There’s no logical explanation for why anyone would come after Mila, unless they just wanted to send me a message—one that I very much intend to reply to.
I tuck my gun back into the holster hidden beneath my jacket and make my way to the door.
Cormac and Brennan are back at Kieran’s place, and I promised I would call them with an update the moment I finished at the apartment. But before I can, my phone buzzes with an incoming call from Kieran.
Call it a gut feeling or the ability to always think the worst, but I know something is wrong before I even answer the call.
“Ronan, we’ve got a problem.”
My blood turns to ice as I immediately think of Ciara.
“How bad is it?”
“It’s bad. The safe house is compromised, and the owners are dead.”
I curse under my breath.
The fucking mole is one step ahead,again.
“It’s a slaughterhouse here. We need another location,now.”
"Get the girls back to the house now.”
“I thought the whole point of this was to get them away from the house?”
“Well, now I’m changing my mind! But I need eyes on them at all times, do you hear me?”
“I’ll call ahead to make sure Stephen has his guys ready.”
“Leave Stephen to me. But I want you to stay with the girls too, Kieran. I need someone with Ciara that I can trust without question.”
I wait for the fallout, where he tells me he’s too good for babysitting duty. But to my surprise, there’s none.
“It’s done.”
“What the hell happened anyway? Are the girls okay?”
“A little shaken, but they’re fine. It’s best if you see for yourself.”
I pinch the top of my nose with my fingers. “Fine. But have Cormac and Brennan meet me there.”
“Will do. I’ll call you when we’re back at the house.”
He ends the call, and I’m already out the door, sprinting toward my car. As I pull away from the curb, I dial Stephen’s number.
“Boss?”
“The safe house has been compromised, and the girls are heading back to the house.”
“Shit.”
“I need you to not let Ciara or Mila out of your sight. I don’t care that you’re all under the same roof; it’s not enough. Where they go, you go, understand?”
“Got it.”
“There will likely be eyes on the house, Stephen. But right now, it’s the only option we have. My wife’s life is in your hands.”
“I’ll protect her, Ronan.”
