The Handsome Devil

Epilogue

Persuading Patrick to help her out once again proved to be an uneasy task, especially since he still vividly remembered what happened the last time she proposed they went behind Max's back. Nonetheless, he was also the only Bulldog she felt comfortable reaching out to, especially at this hour.

In the end, she wasn't sure if it was in acceptance of her reasons, guilt from sending her to talk to Max the night before, or if he simply couldn't stand seeing her crying anymore. But he did agree eventually, and she might have squeaked in joy were the circumstances different. 

"Are you sure you don't want to stay and talk to him first?" He inquired, eyes full of brotherly concern for his little champ, but she dismissed him with a head shake as she stuffed the few of her belongings into a bag. Some of her clothes, the book, and her winnings from illegal fighting. That was all her legacy. 

As it showed up, Maximón already tasked his team with planning her relocation, and although there was still a lot of polishing to do, they did have a set of fake passports ready, together with list of potential locations and gang affiliates in the area. This not only helped Patrick to ease his conscience - because, after all, he wasn't as much going behind Max's back as he was helping to execute his plan sooner - but it also meant it took them less than two hours to make all the arrangements. The only thing left right now was to double check that nothing's being left behind and finally head to the airport.

Although Patrick arranged for the private jet, arguing that it's safer than commercial flights, she still felt pressured to leave as soon as possible, worried that the door of Max's bedroom will open any minute now. However, it seemed that luck was on her side as they effortlessly made it into the garage and got into Patrick's black sedan.

He wasn't thrilled when she begged him to make one more stop on the way, arguing that it's unnecessary risk and delay. Nonetheless, once he saw her leave the post office with a thin stack of letters from her father, lips curved into a sad smile and aura of peacefulness surrounding her, he realised the risk was well worth it.

He didn't inquire into what they said as he watched her skim throuth them on their drive to the airport, but something about her demeanor when they finally said their goodbyes and promises of staying in touch told him it might have been exactly what she needed to hear.

And so, standing at the runway and waving her as the jet took off, he couldn't help but smile at the thought that the next time he hears from her, she'll be settling into her life in Brussels, taking her chance at living a happier life. 

Meanwhile, on the board of the plane, Deya struggled to catch a breath, sobbing violently as one of the stewardess pulled her into a hug.

For the most part, it was because suddenly the grief over losing her old life and everyone in it hit her like a train, although it was a life she never wanted or fully accepted in the first place.

For another, it was because of all the kind words she received from her father that made her feel as if she got a chance for one last conversation, albeit a monologue.

However, beneath all that, there was also both an uncertainty over everything that's about to happen from now on, and the guilt of having to deceive her dear friend one last time.

Although she couldn't change the flight destination, she knew that once they land in Belgium, her first steps will not lead into the hotel where a room prepaid by Patrick is waiting for her.

The moment he laid down their plans on establishing secure channels of communication between her and the Bulldogs and the regular monitoring through affiliates - three times a week till she settles down, and at least twice a month after - she knew well that keeping the arrangement was impossible.

After all, how was she supposed to move on without being able to cut the ties to her past? And how could she manage to talk to any one of the guys without slipping and asking about Maximón?

That's when she decided to use the little money she had to travel to the international bus station on the opposite side of Brussels and buy a ticket. Where to? She had no clue. But as long as she stayed withing the EU, there will be no record of her travel, meaning that even Dylan's computer wizardry won't make the Bulldogs any wiser about her whereabouts.

And what to do once she gets there? That's another mystery she's yet to figure out.

In one of the letters, her father made it clear how much he wished for her to forgive herself and lead a fulfilling life. And although she didn't have the slightest cue where to start, and if it's even possible in the first place, she would never forgive herself for not even trying to become the person he has seen in her.

And who knows, maybe this won't be the last time her path crossed with the Bulldogs after all...