When he finally sets me down, we need a few minutes to come down from the high of expressing our feelings at last.We've known each other for less than two months, but it feels like eternity---in the most wonderful way.
But soon, he grows more serious as he brushes his hands through my hair and kisses my cheek."Afraid we need to go now.We're expected at Mam and Da's house along with my brothers."
"I know."But I hesitate, biting my lip."Could we keep our news just between us?For now?There are grave issues we all need to discuss."
"Aye.Best get moving."
Kirk's Porsche takes us to our destination swiftly, and before I know it, we're walking into the Balfour house where Roy, Kenina, Tam, and Neil greet us at the door.Once we're all inside, seated in the living room, it's time to discuss the Dougal problem.
Kirk's mother serves us tea as we gather in the living room.I can sense the tension in the air wafting around us like malevolent spirits.The way the Balfour family moves around each other shows years of practiced coordination.They're a unit, a clan in their own right.And now I'm part of this too, whatever "this" is.
"So," Roy begins, his voice carrying the same authoritative tone as Kirk's, only deeper and rougher, "tell us exactly what happened with MacWraith."
Kirk recounts the whole ordeal while I sip my tea, noting the family's reactions.Kenina's face grows stormy when Kirk mentions Kenny's watch.
"The nerve of that man," she hisses."Coming into your home like that."
"With a key," I add, and all eyes turn to me.I try not to squirm under their scrutiny.
"A key?"Neil asks, his brow furrowing."How in the bloody hell did Dougal get a key to your flat?"
Kirk huffs."That's what I'd like to know.I've never given a key to anyone outside this room."
Tam leans forward, elbows on his knees."Have you changed the locks since you moved in?"
"No," Kirk admits."But the building's supposed to be secure."
"Nothing's secure when it comes to MacWraith," Roy growls."The man has connections everywhere."
I clear my throat."He also said something about watching us.Me and Kirk."I glance at my honey, remembering the chilling way Dougal had spoken."He said he knows our weaknesses."
Kenina reaches over to touch my arm, her expression soft and sweet."You've been put in danger because of our family's troubles, lass.I'm so sorry."
"It's not your fault.I'm just worried about Kenny.And all of you."
"Kenny's no fainting flower," Tam says, but the worry in his voice betrays him."He's survived worse."
"Like being a slave to the MacWraith clan."Kirk paces behind the sofa, restless energy radiating from him."Has anyone heard from Archie yet?"
Neil shakes his head."Not a word.But he said it would take a few hours aye?"
"That's right."Kirk slams his fist down on the arm of his chair."We don't have a few hours.If MacWraith has Kenny---"
"We cannae know that for certain," Roy interrupts."We need to think clearly, strategically."
I glance around the room, taking in the faces of these people who've become so important to me in such a short time.They're warriors, every one of them, but even warriors need a plan.
"What about the police?"I suggest, knowing even as I say it that it's probably not that simple.
"I told ye that's too risky."Kirk shakes his head, coming to sit beside me on the sofa."The police won't move against MacWraith without concrete evidence.The man's too careful, too connected."
"Besides," Tam adds, "going to the authorities could put Kenny in more danger if MacWraith really has him."
The gravity of the situation hits me again.This isn't some corny action movie.This is real life, with real consequences."What's the plan, then?We can't just sit here drinking tea while Kenny's in danger."
Roy sets his cup down with a decisive clink."We need to find out where MacWraith's keeping him, if indeed he has Kenny at all.The watch doesn't necessarily mean---"
"Da," Kirk cuts in."Youk now Kenny would never part with that watch willingly."
