Page 88 of Sullivan

“What I do with my own possessions is not up to you, Sullivan Black.”

Her using my full name should have been a clue to back off, but I was too far gone.

“You are being reckless and endangering yourself for nothing. A few lousy bucks. Have you thought of the people you might be dealing with? That Alan could be stalking you through your profile?”

There was silence for a moment except for her breathing.

“I have. And as I explained to Una, I am using Lynn’s profile, a woman who Alan knew nothing about. I never mentioned her to him. And I plan on checking the profiles, only allowing pickups at certain times, and Davey will escort them upstairs. I am not being reckless or endangering myself.” She took a deep breath. “And what might seem like a few lousy bucks to you is not to me or Lynn. We both worked hard for what we have. And I do not need you to look after me. I am a strong, intelligent woman, capable of making her own decisions and taking care of herself. I thought you felt that way as well, but apparently not.”

I was taken aback by her words. She had obviously thought this out, and I had just insulted her on many levels.

“He could have dug around and found out about Lynn,” I pointed out.

Her voice was cool. “And again, I will be checking profiles and have Davey with me.”

Silence screamed between us.

“I think I’ll hang up now,” she murmured. “Perhaps give you time to cool off.”

“No, Autumn—wait.”

“Yes?”

“I’m sorry, love. You’re right. I’m being a total arse.”

“Why are you doing that?” she asked, her anger tempered with sadness.

“Because I hate that you’re there and I’m here. I’m worried about you, and I’m pissed this fecker seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth.”

“I’m fine, Sully. I miss you too, but everything I’m doing is bringing me closer to coming to you. And if Alan is nowhere to be found, that’s a good thing.”

I was back to being Sully, so I felt relief course through me.

“I’m sorry, mo fhiadh beag. We’re so close to you coming, and I worry every day something is going to stop you.”

“Nothing is going to stop me, Sully. I love you.”

I found great comfort in those words.

My coffee finished brewing, and I carried the cup to the window, looking out on the streets below. The pavement was damp, the light snow we’d received gone once again. It was cold and the wind strong—usual late fall weather for Scotland.

I sipped my coffee and sat at the table, staring at the project I had been working on. I picked up one of the origami flowers I had been making, planning on a full vaseful for when Autumn arrived. I chose bright colors and had experimented with new designs, looking them up online and practicing. It helped fill the time when I couldn’t sleep or the office didn’t need my hours. Which wasn’t often, but instead of losing sleep, I kept my hands busy and my mind from wandering.

Soon, she would be here. Lynn was doing better than expected and, if released early, Autumn planned on staying a few days to make sure Lynn was settled and then joining me. Her new job would be waiting. I was waiting. I picked up the box on the table, flipping open the lid, studying the ring in the dim light. As soon as I had seen it in an antique store window, I’d known it was her ring. Set in platinum, the center stone was a good size and surrounded by filigree and more diamonds in a unique shape. It resembled a snowflake. The jeweler I’d spoken with inside the shop had drawn out a pretty wedding band that surrounded the ring on both sides, assuring me it would make it sparkle and dance in the light. I planned on giving it to her as soon as she got here. And convincing her to marry me as soon as possible. We could marry here, then again in Canada if that was what she wanted, since once she arrived here and started the paperwork, she couldn’t leave until it was complete.

I glanced over at my phone again, the steady blue light somehow comforting. I wished I could track her necklace too, but I knew the boys were handling that in Canada. It was getting late there, but she was no doubt finishing up more packing. Feeling the need to hear her voice, I called her number, frowning when it went to voice mail. She usually picked it up when she saw it was me.

I carried my cup to the kitchen and made another coffee, deciding I would talk to Autumn then head into the office. I called again, the phone once more going to voice mail. I double-checked the tracker then decided she might be in the elevator or simply busy.

I picked up my cup as my phone rang a moment later, the sound filling me with relief. I answered without looking at the name.

“Hello, mo fhiadh beag.”

“Sully, it’s Finn.”

The cup fell from my hand, shattering into pieces on the hard floor. I gripped the phone, already knowing something was terribly wrong.

“What has happened?” I asked, the dread I had been feeling earlier grabbing at my chest and stomach.