A wide smile breaks over her face. “You’ve seen the light then?” she says, sitting daintily in the chair opposite me and drawing the cup of tea towards her.
“If you mean about Andy, then I can assure you I’ve always seen the light, but I needed time to heal and to stand on my own two feet.” I pause taking a breath before I continue.
“I know most think I am, but I’m not naïve Jess. I’ve always known it was Andy who made things happen, just like I’vealways known it was him who watched me, who made me feel safe even when my life was going to shite.”
I lift my chin slightly, my gaze steady on hers.
“But you are right. Things have changed, and I need your help. I don’t need to know everything about Butcher because I can guess why he’s called what he is. You can’t live in this city and not hear the rumours, especially when you grew up like I did. What I need to know is how I can support him and be there for him. You’ve had years as the matriarch of your family. I trust you, and I can’t think of anyone else I’d like to learn from because you see Andy the same way I do.”
Jess eyes me over her cup, then takes a sip before setting her cup back down on the saucer.
“And tell me Moira, how do you see my boy?”
Clasping my hands, I lean towards Jess, thinking on my reply. “I see a man that puts everyone before himself, a man that loves hard and when he loves, he loves forever. A man that’s so loyal he’ll burn the world down for those he cares about. But,” I hesitate before continuing, “he doesn’t see himself like that. He thinks he’s a monster, and all I see is a saviour. He punishes those that deserve it, and it eats away at him a little at a time. I see a man that I love and even though neither of us have said anything, I know he loves me, but something is holding him back.”
“Well now,” Jess smiles, “this changes everything. You really do see my boy.”
“I do.”
“Okay then, the next time he goes out of town,” she rolls her eyes. “I’ll let you know. But Moira, be warned, what you see may change the way you look at him forever. And if you go to the Garda, I’ll not be able to save you.”
“I’d never dob Andy in to the Garda, Jess,” I inform her firmly, “the only thing I want you to confirm even though I already know the answer… Is it only the bad he goes after?”
“The worst of the worst,” Jess replies with a sad smile. “The paedophiles and rapists that get away time and time again. Those are the names that are given to The Butcher. They disappear, and society is a little safer until the next one. He’s been doing it for a long time, and it’s starting to wear on him. You and Mikayla have made a difference, but my boy needs a break. I think you’re strong enough to be the one to get him to make the change.”
“I am,” I assure her. Holding my hand out, she takes it. Squeezing it gently. “Thank you, Jess, for everything you’ve done for me over the years. I appreciate you very much.”
“Achinion, you have nothing to thank me for. You may have come to me via Andy, but you’ve become family.”
Standing, she takes the bank bag. “I’ll be in touch.”
“Understood.” Standing, I start cleaning up as Jess moves to leave.
“Moira,” I look up from my task to see Jess standing in the doorway.
“Thank you for loving my boy, he deserves it more than anyone I know. He’s punished himself for years. I’m glad he found you.”
“Me too, Jess,” I whisper, but I’m talking to myself. Jess didn’t hang around once she said her piece.
Locking up, I hurry to get Mikayla. I’m surprised to see Butcher home early. He’s across the road from ours with Sean, talking to a bunch of bikers.
Happiness flows through me at seeing him home, and I’m not the only one that’s excited to see him. Mikayla is off like a shot as soon as her feet hit the ground.
Happiness turns to terror as she runs into the road. Butcher moves fast, as do two of the bikers. I take a deep breath to calm myself before I lose it on my daughter, not that I can blame her. All I want to do is throw myself into his arms.
Sadly, I have to be an adult.
CHAPTER 13
BUTCHER
Igot the job for Aiden done as requested. I didn’t like rushing these types of jobs, but I was on a time crunch with the Queens Wraiths arriving earlier than planned. So instead of being able to take time to ensure the sinner knew why the Butcher had him, and he could really think about all the sins he’d committed while on this earth, I’d had to kill him sooner than I’d have liked.
The next one wouldn’t be so lucky; he’d have to pay twice. Once for himself and once for the one I’d just dispatched. But that was a worry for another time. I check the message again from Uncle Sean and start my bike. I’d have just enough time to get home, let Wolfie out and meet this motorcycle club my brothers had sent to us. I wanted to take their measure; I’d be able to tell pretty quickly if they were on the level or not.
Uncle Sean was waiting for me when I pulled up. “Morning lad, everything go okay?”
“Same as usual,” I assure him. “I’m going to get Wolfie from Moira’s. Are you going to meet them?”
