After both men arrived, Eagle was standing behind James, but he kept his eyes lowered without looking at Irene.
He had no idea what happened that Irene would suddenly move her entire family over to Franconia, but he was sharp enough to tell that it was something serious. It would not explain her urgency otherwise.
Looking at Irene just then, James murmured, "Mrs. Jefferson…"
Irene said bluntly, "You're coming with me. We're going to find him."
"I can do it alone," James replied. "Your family—"
"Eagle can take care of them," Irene said, turning toward Eagle just then. "I'd like you to protect my children."
Eagle stepped forward and said, "Yes, I'll do my best."
Irene had planned that from the beginning, which was why she asked if Eagle could come along.
She had faith in Eagle's abilities.
James wanted to talk her out of it, but Irene spoke before he could. "Do you think I can rest easy if you don't let me go?"
Seeing that her mind was set, James decided to stop talking her out of it.
"Don't worry, ma'am," Eagle said in turn, so that she would be relieved. "I'll keep an eye on things over here."
Irene looked at him with gratitude. "I know. You're always a man of your word."
Eagle had to lower his eyes. "You're putting me under a lot of pressure here."
James clapped him on the shoulder. "We're counting on you."
"It's my duty. I'm paid to do this," Eagle replied, deliberately mentioning the last part so that they were aware he was doing what he did because he was given money to do it.
However, Irene was too worried about Isaac to notice what Eagle was saying.
James did, and the sudden mention appeared abrupt.
However, he did not pry since Eagle was right—Isaac hired him with a generous salary.
Irene then told Eagle, "You must be tired after journeying all the way here. You should take a break."
"Yes, ma'am," Eagle replied and left the room.
Irene then turned to James. "Can we go now?"
"Okay," James replied—he understood now that there were things that could not be hidden.
It was fine for Irene to go anyway, since they needed answers—whether it was good or bad.
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