I cross my heart. “Promise. So, if Kiera’s not sweet on a guy in the area—”
“No, lassie. She’s too young, and when she’s old enough, she’ll like a man like, Da.”
I glance at the sun resting on the horizon. A colorful rainbow arcs over the fresh, dewy earth. While I haven’t marveled at God’s craftsmanship since Belize, it’s Kieran’s statement that rocks me and not the picturesque view.
“Tell me about your father.” My eyes drink in Kieran’s arduous features. Determination clutches his thick brows. The striking coal gray glint of his eyes. The way he holds himself even while sitting, confident, deadly, like a trained soldier. He’s spoken of his papa in a seemingly positive light by implicating that Kiera will fall for a man like their father. What an honor, right?
“So, Kier, tell me about your father.”
“I’ve said all I need to say. He lacked the protective capacity. Once Kiera behaves, she’ll attend college, find a similar man.”
“Hmmm, a HEA?” Folding my arms, I watch confusion descend around Kieran. “A HEA—happily ever after. But does her future includeyouor the rest of her clan?”
36
Kieran
Aconsuming silence obstructs the space between the three of us: Me. Ava. Mam. The moment I contemplate calling the MacKenzies, I beg for dead air.
“Calling them signifies you can’t keepyour very ownsister safe,”Mam argues, darkening the space between Ava and me. “Just when I assumed I’d not feel a smidge more disappointment in you.”
Please,I silently implore.
“What’s with you, son? Ewan called you a defective like your da while you were growing up.Iencouraged and supported you, son. Now, I agree with my brother. You go ‘round begging like a pussy?”
Mam, you never said such words while alive! Uncle Ewan called me defective, a reverse psychological tactic, while I was, what? Nine, ten years old, Mam. He created—
“A monster,”Mam cuts in.
My knuckles clutch tighter around the steering wheel.
Ava softly says, “We will find her.”
I stiffen at the soft laughter between us.
“Kieran,” Ava speaks again.
A little while ago, as a ferry transported my Audi to Scotland, my little bird tried to cheer me up. I was almost seeing the bright side, and then Mam butted in.
Attune to every thought in my mind, Mam sniggers. “Ava’s a nice one. A couple of years ago, I’d thank God you met a nice one. Once I arrive in heaven, though, I’ll ask the big guy to send a hurricane to separate the two of you. Your wee bird can do much better, son.”
Feeling ambushed by Mam’s sarcasm, I speak aloud, “Why aren’t you in heav?”
I bite my mouth shut.Oh,feck. Now you look like a numpty, Kier.
Eyebrows pulled pensive, Ava groans. “I heardthat.Please talk to me,porfavor.”
“Alright,” I growl.
Half a minute later, Ava murmurs, “I’m waiting . . .”
“Mam blames me for killing Da. He died a year ago, a form of retaliation. So, if you must know why I need to get my wee sister back,” I let out a dry, humorless loud laugh, “that’s why.”
“Kieran, way to brush over a serious topic. We can discuss this more when you’re ready. Listen, you wouldn’t be human if you didn’t care where your sister was.”
Although I gave Ava the short answer, I clear my throat and add, “Tell that to Mam. To her, I’m the scum of thefeckingearth. The wee bit ofshitethat sticks to the bottom of your boots after you walk in a pile of heaping, hot, dogshite.” I jerk my stiff jaw.
“Your mom died, though, Kieran.”