I thought about the last months. Our honeymoon. What happened to my dad. He knew I wouldn’t leave my father, and he didn’t leave me, even though it might cost him everything he needed to heal.
“We can go back now,” I whispered. “My dad is okay.”
“He still needs weapons.” Keenan removed his cap and ran a hand over his head. “We missed the meeting with Murphy.”
“Good.”
We all turned to look at my dad, who had turned to face us.
“You can’t trust him. He’s too indebted to Oran. Ever heard of a man named Bryce MacGregor?”
Cian and Keenan glanced at each other before Keenan nodded.
“I developed a friendship over the years with Bryce,” my dad continued. “Oran invited him to Boston. As you know, Bryce deals in arms. His family still manufactures guns. Bryce didn’t care for Oran, and business didn’t go as far as dinner, but he and I connected over books. Maeve even carved two figurines for him.”
“The Pirate Jean,” I said.
My dad nodded. “He cherished them.”
“You think you can get us a meeting with him?” Keenan asked.
“I do. He owns a castle in Scotland. Invites me to his birthday celebration every year. Up until now, I’ve turned it down. I’ll have to be honest about why you’re coming along, but…” he wrapped his coat around himself tighter “…I’m sure he’ll agree to the meeting.”
“Why tell us this now?” Keenan asked.
“Mr. O'Callaghan’s true feelings for my daughter have been made clear. I wouldn’t put my tail on the line for anything less.”
“Fair enough.” Keenan tipped his hat to my dad.
“Of course, Maeve will have to come to the celebration. He’s been wanting to meet her for years. Thank her in person for the figurines.”
Cian shook his head. I squeezed his arm.
“I wouldn’t bring my daughter to a place I knew she was unsafe. It would say a lot, and go a long way with Bryce, if she attends.”
“Aye.” Keenan nodded. “I can see how that would help.”
Cian growled low in his throat and started to pace. The dogs moved with him, as anxious as he was. They were anticipating his next move.
He stopped short, so did the dogs, and six eyes stared at me.
“It’s a celebration—” I started.
“A fancy one,” my father added. “Women in gowns and men in tuxes. His birthday lands on the day the company was founded.”
I nodded. “It’ll be fine.”
Cian hesitated for a second, then nodded toward the castle. He placed a hand on my back, and the four of us started back, Keenan and my father lingering behind.
Chapter23
Maeve
Iwasn’t sure what I was most unsure about. Trying to help my husband obtain weapons—for a war I might lose him to—or the dress Beatrice chose for me to wear to Bryce MacGregor’s celebration.
If she was going for subtle, she’d failed. The gown was gold and shimmered, especially against a dark background. The sleeves hung off my shoulders, the body of it cinched at the waist, and the hem flowed to the floor. She’d sent my wedding heels to match. They looked like they were made of gold and engraved with beautiful patterns.
I wasn’t sure if they still had dried blood underneath them from our wedding day.
