The Word of Janus: The Second Novel in the Janus Chronicles

By Patrick David Daley

Sean Brennan has returned to Janus, an uncharted island in the North Atlantic. Brought there by the Spirits demands, he soon becomes an unwilling participant in a series of events that force Sean to consider a life predestined for him through the words in a two-thousand-year-old document.

Unwilling to follow the path determined for him, Sean decides to negotiate with the Spirit, believing he can somehow escape the expectations placed upon him. During the discussions, Sean begins exploring the possibilities of what could be if he chooses to work with the Spirit. Although there is the promise of a world at peace, Sean is still reluctant to dedicate his life to the Spirits mission.

But when events far beyond Janus, and driven by the Praetorian Orders Dante Sabatini, directly impact the island, Sean realizes his life may not be his own. Trapped between the lure of Januss tranquility and the Spirits demands, Sean must decide if the love of a beautiful woman and the hopes of the islands spiritual leader are enough to force him into following what is seemingly his true destiny.

The Word of Janus continues a riveting tale of intrigue, betrayal, and good versus evil as one man seeks to understand his legacy and its implications for the worlds future.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: May 13, 2016
• ISBN: 9781491794579

Patrick David Daley

Patrick David Daley is a former journalist, newspaper columnist, publisher, and corporate speechwriter whose career has spanned close to five decades. He resides in Toronto, Canada, with his wife, Wendy. Author of the four-novel Janus Chronicles, he is presently writing the first book in the Donovan Anthologies, A Fractured Warrior. The first three books in the Chronicles, The Mark of Janus, The Word of Janus, and The Hope of Janus, are also available at all online booksellers.

Book preview

JANUS

In Roman mythology, Janus is the god of gates, doors, doorways, and all beginnings. The month of January is named for him. Depicted as having two faces on opposite sides of his head, Janus is able to gaze into the past with one, while the other allows him to look to the future.

In The Word of Janus, the island’s eponymous name reflects the ancestors’ belief that all those who followed should always remember the past and use it to shape the present and the future.

CHAPTER ONE

He was still alive, at least for now.

But under the hot, unforgiving sun, with the soldiers gathered around and expecting his death, how long could he last?

This was a cruelty that knew no bounds. The pain was becoming unbearable. He felt it throughout his body, but it was agonizing in his wrists, arms, legs, and ankles. His breath was coming in short gasps, meaning his lungs were beginning to give out. That was always the way with this kind of death. If you didn’t die from loss of blood or a heart attack, it was when your lungs could no longer pull in air.

The soldiers were only following orders. He didn’t know whether they enjoyed their work, but he understood the need for the money and the security the army gave them.

From somewhere deep within his soul, he found the strength and called out that they should be forgiven. No one paid attention to the words, the first he’d spoken since the ordeal began.

Two petty criminals were with him; the three of them united by the same fate. It seemed strange that his death would be shared by these men, when he’d been accused of illegally seeking power. A revolutionary between two paupers; how fitting. Someone had a macabre sense of humor. He thought about that for a moment. It didn’t take the pain even remotely away, but it distracted him for the briefest passage of time.

Looking out over the crowd, he saw his wife. His small son wasn’t there. That was good. No boy should see his father die in such a painful and harsh manner.

While it gave him some strength to see his wife, he was also distraught. Somehow, through the pain, he was humiliated that she should witness his suffering. He had always wanted to be strong for her. But they had stripped him of all power. The feeling of helplessness that pervaded his mind was made worse by the physical agony.

How would she manage? Where would she live? Would she always be condemned because she’d been his wife? Maybe she’d remarry. His wife was beautiful. She’d known many men before they met. She would meet another. It was a harsh life for a single woman. She needed to find someone after he was gone. It was hard to think these thoughts, but he had to be honest with himself, especially at this time.

What of his son? He worried for him. His wife was a good woman, and she would see that he was safe. But there was a pain that went well beyond the physical. He would never see his son grow to manhood. He had been so looking forward to the joy of being a father. Now it had been stolen from him.

And for what? He was a preacher of peace and believed deeply within his heart that everyone deserved the right to live in harmony with their neighbors. He had asked that people accept his message of forgiveness, understanding, and faith in something greater than themselves. It had been a privilege to teach and pass along whatever wisdom he possessed. Most of those who had gathered to hear his words were gentle people. They merely sought an answer to the meaning of their lives. He hoped his time with them had provided answers and solace.

