dead. The other two are at each other’s throats.”

I allow myself a small smile. "Perfect."

“We have spotted four judges and two police commissioners on their payroll. What do you want done?"

"Nothing yet. Let them sweat." I straighten my tie. "They know what's coming."

Liam looks at the tiny white casket. “She would have been proud of you, boss.”

The comment blindsides me. "You never knew her."

"No, but I know you." He shifts uneasily, not used to sentiment. “They took it when your sister was ten. Young, innocent. For eighteen years, you’ve been the kind of man who could find her and give her justice. That takes determination."

I don't respond. Can't.

“The car with Ms. Sage just pulled up,” Liam says, returning to business.

My body tenses instinctively. "'Take her in through the back. I don't want her exposed."

"Already arranged."

Astrid shows up at the chapel entrance moments later. The black dress whitens her skin, lightens it, makes it more fragile, more delicate. Her hand lies protectively on her barely visible bump.

"Is this okay?" she gestures to her gown. “I didn’t know what would be appropriate.

I walk over to her and take her hand. "It's perfect. Thank you for being here."

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” She squeezes my fingers. "How are you holding up?"

"I'm fine."
"Liar." Her eyes search mine. “But I welcome the effort.”

The funeral director clears his throat; he is here. “Mr. King, whenever you are ready.”

I nod. "Let's begin."

We sit down in the front row. The only chairs behind us are taken up by Liam and three of my most trusted men. There is no one else left who knew her. Of course, you would be the only one I would permit to see this weakness.

The service is short, just as I asked. No religious mumbo jumbo, no false platitudes from people who didn’t really know her. Just recognition of a life ended too soon, and a promise that she is finally home.

When the time comes, I stand at the small podium next to her casket.

“My sister, Elara, was ten years old when she was taken from me,” I begin, my voice firmer than I truly feel. "She loved birds. Drawing them, studying them, learning their names. She could recognize a dozen species by their calls alone.”
I have Astrid watching me, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.

“The silver bracelet with the raven charm was her favorite piece. She never took it off." I stop, clenching at the edge of the podium. "She was kind. Invarialy kind, even to those who did not deserve it. Especially to me."

The memory comes in a flash—Elara bandaging my bloody knuckles after a scrap, a playful reprimand as she crouches before me.

"She was the best of us. And they dumped her, like trash, in an unmarked grave.'

My voice hardens. Astrid sits up straighter, sensing the change.

“The perpetrators are starting to pay.” And one by one, the rest will follow until they are all that’s left of them — memories. And even those will fade." I turn head on to the casket. “I swore justice to you, Elara. I keep my promises."

Astrid quietly takes my hand as I make my way back to my seat.

The service concludes. As the others file out toward the cemetery, a figure at the back of the chapel catches my eye. A silver-haired woman in her sixties or so, wearing designer mourning clothes.

“Wait here,” I say to Astrid, walking to the stranger.

She gazes at my approach without a fear. "You look like your father."

My body goes cold. "Who are you?"

"Margaret Winters. Your mother's cousin." Her eyes drift to the casket. “I arrived when I learned of Elara.

"How?"

“Datėsake contacts at the medical examiner’s office. She meets my gaze. “Your mother would be heartbroken to see what you have become.’

My hand itches for my gun. "You know nothing about me."

"I know enough." She opens her purse, and my body goes tight until she pulls out a folded newspaper. “All your handiwork is on the front pages. ‘Slaughter at private airstrip’ ‘Kairos leadership decimated. "

"Leave. Now."

“They’re gonna come for you, Eagan.” Her voice drops. “The society is deeper than you understand. Kairos was just one branch."

I step closer. “Then I will burn down the whole tree.”

“Your father thought the same thing too.” She smiles sadly. "Look where it got him."

Liam joins me at my side, sensing the tension. "Everything alright, boss?"

The woman looks between us. “They were interested in your family for a reason, Eagan. Your bloodline. Your capabilities. They’re still watching you, even right now.”

"I'm counting on it." I motion to Liam. "See Ms. Winters out. “Just get her home safely.” I lock eyes with her. “Family is family, after all.”

She holds my gaze. “You must be so proud of yourself for finding Elara. For bringing her home." She glances toward Astrid. “For building a family of your own. But be careful. The history repeats itself in a way.”

When she leaves, we head to the cemetery. Rains threatens, dark clouds gathering when they lower Elara’s casket into the ground. The gravestone is simple, elegant — her name, her dates, and below: “Beloved sister. Finally at peace."

When the others pull back, to give us space, Astrid shifts to my side.

"Who was that woman?" she asks quietly.

"Someone from the past." I watch the gravediggers start their work. “She said the society went after my family specifically. There is something in our bloodline.”

"Do you believe her?"

"It doesn't matter. The reasons for their death died with them.”

Astrid looks skeptical. "You think it's over?"

"Not yet. But soon." I take her hand. "Blair Vasquez has surfaced."

Her body tenses. "Where?"

"Safehouse outside the city. “That was confirmed an hour ago by Liam.”

"When do we move?"

I do not miss the “we.” The old Astrid would have begged me to give it up, to turn around. This version asks when.

"Tonight."

She studies my face. “Eagan,” I said in the appointed hour. You should take the day."

"Elara waited eighteen years. She can wait one more night." I tuck a piece of hair behind her ear. "Today is for family."

Relief softens her features. "What do you need from me?"

"Just this. Your presence." It comes at a cost to me, but I keep going. “I don’t want to keep being alone today.”

She squeezes my hand. "You're not alone anymore. You know that, right?"

Before I can answer, Liam comes over, phone in hand, grim look on his face.

"What is it?" I ask.

"Blair's on the move. She intends to leave the country this evening, according to our source. Private jet on the secondary airstrip.

“The same one as the Kairos leadership?” Astrid asks.

Liam nods. “Same destination, new company. They all seem to have friends in the same places.”

Decision time. I look from my sister’s grave to Astrid’s expectant face.

“All right, change of plans,” I say finally. "We move now. Liam, get the team ready."

Astrid grips my arm. "I'm coming with you."

"No."

"I'm not arguing, Eagan. Blair was about to sell me to the highest bidder. “I want to see her face when she finds out she lost.”

The fire in her eyes is new. Dangerous. Beautiful.

"Stay in the car," I concede. “Two guards at all times.”

"Deal."

As we head back toward the cars, I turn and look at Elara’s grave one last time. It starts to rain, drenching the newly turned earth.

Soon, little sister, I vow silently. Soon, they’ll all be buried and joined, just like you. This time I will be the one dirt on their faces.

Liam hands me my phone. "Teams are mobilizing. ETA 20 mins to airstrip”.

I slide into the back seat next to Astrid and the familiar chill of the hunt replaces my grief.

"Ready?" Astrid asks, interpreting my expression.

"Always." I take her hand and put it on my heart. “From ashes to ashes, you know?”

She nods, something fierce and loving in her eyes. "We rise.”