Page 76 of Beneath the Quiet

“What do you want?”

The sourness of his voice makes me grit my teeth.

“Your bull has gone astray again, Mr. Murdoch, and you need to come fetch it before it causes more damage than it already has.”

“I’ve got work to do.”

I don’t miss a beat. “So do I, and I’d rather spend my day solving real crimes than phoning you.”

“Harry’ll come home when he’s ready.”

I squeeze my phone tight, praying for patience. “Mr. Murdoch, I already told you that if you didn’t get your bull under control, there’d be consequences. And said consequences won’t be the good kind for a bull. I had hoped I’d made myself clear, but if that’s not the case…well, I’m sure you know what I mean.”

“You’re heartless!” he sputters.

“Not heartless, Mr. Murdoch, but I am determined to make sure the residents in this village don’t do things that’ll get them into trouble. Right now, you’re about to cross a line that mustn’t be crossed. Have I made myself clear this time?”

There’s silence for a couple of seconds. “Where is he?” he grumbles.

“Mrs. McCarthy’s flowers. I trust you know the address already.”

With that, I end the call. I cross my arms on a deep breath and watch the bull from a safe distance. “He’ll be here soon.”

Mrs. McCarthy steps into my line of view, chin held high as she peers into my eyes. “I think you’ve just accomplished the impossible.”

I raise my eyes at her, fighting to keep a straight face. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The war’s not over since he hasn’t fetched the brute yet. It’s too early to rejoice.”

Her lips twitch. “My money’s on you, that’s for sure.”

“I thought the people of Cloonmara didn’t mind Harry doing his walkabouts?”

She chuckles. “We don’t, but we don’t want to get into trouble with the law, either. We understand that times change and that we have to adapt to them.”

She squeezes my hands once before she back away. She raises her head, her attention caught by something behind me. “Well, if it isn’t Lord Cloonmara himself who’s come calling.” She chuckles.

Lord Cloonmara?

I whirl on my heel, my breath catching when I see Aidan walking up the path towards us.

I’m not ready to see him again, and yet I can barely look away from his tall frame. His lips pull up in his signature crooked smile, and my belly whooshes with delight when he stops close to me.

“Mrs. McCarthy.” His smile brightens, and my legs turn to jelly. “Maeve. What a coincidence.”

“We’re waiting for Murdoch to come for Harry,” Mrs. McCarthy explains. “What brings you out my way today?”

“I’m running low on your tea. Any chance I can purchase a few bags?”

She smiles, clearly pleased. “Of course you can. Anything for the lord himself.”

Aidan ducks his head and rubs his neck, and I watch him even more closely. He shakes his head. “Don’t start.”

I press my lips together, fighting a smile, but I know I don’t get away with it because he groans.

“Jesus.”

Is that how they see him? Like the village protector or something?

Somehow, I’m not really surprised, but now’s not the time to press him.