The man had tried to change things. Looking back on his life, he wondered if he had made a difference. There were others who would follow and carry his name and teachings into the future. But would it be enough? The land and its people had, for too many years, known the destruction that comes with war and an invading army’s occupation. The many poor experienced only poverty and bloodshed while the few rich knew wealth and security. Would there ever be peace and equality? The answer lay in the future—a time and place he would not live to see.

The agony of pain was slowly enveloping his mind. The thoughts were becoming fragmented. But he needed to think, even as his body grew weaker. His inner world was a refuge from the horror of this experience.

Who was to blame for this? His father had often said this would be his destiny. It angered him to know he was suffering a fate that could have been prevented. He could find no blame for the one who had betrayed him to the authorities. The traitor was merely playing a role that had been preordained. The man would not journey into the afterlife holding hatred in his heart.

But his father possessed absolute power over these people. Yet he had stood by and let the soldiers capture his son. His father had not been present when they’d sentenced him to death. There had been no rescue as the soldiers had walked him to this place.

Someone lifted up a wet towel on the end of a pole. He refused to drink, too proud to show weakness in front of these soldiers. Death would be on his terms.

He saw the soldiers dividing up his clothes. So it had come to this. They knew, just as everyone did, that he would not be leaving this place alive.

Thinking again of his father, he knew there’d be no rescue. He had hoped and prayed that his father would arrive and intervene. Even as the day had worn on and his mind had wandered in and out of consciousness, he had still believed in his father’s mercy. Why would he let them do this to his only son?

The man knew the answer. He was being sacrificed for a greater cause. Would his death make people treat each other with respect, understanding, and kindness? He didn’t know the answer, and the pain was clouding everything. But now that his life was close to ending, he hoped that, at some point, people would appreciate what his time on earth had achieved. That would give his life meaning.

And in that moment, he forgave his father.

A soldier was approaching him with a lance raised in the air. What could that mean? He watched in horror and fear as the soldier pulled back his arm and thrust the spear upward. The pain was beyond anything he’d ever felt. It tore through his body and sent his mind spinning in an agonizing haze.

He had held out against death for so long, but now with this added pain, he wanted it to come. He was ready to surrender. No man should have to endure this to close out his life.

Why prolong the agony?

CHAPTER TWO

Elijah had just been delivered something akin to a metaphoric body blow that left him gasping for air. Bewildered and confused, he asked if the words he’d heard were correct. They were repeated, and this time there was no mistaking the intent.

The cave, usually a place of refuge and warmth, suddenly felt hostile and cold.

Do you understand what I’m saying? asked the voice.

I’ve heard what you’ve said, but I don’t understand why the ultimatum has to be so harsh, responded Elijah, who was also known as the Prophet throughout the island of Janus.

Elijah ran a raw-boned hand over his balding pate, rimmed by a ridge of short gray hair. A small man—he was only several inches over five feet—the Prophet normally radiated a sense of serenity. In his late sixties, he had the physical bearing of a man at least ten years younger. His brown eyes that looked at the world through a pair of frameless, round glasses reflected his current concern and anxiety. His large nose ran between high cheekbones. A life spent outdoors had given his face a heavily weathered look, but the directive had turned his visage pale, and there was a glint of moisture on his full upper lip.

This was the first time the Spirit had displayed a willingness to become involved in earth’s affairs. And the edict was catastrophic. Since the initial group of settlers had arrived on Janus just before the turn of the first century, the Spirit had been a benevolent and non-interfering element in the islanders’ lives.

The only thing the Spirit asked was not to be viewed as male or female, believing these terms to be pejorative and a reflection of a humanness the entity did not possess. Instead, the islanders used the all-encompassing word it. The term indicated their understanding of the Spirit as the amorphous presence that was one with the universe and existed on the far reaches of the cosmos.

In other cultures, the Spirit was known variously as God, Buddha, Allah, Braham and a host of other names given to what people of the world called their Supreme Being.

But as Elijah knew, Janus and the relationship the islanders had with the Spirit were far different than anything earth had ever known. And as he fought to bring his emotions under control, the Prophet could not help but wonder if the Spirit was signifying that two thousand years of history was about to end unless its demand was met.

