Page 66 of Irish Betrayal

“Pound harder next time. The wood isn’t splintered yet,” Rowan snarked as she spun on her heel and stomped to the kitchen center island.

The three flats were set up in a similar fashion: an open kitchen and living room area, with bedrooms, a gym, and an office in the back.

She shoved his favorite brown and cream checked button-up to his chest. “All the buttons were loose, so I repaired them.”

Ulf instantly felt terrible that he’d asked her to do it, so instead of saying thank you, he said, “Why didn’t you take the damn thing to a launderette if it was so much trouble?” he snarled.

“Because I’m perfectly capable of fixing a few buttons, you ungrateful ass,” Rowan threw back.

“Fine. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, but you’re still an ass.”

“Noted. I’m going to see the PI about Samson and letting him know that Barr will be taking over the investigation.”

“Good. Coll needed to know in case your concerns are founded. I don’t like that mangy piece of shit anywhere near Blair. I asked Bébhinn about the man, and she was pretty tight-lipped except to say she never liked their friendship. She wasn’t aware that there might have been more between them, and I didn’t enlighten her.”

“Good call. Blair wouldn’t thank us for stirring up a storm here at home. I’m leaving then.” Ulf wasn’t sure why he was so damn surly with Rowan, but she brought out, not the worst, but something in him.

“Fine.”

Ulf didn’t hesitate with his next words because he knew he might change his mind if he waited, but she needed them.

“You’d be a fool to rebuild the memorial for Hugh.” He tried to ignore the instant tears that popped into her eyes and continued. “From what I’ve heard about the man, he’d be furious that you’d waste good land on something so frivolous. A memorial doesn’t make you remember him more or make your pain less.

“It’s a vanity he wouldn’t want, and I think it only makes you and Bébhinn sad when you see it. I say, bulldoze what’s left down. Make a pond for guests to stroll by or fish. Plant beautiful flowers and paths. Have a single fucking plaque for Hugh. Make it a place you’d like to sit by of an evening and not one you dread to look at.

“That’s it. I’m off.”

Ulf watched an array of emotions cross Rowan’s face, but thankfully, none of them were anger.

“You are a frustrating man,” she finally managed.

“I’ve been told.” He was about to walk out the door when she spoke again.

“Tell Dagr I would like to speak to him at his office. At his convenience. I’ve been considering building a children’s park near some of the poorer neighborhoods in Hugh’s name. I think he would have liked that.”

“From what my brothers have told me, I think you’re right.”

“Yes.”

“Fine then. I’m leaving now.”

“Fine.”

“Fine.”

thirty

BLAIR

“I won’t lie,” Dr. Bartel started, “but I have never liked that man. He’s creepy and arrogant. Not a great combination.”

“He is definitely both of those things.” Blair found a moment to speak with her professor before class the day after Daniel flew home. She hadn’t wanted to bother the busy woman, but she’d promised Daniel.

“Wait,” she stopped in the hall outside her office, holding up her hand, “is that why he’s here? Did he follow you specifically because that’s stalking you, Blair? I’m duty-bound to let the school’s administration know.

“If he is making you uncomfortable, he might very well be making another student feel the same.”