“If you’re with Finlay. He’s only going to get you to safety and then he has to part ways. He’s doing me a solid.
“You will allow your great-grandmother and uncle to help you, but trust is something you can’t afford to give your own shadow. I know you’ve always been close with Ken and Duncan. I don’t think either of them would ever harm you, but I’m not taking any chances while you’re without me.
“You know you don’t have to worry about your uncle Ewan, as he always keeps to himself.” She chuckles, causing me to laugh with her.
There’s something about Uncle Ewan I’ve never put my finger on. Nothing bad. He’s just odd in a soldier-in-waiting kind of way. I don’t know how to explain it.
“However, I get the feeling he’s going to be one of your greatest helps. I know you love your uncles, but you need to learn to follow your instincts. If something feels off, believe it.
“I won’t be around to cover you. I’ve done things that might come back for me in the form of targeting you. I’m counting on the fear people have of the McDougal clan.
“Ian Black isn’t here to protect you for me. So I’m going with my next option. You’re smart, Deja. Protect yourself. Make everyone earn your trust.
“If you don’t need them, don’t bother giving them a chance to prove a thing. Everything I do is to protect you, my baby. All I’ve done has been for you. Remember, if I can’t fix this and keep it away from you, I will be there when you need me most.”
The recording ends and I’m left breathless. I still have so many questions. I lean my head against the window and sob.
CHAPTER 10
New York
Logan
“No,you’re right. She’s safest with them,” I say to my uncle as he updates me with what’s happening in Ireland.
He arrived in time to collect Deja and get her to Scotland. With the McDougal clan is where she’s safest for now. They can protect her from my granda and Helen’s old enemies.
I may not have trusted Archie McDougal, but his brothers and mother will protect Deja like their own. Especially Orla.
“I don’t want to get into what this all means,” Da says on the other end.
I pulled him into the call before we got into things. Uncle Finlay picked Deja up from my parents’ home. I was glad to hear she had spent the night there with Kate.
I look across the desk at LaSalle and see the wheels turning in his head. I’m pretty sure he’s thinking what I am.
“I’ll say it for ya. Oland has gotten bold because Da is gone. He’s trying to stop what Da and Lennox set in motion,” Uncle Finlay says.
“Are we sure Deja is safe with them?” LaSalle says. “Ken was in denial that his brother was involved in all of this. Who’s to say Archie hasn’t created a situation in Scotland we aren’t aware of? Deja could be a sitting duck regardless of his demise.”
“One, Ken, Ewan, and Duncan understand whose daughter they have in their care. They all know what this means. Two, Orla intends to keep Deja in the village with her.
“If and when she goes to the castle, it will most likely be under the watch of Ken. Oland and his remaining minions have to tread lightly now that Archie isn’t his spy. We find those diaries and documents and things will change.”
LaSalle grunts. “If this is what you want. However, I’d like to get those watchers in play. This is exactly the type of thing we’ll need them for.”
I nod. The watchers were a great idea. I actually think we’ll be able to make that happen.
Oland has made moves as of late that have worked more in our favor than his. He just doesn’t see it yet. I try not to grin as I think of how he has fucked up.
“Cole isn’t going to take this well. How do ye plan to keep him from running in there to take her away with him?” Uncle Finlay says.
I sigh. I’ve been thinking about this. I know my brother. Going after Deja is the first thing he will do.
For her safety, I can’t have that. Cole can’t know the truth. I’m doing this for his own good.
“As far as he knows, Angus was in an accident and Deja is missing. This will remain need-to-know. Oland doesn’t know we’re onto him.
“The Walsh brothers’ deaths were made to look like accidents. I don’t want anyone outside of us to know where the girls are. Ken’s request is reasonable.