Located midway in the North Atlantic Ocean between the Shetland and Faroe islands, Janus was known to no government, and its citizens lived an isolated existence. Despite advances in modern cartography, the island remained unmapped and had yet to be discovered by the rest of the globe’s inhabitants.

The islanders were adamant in their desire to remain apart from the world. Janus’s population of nineteen hundred was involved in farming, sheepherding, and fishing. No laws existed on the island. Instead, it was a society that lived by the tenets of understanding, tolerance, equality, and peace.

With no crime or violence, Janus was an oasis of calm in a deeply troubled world. The island contained only one institution, a citizens’ Congress in which every decision was fully debated. The foundation of all discussions was the commitment to ensuring total agreement among every islander. This was achieved through a centuries-old practice of seeking a solution in which both sides of a discussion came away with some parts of their position being contained in the proposal’s final implementation.

You’ve kept our location concealed from the world, said the Prophet. Will that end unless I do as you’ve requested?

The only reason I’ve kept you hidden, responded the Spirit, is because of what the island has given me. Janus has always been a refuge—a place where I could come and know that nothing would be asked of me. But if I no longer visit, what is the point in ensuring you remain unknown and isolated?

We’ve kept your secret safe, argued Elijah. "Isn’t that worth some consideration? Through all the years, every islander has done as you requested and never told the world that this cave is where you meet with us.

There has to be another way. The Prophet’s voice grew stronger as the full impact of what might be lost began to grab hold of his mind. "What you’re saying is that, unless Sean Brennan agrees to meet with you, you’ll no longer speak with anyone associated with Janus. This threat to leave our lives is unprecedented. You’re the Spirit, and you’ve always been available throughout all the centuries we’ve been on the island.

Why is Sean so important to you?

You know the answer. He has the mark of Janus and is a direct descendent of Jesus. I want to bring peace to the world and have chosen him as my advocate. His time is now.

You’re ready to participate in the affairs of humans? asked Elijah. The possible repercussions staggered the Prophet and sent his mind reeling.

That’s not what we’re here to discuss. I’ll talk further about my thoughts, but only with Sean.

But as you’re aware, he doesn’t want to be involved with your plan or Janus. He left here two years ago and hasn’t returned.

It doesn’t matter, responded the Spirit. My command is not negotiable. Bring Sean to me, or I’ll disappear forever from the lives of all those linked to Janus. Let everyone know that, until Sean meets with me, I’ll no longer be available when they visit the cave.

Why should I be the one to tell them? It’s your decree. You should talk to each of us.

My decision is final, said the Spirit. As the Prophet, you’re the one who mentors and counsels the islanders on my behalf. Everyone will look to you for answers when they realize I may no longer be here. Perhaps that will inspire you to meet my demand.

The cave was suddenly enveloped in a silence as deep as any Elijah had known. The Spirit had gone, and Elijah was left to wonder if they would ever have another conversation. The Supreme Being had been a part of his life, of his very core since he was in his youth. It was the same for every islander.

His thoughts flowed back to the talks he’d had with the Spirit over the years. They’d been filled with advice, humor, understanding, and a unique perspective on the human condition. Throughout earth’s history, many had claimed to have had a direct and spoken relationship with their god. But they had all proven to be charlatans, even those who declared they were the holiest of men and women.

However, on Janus, an unmediated connection with the Spirit was reality. The island had no churches, mosques, or synagogues, and the islanders did not practice any religion. But they had the Spirit. Every islander could enter the cavern at any time and talk with the deity. But it was prepared to go silent.

And the impact would not be felt by the islanders alone. It would include the Guardians, the seventeen-hundred people headquartered in Inverness, Scotland, who served as a buffer between Janus and the world. Whatever services or products the islanders required, were provided by the Guardians.

They also acted as a conduit between the island’s eighteen thousand-member diaspora and the Janus residents. The diaspora had expanded throughout each of earth’s continents. Every member was dedicated to spreading the island’s message of peace and understanding throughout the globe.

They had all spent time in the cave with the Spirit. It was a confidant; an advisor; and, most importantly, a friend. The relationship had existed throughout the island’s history.

But Elijah knew all that would disappear unless he could bring Sean back to Janus and have him visit with the Spirit.

He’d call everyone together and tell them the news. After that, it would be time to leave the safe confines of his island and journey to London.

