AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Brittas Bay reminds me of a storybook town with well-kept cottages and a sparse cluster of stores and pubs dotted along the main road.
“It’s adorable.”
“Did your mam have pictures of her childhood here? I don’t suppose it’s changed much. Not much does this far from the city.”
“No, I don’t think much has changed, but that’s a good thing. Why change perfection?”
Hearing myself say those words reminds me of Tag saying them in his office to the McGuire brothers. Not for the first time in the past hour and a half, I wonder how his plans are going.
Will he be able to retaliate in a way that is targeted enough to make an impact but also keep innocents safe?
For his sake, and the sake of his family and the people of Dublin, I hope so.
I realize the vehicle isn’t moving and snap out of my thoughts. “Sheep!”
We’re waiting for the farmers to hustle a herd of puffy sheep across the road.
“That’s amazing.”
Finn laughs. “Glad you think so. The longer you stay in Ireland, the less amazing that will seem.”
“Nonsense. They’re adorable. Maybe when I get settled, I’ll rent a cottage with a barn behind and get a couple of sheep of my own.”
Finn laughs some more. “Aye, that’s an idea.”
It’s not long after when the GPS has us stopping along the curb. Out my window sits a curved laneway leading up to a lovely stone farmhouse hidden in a grove of trees.
Several cars are already parked in front of the house, and I wonder about the gathering. “When I called, my Auntie Maeve seemed very excited to meet me. I hope I don’t disappoint.”
Finn pulls us into the drive and pulls off to the side of the lane behind one of the other cars. “I doubt that’s possible, Laine. You are lovely. Now, go in there and meet your family.”
“Aren’t you coming?”
Finn shakes his head. “Och, no. This is your moment, and my presence will only stir up questions. Go along. I brought a book I’ve been reading and am eager to see what happens next.”
He throws his thumb over his shoulder toward the backpack in the backseat.
“All right. But I don’t care about stirring up questions. It was good of you to bring me here, Finn. I appreciate it.”
He flashes me a quick wink, and the move is so reminiscent of his oldest brother it’s remarkable. “Off you go, lass. Meet your kin.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
Laine
Shuffling my way up the stepping stone walkway, I hear the boisterous celebration my aunt is hosting inside. Was this a bad day to drop in? Am I crashing her plans? Maybe I should’ve waited until after I got Mom back from the pub.
How do I explain that to my family?
Telling them I lost my mother in the chaos of a pub shoot-out won’t win me any points, so I decide to avoid that if I can. I move to sling my purse higher over my shoulder, but nope…it’s gone too.
With no idea what to expect, I climb the steps to the porch. Before I can knock, the screen flies open and a teenage girl squeals. “She’s here, Auntie, and she’s so beautiful. Come and see.”
I smile. “Hey, I’m Madelaine, but I go by Laine.”
“I’m Erin. Come inside. We’re all waiting for your arrival. Auntie said we couldn’t eat until you got here.”
I laugh. “You didn’t need to hold lunch for me. It sounds like you’ve got a houseful. If today’s a bad day, I can always come back.”
