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 may not have trusted Archie McDougal, but his brothers and mother will protect Deja like their own. Especially Orla.
“I don’t want to get into what this all means,” Da says on the other end.
I pulled him into the call before we got into things. Uncle Finlay picked Deja up from my parents’ home. I was glad to hear she had spent the night there with Kate.
I look across the desk at LaSalle and see the wheels turning in his head. I’m pretty sure he’s thinking what I am.
“I’ll say it for ya. Oland has gotten bold because Da is gone. He’s trying to stop what Da and Lennox set in motion,” Uncle Finlay says.
“Are we sure Deja is safe with them?” LaSalle says. “Ken was in denial that his brother was involved in all of this. Who’s to say Archie hasn’t created a situation in Scotland we aren’t aware of? Deja could be a sitting duck regardless of his demise.”
“One, Ken, Ewan, and Duncan understand whose daughter they have in their care. They all know what this means. Two, Orla intends to keep Deja in the village with her.
“If and when she goes to the castle, it will most likely be under the watch of Ken. Oland and his remaining minions have to tread lightly now that Archie isn’t his spy. We find those diaries and documents and things will change.”
LaSalle grunts. “If this is what you want. However, I’d like to get those watchers in play. This is exactly the type of thing we’ll need them for.”
I nod. The watchers were a great idea. I actually think we’ll be able to make that happen.
Oland has made moves as of late that have worked more in our favor than his. He just doesn’t see it yet. I try not to grin as I think of how he has fucked up.
“Cole isn’t going to take this well. How do ye plan to keep him from running in there to take her away with him?” Uncle Finlay says.
I sigh. I’ve been thinking about this. I know my brother. Going after Deja is the first thing he will do.
For her safety, I can’t have that. Cole can’t know the truth. I’m doing this for his own good.
“As far as he knows, Angus was in an accident and Deja is missing. This will remain need-to-know. Oland doesn’t know we’re onto him.
“The Walsh brothers’ deaths were made to look like accidents. I don’t want anyone outside of us to know where the girls are. Ken’s request is reasonable.
“They shouldn’t look like they’re involved until we have a firm hold on this. Time, we need time.”
“Och, I will continue to do my part,” Uncle Finlay says.
“Thank you. If Oland knew Granda had already handed over the clan to me, he would force my hand. We’re not ready for any of that,” I reply.
“Where do we stand with McTavish?” my father asks.
“He’s still willing to play ball. He knows Oland is behind his grandson’s murder. He believes the target was his other grandson, but somehow there was a mix-up.
“He’s out for blood. Oland has handed us another loyal ally,” Uncle Finlay replies.
“Good, we’ll keep that in mind. Let’s do anything we can to ease his grief. Cover the funeral costs and anything else we can,” I order.
“Already done. I took care of it,” my da says.
“All right. Keep me posted on anything you guys hear. Let’s not assume he’s done making his moves.”
“Aye, Logan. Talk to ye soon, lad,” Uncle Finlay says before he hangs up.
Brooklyn
I roar with anger as I destroy Logan’s office. I told him. I told him we shouldn’t have left Deja behind.
My chest heaves as I place my hands on my hips and look over the mess I’ve made. I shake my head and run a hand through my hair. Stumbling to the nearest wall, I then press my forehead to it.
I don’t want Logan to see the tears as they run down my face. Donald and Angus Walsh are dead. Wherever Deja is, she has to be destroyed.
I can only hope she’s with her mum, safe and outside of Oland’s reach. If I don’t keep that hope, I’m going to lose it completely. I loathe that son of a bitch so much.
“I’m going to kill him.” I seethe.
“Right now isn’t the time. We take him off the board at the wrong time and it will all implode. For now, we leave this be.”
“Leave it be. Leave it be? If he has hurt her or does because we’ve left him breathing. Logan—”
“I know, Cole.”
I wipe the tears from my face and spin to face him. I don’t understand how he can be so calm. Deja has been a part of our family for as long as I can remember.
I narrow my eyes at him. “Why aren’t you angry?”