CHAPTER THREE

The London taxi’s horn blasted a long, high-pitched, and anger-laden jab at the careless pedestrian.

Lost in thought, Sean had stepped off the sidewalk, ignoring the don’t walk sign, and straight into the car’s oncoming path. He’d jumped back but not quickly enough for the irate cabbie, who leaned out the window and yelled something unintelligible as he sped by.

If the driver had known what was revolving in Sean’s mind, he might have forgiven the lack of attention to such details as street signs.

Sean was on his way to the offices of The London Advocate, a newspaper where he’d been a reporter and columnist for slightly more than four years. A Canadian, he’d come to journalism after stints as a lawyer in Toronto and as a UN representative in Afghanistan.

Standing a couple inches over six feet, Sean had a body that was lean and tightly muscled. Curly, toffee brown hair that rambled carelessly over the top of his ears and down his neck, along with dark, brown eyes set in an angular face gave him a youthful look that belied his thirty-seven years. Pronounced cheekbones framed a straight nose, leading to full lips that further accentuated his youthful appearance.

These streets were like good friends. The walk from his apartment to The Advocate was comfortably familiar. But there was nothing routine about the thoughts that cascaded through his mind. He was focused on what he’d been told by Elijah the previous afternoon while they’d sat in the office of The Advocate’s publisher, Brian Elder.

Elijah had explained the Spirit’s ultimatum. Although Sean fully understood the consequences of such a move, the situation’s magnitude was further underscored by Elijah’s arrival in London. That was news in itself. The Prophet had never traveled beyond Inverness.

The situation’s absurdity wasn’t lost on Sean. At one time, he would have thought his dilemma impossible, even bizarre. Yet the reality of what he’d experienced on Janus told him it was very real. He was being held hostage to the Spirit’s demands.

Two years ago, Sean had been like the rest of the world, unaware of the island’s existence. But that had changed when Elijah had persuaded him to visit Janus. During a life that had left him constantly searching for a purpose, Elijah’s e-mails about a society committed to peace had touched a responsive chord within Sean. The messages, sent from the Guardians’ Inverness headquarters, had eventually persuaded him to visit.

He had spent two months on Janus. Those eight weeks had forever altered his life.

When he’d first come to the island, Sean had been prepared to debunk the story of the islanders speaking directly to the Supreme Being. But that changed when Elijah had arranged for him to have a conversation with the Spirit. The session was unlike anything Sean had ever experienced and had convinced him the islanders were correct; they did verbally communicate with the Spirit.

It was an incredible revelation that should have inspired Sean. He was being offered a unique purpose for his life. The Spirit had called on him to lead the world in accepting the Janus commitment to peace, equality, and ecological preservation. When Sean had asked if it would assist in conveying the message, the Spirit had declined, saying it did not interfere in earth’s affairs.

Sean had refused the Spirit’s request, believing that, if it wasn’t going to be involved, the task was beyond hopeless. Too many barriers and difficulties far too complex stood in the way of finding a solution to the problems confronting the planet.

He had left Janus with no intention of returning. And yet, through events beyond his control, he was being pulled back.

Sean felt the weight of history and expectation on his shoulders. A deepening frustration was taking root in his chest—resentment over having been placed in this seemingly untenable position. He could feel his birthmark throbbing; the triangular sign on his left thigh that linked him with Jesus and, therefore, the Spirit.

And then there was Diane. Having met on Janus and fallen in love, he and Diane had maintained a long-distance relationship for the past two years. She had twice visited Sean in London, and the time together had strengthened their bond. However, both had come to realize that, if they were truly going to share the future, it meant living together.

Until yesterday, Sean had believed that would happen with Diane joining him permanently in London. But that thought had abruptly changed after Sean had read a letter she’d written him and Elijah had delivered. In it, Diane asked Sean to consider a trial period of living together on Janus. The words had been open, honest, and filled with love. They had, more than anything threatened by the Spirit, led Sean to telephone Elijah and Elder the previous evening and say he’d return to Janus.

But now, as the morning sun began its slow climb against the London sky, Sean admitted to himself that he’d been rash in his commitment to return. It wasn’t that he didn’t love Diane. He knew that his life would be incomplete without her in it. Rather, it was the thought of being the central character in the Spirit’s power play.

Whatever his decision, it would have to be made soon. Sean had promised Elijah and Elder that he’d meet with them shortly after getting to the office.

