Page 101
“How many?”
“Don't know. At least ten. We'll have to call everybody.”
“Are we ready? Have you identified who's with them?”
“Declan is working on that now.”
I hang up the phone and throw off the covers. “The Boston Irish are here.” She goes very still and breathes through her nose, watching me get dressed.
“Where am I gonna go?”
“We'll deal with that after I figure out what's happening next.”
“Is this the part where you're gonna tell me the truth about why you took me, or you're just waiting for a better time?” I zip up my jeans and look at her.
“I took you because I know you're the fastest way to bring down Boston. I took you because I figured that if I rescued you, I'd be able to use you as leverage with your family.”
She nods, frowning, as she pieces it together. “Will they come straight here?”
I shake my head. “Not unless they’re suicidal.”
“I'm going with you.”
“I don’t think so.”
“I'm not a liability.”
“I vowed to protect you.”
“You trained me,” she says staunchly. “I know how to use a gun. You readily admit you used me, and you won't let me in on any of this?” She has a fair point.
“Fine. But there's no fucking way Seamus is letting you in on that meeting.”
“Not unless you vouch for me.” I turn away, pulling on a T-shirt. “Why not? Or is it that he doesn't trust me? Does he still think I'm someone who might not be trustworthy?”
“At least, in Seamus's eyes, that remains to be seen, doesn't it?”
She doesn’t like it, but she quickly dresses and follows me downstairs. There's an obvious commotion. Mam stands in the doorway, watching quietly.
“Valentina!” Bronwyn walks in, carrying large shopping bags. “I was hoping today might be the day that he lets you—”
“No,” I say sternly. Valentina and Bronwyn give me a dirty look.
“She's not fucking leaving the house today, Bronwyn,” I snap. “There's something afoot. You both are staying here.”
“You can't tell me—”
“Yes, he can,” Seamus says, stalking in. “None of you are safe. We baited the Irish, brought them here to Ballyhock. Now they've arrived.”
“I have plans tonight. Come on, Seamus, I'm not doing this again,” she says.
“You'll obey me in this, or I'll lock you up and throw away the fucking key,” Seamus begins, but Mam appears in the doorway and shakes her head.
“Really, Seamus.”
He grumbles and walks away, still holding Bronwyn’s gaze.
“Come, Bronwyn,” Mam says, raising her arm. “Let's get something cooking in the kitchen, shall we? You said you wanted to make those American cookies.”
