Reparation, he said.

Deirdre could not tell just what those words made her feel, but she knew some of it was fear. She was afraid that Brendan was starting to do so much that it was starting to corrode her resolve.

“The only reparation I want from you is my mother. I just want to see my mother, healthy and safe, standing in front of my eyes. I don’t need you to do anything else…” Deirdre said, her eyes avoidant. “If this thing backfires on you, it’ll only bring me no benefit. Worse, it might even embolden the conspirators, and then my mother’s return will be impacted.”

Brendan’s eyes blazed as he locked them on her, his visage beaming with anticipation. “Are you concerned about me, Dee?”

“No. You’re seeing what isn’t there,” Deirdre interrupted him and turned away. “I’ve made myself clear that I’m only worried about you because you’re the only way to get to my mother.”

Brendan laughed under his breath.

Deirdre caught it and raised her head. His exact expression was a blur to her