My gaze snags on my family’s graves as I wipe my cheeks again. I’ll do this for them. It isn’t like I have anything better to do, and at leastthis will keep me busy, so I won’t have time to miss everything I’ve lost.
I wipe the last of my tears away and straighten my shoulders. “Okay, sign me up. Where and when.”
Cahir smiles. “First, you’ll come with us to our home in Scotland. We’re aware of your military background, but what we teach you isn’t something the regular military can provide.”
“And how do I know you’ll let me go if I follow you home?” I raise an eyebrow.
Silas chuckles, and the others grin, but it’s Cahir who answers.
“You don’t. But I promise you’ll be safe with us.”
I tilt my head. “I’m sure that’s what all kidnappers say.”
Ramzi sniggers. “She’s not wrong.”
“Maybe so.” Cahir rolls his eyes. “But I promise you’ll be safe with us. We need your skills.”
“Okay,” I agree. My gut tells me they’re trustworthy, and I always trust my gut to keep me safe in dicey situations. “I’ve got things to settle here first, so tell me where I’m going and when you need me there.”
“Oh, I like her. She’s going to fit in just fine.” Silas smirks at Cahir.
Cahir pinches the bridge of his nose and shakes his head. Amusement runs through me, taking me by surprise. It was the last emotion I expected to feel today.
“Here.” Cahir takes a folded paper from a pocket inside his leather coat and hands it to me. “Our contact details, address, and directions. We’ll meet you there in three days.” He smiles. “Welcome to the Cursed Skulls’ special ops team,Nora.”
I open the paper to check where I’m going. I see the address is in the Scottish Highlands. It’s going to be a long drive. “I’ll be there.”
I lift my gaze from the paper, only to find I’m talking to myself. Turning in a circle, I look for any sign of them, but it’s like they disappeared into thin air. If it were not for the paper I’m holding, I would think they were a figment of my imagination.
***
Three days later, I drive my truck up a steep hill towards what can only be described as a castle.
It’s the day my life changes.
I absorb everything the Skulls teach me and carry out every mission they assign me without complaint, well aware that each job brings me closer to whoever murdered my family.
I trust the Skulls in a way I never thought possible. They care about every one of their operatives. Not many of us know each other—it’s safer that way—but now and then, our paths cross.
Bee is one of those operatives. We meet when I’m wounded and recovering at the castle. She’s a recruit in training, although from what I understand, they’ve known her for years. We become friends and keep in touch between assignments, sharing information when we feel it’s needed.
I’ve been with the Skulls for nearly four years when I get the message I’ve been waiting for and an address.
Cahir: Found him. Meet us here.
“Fucking finally,” I whisper.
After all these years. It’s been like chasing a ghost. Now I’ll finally have justice for my family, but most of all for my sister and the horror she endured.
I hitch a ride with the cleaners the Skulls use, knowing I’ll get a lift back with one of them. It’s only a few hours’ drive from their home in Scotland.
When we get to the meeting spot, I shoulder my rifle and climb the hill to get as high as possible. I’ll help whoever is on this mission if I can.
Whoever the Skulls have sent in for this op knows how to do damage, but stealthy they are not. They’re fucking noisy. No chance this isn’t getting reported, not with the way they’re detonating charges and throwing hand grenades around like confetti.
I keep an eye out, prepared to help if needed, but whoever is on their overwatch is a crack shot. Just as I’m thinking of moving closer, I see him.
“What the fuck is he doing?”
