Finally, Pyro says, "What do you need?"
Relief floods through me."Eyes on her street.Her work.The school from a distance.And information on Declan Fahy.Everything we can dig up."
Pyro nods."Raptor, coordinate surveillance.Keep it subtle.We don't want to spook her or tip off this Fahy fuck."He looks at Cowboy."Work your Garda contact.See what else we can find."
"On it," Cowboy says.
"And Tank?"Pyro's gaze locks on to mine."If she matters enough to bring to the club, then she's under our protection.You understand what that means?"
I nod.It means the club will keep her safe.But it also means if things go sideways, if Declan escalates, the club will handle it their way.
Which might mean violence.Might mean worse.
"I understand."
"Good.Keep us updated.And Tank?"Pyro's voice drops."Don't do anything stupid.We handle this smartly and quietly."
"Yeah.I know."
Church breaks up.Brothers file out, some clapping me on the shoulder, others nodding.Rush stays behind.
"You alright?"he asks.
"Yeah.Just..."I run a hand through my hair."I need to see her.Make sure she's okay."
"Give her space.You said yourself she's processing."
"I know.But it's been a day and she hasn't replied to my text and I just—" I stop, frustrated with myself."I need to know she's safe."
"She is.We'll have eyes on her building.If anything happens, you'll know immediately."
It helps.Slightly.But I still want to see her.Want to hear her voice.Want confirmation that she's okay and not spiraling alone.
Rush seems to read my mind."Text her.Check in.But don't push.She'll reach out when she's ready."
"And if she doesn't?"
"Then you give her more time.But not too much.She needs to know you're not going anywhere."
I nod.He's right.I know he's right.
But it doesn't make the waiting any easier.
I spend the afternoon riding.I can't sit still, can't focus on anything except the need to move, to do something productive.
I ride through Enya's neighborhood.Slow passes, eyes scanning.Looking for Declan.Looking for threats.Looking for anything out of place.
There's a car parked near her building I don't recognize.Black sedan, tinted windows.Could be nothing.Could be something.
I make a note of the plate and text it to Rush.
Then I ride past O'Hara's.It's her day off so she's not there, but I check anyway.Make sure no one's lurking.No one's watching.
Everything looks normal.Too normal.
But my gut says otherwise.Says Declan's close.Says something's building.
I make one more pass near Warren's school.I stay far back—don't want to be seen near a primary school on my bike wearing a cut—but I watch.Make sure there's no one suspicious hanging around.