Arriving at the small, low-rise building that housed The Advocate, Sean pushed through the clear glass front doors. Taking the stairs two at a time, he quickly reached the second floor, which housed the paper’s editorial department, along with the publisher’s office. Although it was early, most of the reporters were at their desks finalizing last-minute copy for the day’s online edition. It was hectic, noisy, and tension reverberated around the room.

Sean took off his jacket and slung it over a chair in his cubicle. Sitting down, he checked the computer to see if the editor, Eddie Pitt, had reviewed his weekend column. His in-box held several notations, but nothing from Pitt.

With no items requiring his immediate attention, Sean knew he couldn’t delay the inevitable. He got up and proceeded through the newsroom.

Walking along the hallway that led to the publisher’s office, Sean realized he was about to make a decision that would forever impact his life. The pressure would be intense for him to return. While Elijah was directly affected and represented every islander, his voice would be quiet and reasoned. That was the way of everyone on Janus.

However, Elder would be different. Although the publisher didn’t live on Janus, he was part of its diaspora and, like Elijah, had an overriding interest in seeing Sean go back to the island. The publisher was used to being in charge and would be more direct in his insistence that Sean leave for Janus.

The office door was open, and Elder’s executive assistant waved Sean on through. Sitting behind a large, dark-wood desk was the publisher.

Short and slim, Elder had bowed to the reality of a quickly receding hairline and wore what little was left shaved close. He had a narrow, friendly face, marked by coral blue eyes, a patrician nose, and a small mouth.

Sean took a moment to look around the office. Paintings of various scenes from throughout the English countryside adorned the light-wood paneled walls. The lighting was muted and provided by several large lamps. A thickly carpeted floor and chairs done in soft leather completed the feeling that Sean was stepping into a world far removed from the frenetic activity in the newsroom.

Occupying a chair in the room’s center was Elijah. Sean and Elijah had become close friends while Sean was on Janus. His decision to leave the island had not changed their relationship.

As Sean took a seat in front of the desk and opposite the Prophet, Elder asked if he wanted a coffee.

Declining the offer, Sean started by saying, You may as well know that I don’t feel comfortable going back to Janus under these circumstances. I’ve done some more thinking and don’t appreciate being blackmailed.

What do you mean? responded Elder. You said last night you were ready to return. This isn’t the time for second thoughts.

The Spirit believes you’re an integral part of the world’s future, interjected Elijah. "All it wants is to have a conversation and see if the two of you can work together in bringing a halt to the social, political, and environmental chaos that confronts the globe.

Can you imagine what that means? The Spirit wants to work with you. You’re being presented with an incredible opportunity to shape the course of world history. The possibilities for your life are staggering. This is far bigger than you and Janus. We’re talking about a future without systemic violence, where everyone is equal, and where the earth’s resources are not only used wisely, but also replenished.

Elijah shifted in his chair before continuing. This isn’t something you can walk away from, he said. True, it will take years, and there are many obstacles. But is there anything nobler that you can do with your life?

If I do go back, said Sean, I’ll make it perfectly clear to the Spirit that my return doesn’t mean I’ve agreed to anything. I’ll listen to what it has to say, but only if the Spirit agrees to once again speak with the islanders.

You can’t dictate terms to the Spirit, claimed Elder. The simple reality is that the Spirit will decide what’s to be done, and no one can stop it.

Sean sat silent for a few moments, collecting his thoughts. The Spirit should have contacted me here in London, he finally responded. Why did it have to involve everyone on Janus?

I’ve given that a lot of thought, the Prophet slowly began. I believe the Spirit felt that, since you’d initially refused its request and hadn’t returned to the island in more than two years, something had to be done to force you back.

That still doesn’t explain its rationale for not coming straight to me.

I think the Spirit felt you’d turn it down.

It was right, responded Sean. I have no wish to lead a worldwide movement for peace.

But you wouldn’t be alone, argued Elder. It would involve the islanders, the Guardians, and our diaspora. These will be the people who’ll start to spread the message. Once that happens, others will join us. Soon it will be a worldwide movement. The publisher punctuated the last sentence by slapping his right hand on the desk conveying an excitement that Sean couldn’t share.

