‘So, it is true. It’s written in every line of your face, Sash.’ She charges towards me, enveloping me in an unyielding embrace, which only serves to panic me further.
‘What do you know?’ I manage to croak while Megan watches on in silence.
Chloe’s arms reluctantly drop and she scans the room for the TV remote. Flicking it on, she flips toSky Newswhere an image of the back of Ryan’s unmistakable physique fills the screen. He’s marching into Dublin airport, flanked by Pierce, Frankie, Archie, Jayden and Angela. And the two missing security guards from the gate.
His head turns to look directly behind him, as if he’s staring directly at me. His jaw is set in a tight determination and there’s a coldness in his eyes I’ve only ever witnessed in the vividness of my worst nightmares.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-FOUR
RYAN
‘I suppose we should be grateful the authorities got hold of him before a mob did…’ Jayden spits, shaking his head at Angela. ‘You’re going to have your work cut out for you spinning any positive PR on this one, sweetheart. I can see the headlines already.’
Her mouth sets in a grim line. ‘I’ll work it. That’s precisely what you pay me for.’
An exasperated sigh whooshes from my chest. Glancing at the chunky titanium timepiece on my wrist, I wonder if Sasha’s up yet. It’s not even six a.m. and the day’s already turning into a total shitshow.
Why the fuck would Dad get on a plane here when he was the one who insisted he could never come back? It makes no sense at all.
Striding through the automatic doors of the arrival lounge, a deep voice booms my name. Instinctively, and idiotically, I swing round before realising it’s a dirty fucking paparazzi with a camera twice the side of his head.
‘Where’s your girlfriend?’ His voice fades into the background, but not nearly fast enough. ‘Had a falling out, have you?’
The doors close behind us and thankfully he doesn’t follow. I wouldn’t either if it meant trying to pass Pierce and the others. Unified in their mission to protect me, my security surround me, shoulder to shoulder. Though even their protection can’t save me from whatever shitshow I’m about to walk into.
Excited travellers queue in line to check in, clutching carefully wrapped Christmas gifts, brimming with festive smiles at the prospect of returning to loved ones for the holidays.
How I wish things could be different. That I could feel a fraction of that enthusiasm. But it’s hard to envision a happy ending here.
Four non-uniformed police approach, each flashing detective badges before guiding us across the white polished floors towards a security check point.
‘I’m DI Jones.’ A grey haired man in his fifties extends a weathered looking hand. I assume he must be the lead detective in Dad’s case.
‘What’s this all about?’ Jayden snaps, fingers massaging his temples.
‘We have your father in custody, as you heard. He’s confessed to several serious crimes.’
‘Whatever he took or stole, we’ll pay it back. No matter the cost.’ Jayden glances at me and I nod in agreement. If there’s any possibility of making this right, I’ll do whatever it takes.
‘It’s a little bit more complicated than that, unfortunately.’ Another officer hangs his head in a sobering motion. ‘Sorry, but due to the nature of the offence and your financial means, he’s a high flight risk. I need anyone who wants access to go through a security check and hand over everything. Wallets, buckles, phones, anything sharp or with the potential to be used as a weapon.’ He motions towards the metal detectors.
Jayden rolls his eyes at me, but I’m already unhooking my belt. Whatever it takes to get this dealt with and over and see me back in Sasha’s arms, I’ll do it.
DI Jones steps forward, thrusting a plastic tray under our noses. ‘All personal belongings in here please, including shoelaces.’
What the fuck?
Is Dad a suicide risk now as well as a flight risk?
None of it makes sense.
Stepping forward, I lean close enough to smell the tobacco on his breath. ‘Can I ask what this is actually about? Whatever he scammed or took, I’ll sort it. The man isn’t dangerous.’ Even as the words roll from my tongue, images of our last encounter assault my brain. Purple in the face, he was awash with rage. Until he crumpled into huge nonsensical tears and fucked off again.
‘He wants the chance to tell you himself.’ Jones cocks his head to the side in some sort of reluctant understanding. This is getting weirder by the second.
Angela’s hand lands on my arm. ‘Do you want me to come in with you?’
Jayden shakes his head, his finger twirls between my chest and his own as if to say it’s down to us.
