I didn't realize what I had done until it was already too late. At the cost of my own life, I'd saved Drew Saturday, the woman I loved yet had lost to my insatiable greed.
I barely had the strength and presence of mind to lock eyes with her as she cradled my head in her lap.
"Rook…"
I chuckled weakly at the despair in her voice, a smile crossing my face.
"Oh, Drew! You're the only thing I loved more than money... "
With that final farewell, my remaining strength left me, and I closed my eyes to eternal slumber. I could only hope that whatever waited for me on the other side would be less painful than my life had been.
Drew stared at the man in her arms, unceasing tears streaming down her face. She would never regret her decision to break up with Van Rook all those years ago, but until now she hadn't realized he'd truly loved her.
"Van…" Her voice was barely a whisper as Doc and Doyle pulled her away from the body.
"Oh, Drew…" Her husband just held her close and let her cry into his chest.
Van Rook's funeral was done quickly and quietly. A cold, stone grave-marker was the only thing that proved the mercenary had once lived at all.
Drew stood in front of the grave, Doc to her right and Zak to her left, Doyle standing under a large oak tree nearby. High above them, the sun shone brightly and the sky was clear, seeming to mock the despair and grief storming in her heart.
I'll never forget you, Van Rook…
Curling one slender arm around her husband's and taking her son's hand, Drew led her family away, knowing Leonidas Van Rook's life and sacrifice would impact them forever.
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