I go crazy in Paddy’s arms, kicking and scratching at him, screaming for them not to hurt Tristan. Niall pushes past us, disappearing down the steps as Paddy’s hand clamps on my mouth.
“Stop this now!” he barks at me. “You’ll hurt yourself.”
“You have no idea what you saw, heard, or are talking about,” I hiss against his hand.
He glares at me. “You’re right. Which is why you’ll be explaining yourself to Seamus.”
He seems to think that it is a threat of some sort. Of course I’m going to fucking explain everything to Seamus while I’m demanding Tristan be let go. I stop fighting immediately, allowing Paddy to drag me to Seamus’s office.
He lifts his hands to knock as we get to the door but pauses at the angry, raised voice floating through the door.
“You disrespect my wife one more time, to her face or behind her back, you’re fired. In fact, you even look in the direction ofmy wifeone more time. You’re fired. Now get the fuck out of my sight.”
I blink in surprise, and the door in front of us wrenches open. Tahlie’s scared, wide eyes land on my face, and all the blood drains out of her face.
Spinning around, she squeaks, “I’m sorry.”
She squeals as a glass smashes near her, and shoves past us as she runs down the corridor. I stare after her in shock, noting that the skirt of her short, tight dress is tucked up practically around her waist.
There is a sour, bile taste in my mouth as Paddy pulls my attention off Tahlie, tugging me into the room, the broken glass crunching underneath our feet.
I stumble a little as he shoves me into the chair across the desk from the wing-backed leather chair Seamus is seated in. Seamus stands as I fall into the seat. He looks furiously at Paddy, who shoots a glare at him, turning to me. Before he can speak, I’m yelling at him.
“Where did Connor take Tristan? What is downstairs? You lay one finger on him, and I’ll fucking kill you!”
Now they’re both staring at me, open-mouthed.
“What the fuck is going on?’ Seamus snaps, his face dark as thunder. “Who the fuck is Tristan?”
“And why does he want you back?” Paddy adds. A terrifying growl rumbles out of Seamus. Shit. Tristan better not end up like Ant. I’d never forgive him. Any of them. I’d make them pay. He’s just a kid.
“‘Another fucking ex?” Seamus spits.
Paddy looks disgusted. “Jesus fuck, I hope not. He can’t be more than fifteen.”
Seamus’s eyes widen, turning away from Paddy to stare at me. Paddy’s face is filled with revulsion. Seamus looks more confused, though his dark vibes gather like storm clouds, rumbling beneath the surface.
I fight the urge to roll my eyes. I need to stay calm so nothing happens to Tristan.
“His name is Tristan Caulfield. He is thirteen, and I was his caseworker until almost two months ago.”
“Jesus.” Seamus’s eyes flutter closed briefly, relief flashing across his face.
With a jolt, it occurs to me that he was worried I was threatening their lives over an ex. I make a mental note to unpack that later, along with Tahlie’s half-dressed exit from his office, and take a deep breath before continuing.
“Somehow, he tracked me down here. It appears he’s not entirely comfortable with his new caseworker. I didn’t get any more information before he started vomiting, and Connor took him downstairs.”
“Vomiting?” Seamus frowns. “Is the lad sick?”
Paddy hesitates as I shoot him a poisonous glare.
“Just shocked by all the blood and Niall’s appearance with a sheet-wrapped body,” I snap.
Seamus rubs a hand over his eyes. “Jesus fucking Christ.”
I cross my arms over my chest, lifting my chin defiantly. “I want to see him.”
Paddy looks furious, but Seamus nods thoughtfully. It’s Seamus’s reaction I focus on. It’s the only one that matters.