Why would the islanders give up the life they have? Sean wondered. Janus is unknown to the globe. Everyone shuns contact with the outside world. Their knowledge of the planet is primarily gained through newspapers and magazines supplied by the Guardians. What interest could they have in losing their seclusion and peaceful way of life by trying to convince the world that earth’s future depends on global peace?

That’s a good point, conceded Elijah. Your first task will be to convince everyone associated with Janus that this is the right thing to do. It will take time and many meetings before we can begin to implement the Spirit’s plan. But the Spirit can be quite persuasive, and in the end, I believe our people will agree to participate.

And there’s the problem, noted Sean. "When we spoke two years ago, the Spirit was quite clear that it was a benign observer of what happens on earth. The Spirit wants to work with me and everyone associated with Janus. It expects we’ll be messengers of peace, but it doesn’t want to become directly involved in solving the issues confronting humanity.

You haven’t told me anything that indicates the Spirit’s position could possibly change. So why does it suddenly want me back on Janus?

The Prophet leaned forward, his eyes raking across Sean’s face. I think it believes that humans are at a critical point in our history, responded Elijah. Whether it’s global threats to peace, ecological destruction, or the growing divide between rich and poor nations, earth’s future is looking increasingly precarious.

But why me? Sean asked. I’m sure there are many other people the Spirit could call upon who’d be more than willing to work with it.

You know the answer to that, Elijah gently chided. You’re a direct descendent of Jesus. The mark of Janus on your left thigh proves it.

Sean instinctively placed a hand on his pants, where he could feel the raised, triangular birthmark. For so much of his life, the mark had been a mystery. It was only when he’d had the session with the Spirit that he’d learned what it meant, along with his family history. Sean had been astounded to discover that Jesus had had a son, Daniel. He was the first to bear the mark of Janus.

The Spirit told Sean it took the signature of a triangle because it believed the three points could convey the message of understanding, tolerance, and equality; the elements needed to be present and linked in order to create the center, which is peace.

The Spirit ensured the birthmark was passed from generation to generation of the Kirsch family, Daniel’s ongoing lineage. It hoped that all those who were marked with the triangle would forever serve as a guide to the islanders. And as the years passed, the islanders constantly renewed their commitment to living in peace with one another.

Sean’s great-great-grandfather, Joshua Kirsch, had left the island but not joined the diaspora. Instead, he’d changed his name to Kilgore and had started a new life in Canada, never telling anyone what the bold triangle on the left thigh of each generation’s eldest son meant. A car accident had killed Sean’s parents when he was six months old. The secret of the birthmark and his ties to Janus had died with them.

Adopted and raised by a Toronto family, Sean had been unaware before arriving on the island that his triangular birthmark meant he was a direct descendent of Jesus.

However, the mark held no significance for Sean. And without the Spirit’s assistance, he saw no hope of humanity suddenly becoming interested in peace and in saving the planet. When he’d left Janus, he’d viewed the experience as interesting, but hadn’t expected to return.

And The Advocate, with its daily deadlines and constant need for new copy, had pushed the island to the farthest reaches of his mind. His only personal contact with Janus had been Diane. By mutual agreement, talk of the Spirit and being related to Jesus had never intruded on her visits.

If you won’t return for the Spirit, said Elijah, quietly interrupting Sean’s thoughts, then do it for the islanders and for Diane.

There it is, thought Sean.

Elijah had found the two key points for going back. During the time he’d been on Janus, he’d met every islander. He’d come to know them. They had welcomed him and proved to be a kind and giving people. They didn’t just talk about living in peace; they practiced it every day. It would be devastating for them to lose contact with the Spirit. Could he live with himself if that happened?

More importantly, visiting Janus would be exhilarating just to be with Diane. He felt a longing deep within and wanted to seek some solution that would see them living together. The only way that could be resolved was by spending time with her on the island. It would involve long discussions. Compromises would have to be made. However, his hope was that she’d agree to come back with him.

What about my job? he asked. I don’t intend to remain on Janus. I’m going to meet with the Spirit and get this thing settled. Will there still be a desk for me when I come back?

Of course there will, Elder said, his tone emphatic. But I’m hoping that once you see what can be accomplished by working with the Spirit, you’ll decide that’s what you want to do with your life.

Silence descended on the room. It was time to decide. And Elijah, along with Elder, waited for Sean’s verdict.

Just as he’d done the night before in his conversation with Elder, Sean let Diane be the factor that made up his mind.

"I’ll return