“Very good. So you see, I can’t give Langston the treasure. I already caved to Phoenix and Maxwell, who both have big hearts and wanted me to give you the kids back. I won’t cave when it comes to Declan. We find him; I keep him. You go free and unharmed to return to what remains of your family—that’s the deal.”
I shake my head. It’s a horrible deal. It means I’m trading one kid for the other two. I can’t do that.
“No, take me instead. Take me and give Declan to Langston. You want to hurt me? This is how you do it. You separate me from all of my kids, not just one. You separate me from the man I love.”
Corbin doesn’t want to kill me; that would be too easy. He just wants me to suffer as his family did and continues to suffer to this day.
Corbin considers my proposition for a minute. For several long seconds, he doesn’t speak. He just sips his drink, thinking it over and looking at me. I don’t know what I’m going to do if this doesn’t work. What other options do I have?
This has to work.
“I know your secret,” he finally says.
I freeze.
“How?”
“It doesn’t matter. What matters is that I do know, so I also know your deal is not a fair trade.”
I understand what he’s saying, but it’s all I have to offer—my life for Declan’s. I was put on this earth to save my family. I’m not going to fail at my one mission.
“All you’ve ever wanted to do is make me pay for the atrocities of my father. Take the deal. Me for Declan.”
More time passes. He considers his options. I consider mine.
“If you don’t take this deal, then you get no deal. You don’t find Declan without me. He stays hidden forever. This is the only way you get what you want.”
Another second passes before he holds out his hand.
“Deal.”