Page 101 of Sullivan

“We added his DNA to the box for the cops to do testing.”

I lifted an eyebrow. “DNA? As in…”

“A couple of fingers. He wasn’t going to need them where he was going.”

Finn shook his head. “Enough, Niall.” He met my gaze. “We took the evidence and his information to our guy at the police. He said it was going to solve some cold cases. Bring the families some closure. I asked him to get me the names. We’ll help with some sort of funding. A scholarship in the women’s names. Aid the families with something they need.”

I nodded. “I’ll contribute.”

Finn grinned. “Fecking right you will.”

“So you left him to die in the root cellar?”

“Hell no,” Finn said. “I finished him off. I was tired of his whining. A final bullet to the head shut him up. Then we closed the trapdoor. The cold will preserve the body nicely until someone shows up to investigate. And don’t worry, Autumn will never be involved or questioned. That was part of the deal.”

“Good. Thanks.”

Finn nodded and Niall grinned. “It was fun to turn loose on someone so deserving,” he said with a chuckle. “Been a long time.”

Finn sat back and rubbed his eyes. “Let’s hope it’s the last time.”

I followed his gaze to where our women sat together.

“I agree.”

I looked down at Autumn, asleep and safe where she belonged. In my arms. Where she always would be.

Autumn was released the next morning, and she insisted on going to see Lynn. She wore a high-necked sweater, and the sleeves had thumb holes so she didn’t worry about them riding up and Lynn seeing those bruises.

She became anxious as we pulled up to the building, even though we were going in a different door. I leaned over, stilling her wringing hands.

“He’s gone,” I reassured her. “You’re safe.”

“I know.”

“The other unit is empty and vacant. You never have to go back there. Lynn’s new spot is on the opposite side of the building. He was never there.”

She nodded and took a deep breath. “Okay.”

“I’ll be right with you.”

“I know.”

Then my brave girl drew back her shoulders and took my hand. “I’m ready.”

Upstairs, Lynn was delighted to see her. She tutted over the bruises, fussing over Autumn as she sat across from her.

“Thank God you weren’t seriously injured! Anna says someone pushed you out of the way, so you only glanced off the car.” She clucked her tongue. “Careless arse.”

Autumn shook her head in amusement. “You’re spending too much time with the Irishmen.”

“Never. The four of them are keeping me young. Oh, how the girls and I laugh.” She beamed at Autumn. “You don’t have to worry about me being lonely when you go. Anna is coming to teach a class on knitting. I’ve always wanted to learn to knit. And Una is going to come and sing next month. They found a place where I can go and play cards every week. They want to learn how to play bridge, so they’re going to come with me. And I get to have Carrie as a personal care aide. I am so pleased.”

Autumn met my eyes, hers filled with gratitude. “How lovely.”

“And Niall’s man—Evan, I think? He’s hooking me up with a new computer and something called Whats up so I can talk to you anytime!”

“WhatsApp,” I corrected her. “But yes, you can talk to Autumn anytime. And I’ll bring her back as soon as her visa clears for a visit.”