Brendan’s expression darkened. His motive had always been securing Ophelia McKinnon—that much was true. Still, he asked, “How can I be sure that you’re not going to send me an impostor in exchange for Connor’s life?”

“You don’t have to worry about that, Mr. Brighthall,” replied Louis. “You’ll be receiving a spectacular gift at your villa. Once you take a look at it, I’m sure you’ll start to understand.”

Exactly at the moment the call ended, they heard the doorbell. Brendan answered it and found only a parcel-delivery guy. He texted Shea, telling her to check all surveillance cameras in proximity remotely before receiving the parcel.

Deirdre could not sit still at all. Wrapped in her blanket, she strode straight toward him, her hands shaking. “W-What is it?”

“It’s okay. It’s just a delivery,” consoled Brendan.

He opened it and found useless trinkets crowding out its true core: a tube of blood. While he held it, though, Brendan suddenly understood what it meant.

Deirdre could not