Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 98697 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 493(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98697 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 493(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
I know right away this kid should have kept to the shadows and held his secrets there with him. Coming here was stupid. The fact that Oland allowed him in the same room with me says as much.
“I’ll be in touch. Ya tell no one what ya told me,” Oland continues.
“Aye, I’m still working on Deja. And I think I have an idea of how to come between her and Kate.”
“Ach, ya don’t worry about any of that, lad.”
“Oh, okay, well, I’ll be going now.”
Oland waves him off dismissively. The kid gets up and looks at me, then licks his lips and rushes from the room. No matter how fast he moves, he can’t get away from what he just started.
I shrug it off and turn to Oland. The evil gleam in his eyes says a million words. The wheels are turning and he’s about to make someone’s life miserable.
“Three years ago, this path was tolerable. Now that Ian is dead and I’ve made my new friends, I don’t need to deal with that Scottish trash.”
“McDougal?”
“Aye, since I don’t know where the leak is coming from, it’s time to wash me hands clean. So it is. He can go with the rest of them, he can.
“I have one last task for him. This one should get him killed for sure, it will. If it doesn’t, ya will take care of him.
“It’s time I erase the Walsh bloodline once and for all. The McDougals will get what’s coming too. The Alliance will never see the light of day.”
My mind races to understand his change in loyalty. If that’s even what it can be called. I don’t think this man is loyal to anything but himself.
“So you trust them?”
“Ach, I trust no one. At the end of the day, it will always come down to me Irish blood. Everyone else serves me purpose. Now go kill the boy. McTavish needs to learn a lesson, he does.”
“Aye.” I stand and leave.
CHAPTER 7
Best Friends
Deja
The O’Brien home has always felt so welcoming to me. Even now, as Kate and I sit in the living room playing board games with Jamie and Dylan, I feel right at home.
I was excited when Kate asked me to come over for a sleepover. I was hoping I would get a chance to see Cole and talk to him about what happened the night of the bonfire.
I keep looking at the door, waiting for him and Logan to walk in. They haven’t yet and it’s almost time for bed. Kara has already told us we can play one more round before time to turn in.
I’m sure she meant that for Jamie and Dylan, but Kate and I usually call it a night when they do. Maybe I can get Kate to put in a movie.
I get lost in thought as my mum’s voice from earlier comes back to me. She sounded off when I called to ask if it was okay for me to stay the night here.
She said yes, but there was something about the way she answered the line that tugged at my ear. I almost changed my mind. However, once I asked, she sort of had relief in her voice.
She and Da went to Dublin this morning. Da had to head there on business. I believe Mum just wanted to tag along.
“Oww, what’s wrong with ya,” Jamie groans.
“Yer a cheater,” Dylan whines.
“So ya hit me?”
“Aye, I did. Stop trying to cheat.” Dylan pouts.
He’s so stinking cute. His blond hair has grown to fall in his face. He’s been combing it out of his blue eyes all night.
Jamie grumbles under his breath as he rolls his eyes. It’s the same thing every time. Jamie does cheat.
I think he only does it to taunt his little brother. The smirk on his lips says it all. Quickly, I take my turn before the two start to really fight.
The door opens and I perk up, only to sag my shoulders once again as I see it’s only Uncle Dougie. Aunt Kara comes out to greet him with a kiss. I love Kate’s parents.
Watching them always puts a smile on my face. I would never question their love for each other. It’s clear to see by watching them.
Dougie turns to look into the living room where we are and a look crosses his face when he sees me. Something between sadness and pity. I’m not sure which as he clears his throat and comes to sit down on the couch.
“Ya kids wrap this. Ye should be getting to bed,” he says.
“Aw, Da. Mum said we could finish one more game. Please,” Dylan pleads.
“I will not tell ya again,” he says.
“Ach, this week has sucked. First, Logan and Cole had to leave, now we can’t even finish our game,” Jamie mutters.
I whip my head in his direction and knit my brows. Cole and Logan left? I had no idea they had already left to return to America.