“And that discussion would take days and never be resolved.” Obviously intrigued, Fin studied Connor’s face. “Tell me this, did you want that to be the end of it?”
“After I got over wondering where all this had been hiding, from both of us, all our lives, no, I didn’t. Don’t.”
“Then, mo dearthair.” Fin slapped Connor’s shoulder. “It’s up to you to follow through.”
“I’m thinking on it. And now wondering if that moment or two on the side of the road might be why Cabhan took an interest in her today. Because I did, in that way? It’s not far thinking.”
“It’s not, no. He hurt you last night. It may be he tried to hurt you again, through Meara, today. So have a care, both of you.”
“I will, and I’ll see she does. Ah, there’s the three o’clocks. A mister and missus from Wales. Want to go along? I’ll fetch you a pack and glove.”
Fin started to decline, then realized it had been too long since he’d done a hawk walk with Connor. “I wouldn’t mind that, but I’ll get my own gear.”
Connor glanced up, spotted Merlin in the sky. “Will you take him? Trust one of them with him?”
“He’d enjoy it as well.”
“It’ll be a bit like old times then.”
When Fin went off for the gear, Connor took a quick glance at the time. As soon as he was able, he’d search out Meara. They had considerable to talk about, like it or not.
9
AS IF HER DAY HADN’T BEEN FRAUGHT ENOUGH, MEARA added on a frantic and weepy call from her mother that sent her searching out Boyle.
He sat in his office scowling as he was prone to scowl over paperwork.
“Boyle.”
“Why is it the numbers never tally the first time you do them? Why is that?”
“I couldn’t say. Boyle, I’m sorry
to ask but I need to go. My mother’s had a fire at the house.”
“A fire?” He shoved up from his desk as if he’d rush off to put it out himself.
“A kitchen fire, I think. It was hard getting anything out of her, as she was near hysterical. But I did get she’s not hurt, and didn’t burn the place down around her. Still, I don’t know how bad it all is, so—”
“Go. Go on.” He rounded the desk, taking her arm, drawing her out of the office. “Let me know what’s what as soon as you can.”
“I will. Thanks. I’ll do extra tomorrow to make up for it.”
“Just go, for Christ’s sake.”
“I’m going.”
She jumped in her lorry.
It would be nothing, she told herself. Unless it was something. With Colleen Quinn, you never knew which.
And her mother had been all but incoherent, wailing one minute, babbling the next. All about the kitchen, smoke, burning.
Maybe she was hurt.
The image of Connor, the black bubbling burn on his arm flashed through her mind.
Burning.