Fallon smiled. “I certainly never felt like one.”
The lady cocked her head to the side. “Where are ye plannin’ on goin’?”
Fallon shrugged. “I’m not really sure.”
“If ye don’t mind some advice from an old lady,” shesaid with asmile. “You’re just on the other side ofBarnaand since you came from thewest, I doubt ye want to return that way, so Isuggest ye head to Galway. I have acousinthat runs a boarding housetherethat can put ye up for a day or two until ye find lodgings, or contact someone who can help ye get to England.”
She walked over to a desk and scribbled an address and a brief missive which she then handed to Fallon. As she took the items, she asked, “What makes you thinkI’mplanning togo toEngland?”
The widow shook her head. “Because if ye’re not headin’ that way, then ye should be. Ireland is a land in turmoil right now. It’s no’safe.”
Fallon tucked the information intothe pocket sewn in her skirts. “Yes. I’m starting tounderstandhowtruethat is. I was rather hoping it would be my salvation, but instead, a misunderstanding has turned me a wanted woman.”
Mrs. Dailey chuckled. “It sounds to me as if ye didn’t come home to roost, but rather to run from yourself.”
Asher hostessgathered up the dishes,Fallon froze, for the widow’s words madeperfectsense.She had told herself that coming back to Ireland was the answer to her troubles, but it wasn’t true. Shehadbeen running away, and not just from Locklyn and his mother,but becauseshe couldn’tabide watchingAtticus Clarewith Josephine Stuart.
She swallowed down the bitter taste of regret in knowing that Atticus and the Raven were one in the same,andthe betrayal that continued to course through her veins like acid. She lifted her chin and decided it was time to faceher fears.
Once she arrived in Galway she would write to Eliza and prevail upon herforhelp.She wasn’t going to hide anymore. Come what may, she would return to England and stand in front of Martina and tell her that she wasn’t going to be cowed because of her mother’s sins. And while she couldn’t ever go so far as to wish Atticus and Josephine a happy life together, she would go on and live herswithout him. Even if her heart was twisted and bruised now, it would eventually heal.
And then she would truly be free.
***
Atticus’s mood was growing darker by the moment. His search for Fallonhadn’t gained a single lead. His crew had scattered in various directions but as yet, nothing had been uncovered. He had returned to pace the deck of theCrimson Rose,prepared toact promptlyifsomething was uncovered, but as yet, he’d done nothing but wait.
Finally, late that afternoon,Stewart Parnell,the courier he used to run messages between Ireland and England approached himwith some information, and although it hadn’t been what he’d been hoping for, it wasan unforeseen development thathedecided hecould use.
“Are you quite certainit was Durmor?” he askedpointedly.
“Aye,”the younger manreturned. “I’ve been transporting messages all over Southampton for weeks now. I never forget a face.”
Atticusfrowned in consideration. “And he landed in Galway?”
“Yes. Just a short time ago. On board theSeductive Lady.”
His mind was whirling with the possibilities.“I can’tbelieve that his sudden arrival is a coincidence, and while I can’t say that’s whereFallon is headed, it would beherbest optionto flee the countryasGalway is theclosest harborfrom Carraroe.”As an idea took root, he added, “WhileLocklyn Durmor could be a thorn in our side, I actually think I know of a way he can be useful to the Raven.Gather what men you can find. The rest are due to meet back here at dusk. We set sail at nightfall.”
Stewart nodded and bounded off the vessel to do his captain’s bidding.
In turn, Atticus headed down to his quarters.He had some work to do, for iftheplanbrewing in his mindhad any hope of succeeding, then he would have to make sure itwasconvincing.
By the time the rest of his men arriveda few hours laterand he explainedthe plan, theCrimson Rosesailedout of the hidden coveand headed toward Galway.
As Atticus stood at the rail, Sean walked over to him with awaryexpression on his face. “I do believe this is the greatest endeavor that the Raven has undertaken yet.” He paused. “Do you really think it will work?”
He snorted. “I’m not entirely sure. All I know is that I have totry ifAtticus Clarehas any hope of a future.”
Sean crossed his arms over his barrel chest.“I never thought I’d live to see the dayhe finally started living for himself rather than trying to live up to someone else’s expectations.”
His mouth twisted wryly.“It took me a long time torealize that I didn’t need anyone’s approval, including my father’s, to be an honorable person. I invented the Raven not for the glory, but because Itrulywanted to make a difference,” Atticus admitted. “Butnotuntil Fallon challenged me to look at everything differently—to look atmyselfdifferently—did I understand that I didn’t need to hide behindthismask anymore.” He sighed heavily. “But now that my eyes are finally open,I just hope I didn’theed her warningstoo lateand she is lost for good.”
“It might take some convincing on your part,” Sean noted. “For she’s atrue Irish lass to her bones.” He lifted a russet brow. “But you can be assured she can handle herself.The question is, are you sure you can handleher?”
Atticus’s mouthquirked upwardin the corner. “I’ve always enjoyed a challenge.”
Seangrinned,“Aye. I can stand witness to that.” Hesobered as heturned the conversation back to theseriousmatter at hand. “Whatis our move once we land?”
