Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79046 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79046 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
I switched back to the women, pleased to see them holding their mugs and munching on toast. Anna looked better. Still pale and thin, but she’d been a hostage longer, and she would need more time to recover. I was going to talk to her today about my idea. But first, I needed to discuss it with Niall. I had a feeling he would be involved in the majority of her decisions from now on.
He walked in a few moments later. I tried to look busy, my laptop open, the security monitor back on Anna and Una. I watched as he got a coffee then ambled over, trying to appear casual as he looked over all the monitors, his gaze resting on one the longest.
He sat down, taking a sip of his coffee and setting it on the desk.
“I have news.”
I sat back. “Let me hear it.”
“Our contact at the cop shop told me they found a body about a mile from the racetrack.”
“Juan?”
He nodded. “They think so. General description fits.” He picked up his cup. “Died from blood loss. There was a bullet hole.”
“Can they do DNA? Fingerprints?”
“They tried. No hits, but he was an unknown. He called Lopez his uncle, but that wasn’t his real name. Could have been a son or a cousin or just some kid he recruited.” He took a sip. “Fingerprints aren’t, ah, possible.”
“Why?”
“His right arm is mostly missing—and part of his left. And his leg was being chewed on.”
I grimaced. “Part of me hopes he was still alive when they started chewing.”
“I have to agree.” He paused. “And our guy said he was wearing red sneakers. The same ones we saw Juan wearing with the tiger embroidery.”
“Well, that rather seals the deal.” I sat back, regarding him. “Have you told Anna?”
“Not yet. I will later. It might help her relax, knowing he’s not out there.”
“I’m going to talk to her later about my idea. Tell her she can stay in a room here until she’s on her feet and feels safe to live elsewhere.”
“Yeah, about that. She doesn’t need the room.”
I lifted one eyebrow. “Oh, why is that?”
“She can have Mum’s room.”
I tried to hide my smile behind my mug. “You mean the adjoining room to yours?”
“She’d feel safer being close. It’s private—she can keep the door locked. But I’d be close if she needed me.”
“Will it be locked on your side?” I asked.
He narrowed his eyes. “I’m doing this because she is Una’s friend. To help.”
I nodded. “Right. Of course. Una’s friend. To help.”
He leaned forward. “I haven’t shot anyone for a few days now, Finn. My finger is suddenly feeling itchy. You want to risk it?”
I chuckled and pointed to the monitor.
“She’s lovely, Niall. Intelligent. Sweet. Roisin would love her.”
“I don’t do relationships, Finn. I’m simply doing my part.”
“So, you’re not attracted to her?”
He opened his mouth then snapped it shut when I waved my finger at him. “Truth.”
“You can’t help but be attracted to her,” he huffed. “She’s incredible. But not for me. I’m not interested in something serious. And she’s the serious sort of girl.”
I picked up my phone and scrolled through it.
“What are you doing?”
“Marking today on my calendar.”
“What the hell for?”
“I’ll be reminding you of this stupid conversation, and I want you to know the date you denied how you feel.”
“I can’t deny something that’s not there.”
“You have no feelings for her?” I asked. “None?”
“Aside from concern, no,” he insisted. But I saw the way his gaze strayed to the monitor. And I swore I saw a flash of pain.
“Well then, working with her, sleeping that close, shouldn’t be a problem, should it?”
He stood. “I’m out of here. I have things to do.”
A few moments later, I began to laugh when I saw him back on the main floor, staring at Anna. The longing on his face was transparent. He glanced at the camera, knowing I was watching, and flipped me the bird, making me laugh again. Then he headed toward where she was sitting, and she looked up, her smile warm and wide when she saw it was him. I wondered if he knew how his expression changed. It morphed into a tender look and a smile that echoed hers.
“Goner,” I said to no one. “I wonder how long until he admits it?”
I had Una bring Anna upstairs for lunch. We met in the pub, the warm ambiance relaxing her. I wasn’t surprised when Niall strode in and joined us. He sat beside her, leaning over and asking her something quietly. She nodded.
“I’m fine,” she murmured.
“Good.”
We ordered, and I sat back, tapping Una’s leg under the table, indicating the couple on the other side with a slight tilt of my chin. She tapped me back, a small grin on her face.
After we ate our bowls of delicious Irish stew and fresh brown bread, I told Anna my offer. She stirred her coffee, frowning.