"Yeah. It was. But it’s over, and you’re safe now."
She exhales shakily, and my chest tightens.
The last time I saw her was when she showed me the security footage of me beating up Max. There’s so much I want to say to her, and yet I know there’s nothing I can say to make up for what I did.
But I have to at least try because at the pace the mole is moving, I can’t help but fear that I might not get the chance.
“Ciara, I’m s?—”
“Don’t.”
“You don’t know what I’m going to say.”
“I do know what you’re going to say. And I’m asking you not to say it.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re making it feel like I’ll never see you again.”
I say nothing because that’s exactly what it feels like.
“So, I’m asking you not to say it just yet and to save it for when I next see you.”
I exhale slowly as I look at the glasses of wine on the table, trying not to picture Ciara and me meeting the same fate as the couple whose blood coats the walls around me.
“How are you and Mila? All things considered…”
She sighs. "We’re fine, just shaken up. Kieran’s trying to get us to eat something, but I’m not sure I trust his cooking."
I let out a shaky laugh. “Well, eat if you can, and also try to rest.”
“You say that like it’s easy.”
“Because if you’re asleep, I know you can’t go digging into things that I’d rather you stay out of. I know you better than you think, Ciara.”
“I want to help.”
“I know you do, and I appreciate that. But this situation is escalating, and I can’t afford to get distracted.”
“By what?”
“You.”
“Oh…”
“My focus is already divided enough as it is. Every second you’re not here with me, I’m thinking about you,worryingabout you.”
“You don’t have to worry about me…”
“But I do. I’m your husband; it’s my job. So, for the sake of my sanity, I’d appreciate it if you’d do as you’re told for once.”
Ciara is quiet for a moment, but I don’t fill the silence. I’m content to listen to the sound of her breathing through the phone.
"Ronan?"
"Yes,Tine Bheag?”
"I know the timing is all wrong and I want you here to tell it to your face, but I need you to know that I love you."
