It was just before dawn when I kissed her for the last time and slipped away.

The hospital was quiet. Nurses watched me curiously as I found my way tae the exit doors.

Quentin was asleep in the car outside and startled awake when I climbed in. “Hey Boss, how’s Katie? Man, it’s still dark out — going home for something? I could pick it up for you?”

“Kaitlyn is as well as can be expected. She will be released this morning. But I…” I took a deep breath tae get through the next words. “I will already be gone.”

“Oh. That sucks.”

“Aye Master Quentin, I need a ride home tae gather my things.”

“Katie is going to be… whoa — this is really not good.”

“Aye. But there is nae other way. I need ye tae take care of her tae make sure she is safe. I daena ken what danger there is, but up tae now it has been devastating. She will need a friend and a protector. I hope ye will remain with her and be both.”

Quentin nodded, fiddling with the keys in the ignition. “Yeah, of course. Yeah.” He started the car and pulled it from the parking lot.

I leaned on the door and shielded my eyes with a hand. “I daena think the house is safe.”

“I don’t know, Boss, I can tighten security measures. Hire more men…”

“Tis nae enough. I daena ken what will happen next but if I am at odds with Lady Mairead, and I will be, she may well come for Kaitlyn. I spoke with Kaitlyn about it, she is willing tae go tae the apartments.”

“Oh, sure, that could work.”

Quentin took a sharp turn. I pulled in some more air. My chest felt tight — a familiar constrictin’ that came on as a fight was nearing. With my eyes clamped shut I said, “The move will need tae happen today. Kaitlyn needs tae go directly there. I daena want her tae go tae the house.”

“Yes, Boss. What about Zach and Emma?”

“They need tae move as well, by tonight.”

Quentin pulled the car up tae the house. “You’re sure about this? I mean, there’s nothing else that can be done? I don’t know, I don’t know how Katie will survive.”

I clenched my jaw. “Every action I take is tae keep Kaitlyn alive. I daena need your questioning, I need your assurances. Will ye protect her and get her tae safety?”

“Yes. Of course I will.”

“Good. I am countin’ on ye.”

“Where will you be and when will you be back?”

“I will be fulfillin’ my vow. Tis no sense in plannin’ because I am unlikely tae return.”

“Oh, that’s really…”

I sat for a moment grasping air and pulling it into my chest. “Aye.” Then I opened the car door and headed toward my house for the last time.

“Is Katie with you?” Chef Zach was looking over the stair railing when I entered.

“Nae, she will be released in a few hours.” I leaned on the kitchen counter. “I need breakfast, Chef Zach—”

He jogged down the steps to the kitchen. “Definitely.”

“Will ye send Emma tae be there when Kaitlyn is released?”

Chef Zach stopped with his hand on the refrigerator door. “Where will you be?”

“I will be gone.” I stood straighter. “You will be helpin’ Quentin tae move your family and Kaitlyn tae the apartments today.” This was easier tae say if I stared out the sliding doors while sayin’ it. “I want this house closed up by nightfall.”

Chef Zach looked from me tae Quentin. “All right Magnus, sure, but Katie…”

“Aye, but Kaitlyn. There is nothin’ else but Kaitlyn. Tis all there is. Yet I must go anyway.” I crossed the living room for our bedroom and paused at the door. “I expect she will need a great many friends about her…”

Chef Zach pulled a dozen eggs from the refrigerator and put them on the counter. “Yeah, she will.”

Emma stood at the top of the stairs, “You’re leaving Katie?”

I clenched my jaw. “Aye. I am leavin’. I need tae—” I had been talkin’ about this for too long. I needed tae leave. Every moment was a danger tae these people. What would happen if Lady Mairead knew Kaitlyn lost the baby? And how long before she knew? I needed tae move fast and arrive before she learned the truth of it. Without our bairn my vow had nae power behind it.

She would hold Kaitlyn against me.

And time was passing.

“Chef Zach, I need breakfast in a hurry. Will ye inform Emma of my instructions?”

“Yes, I will. Eggs, bacon, and coffee coming in a second.”