Bran had left Raven’s business that morning and looked up and down the block. Next door was a narrow, four-story brick building. The lowest level was modern gray stone blocks. Very different from Triskelion’s old-world front of heavy wood and brick, but they complimented each other. He wanted it. When Bran explained his thoughts— a story each for them, with the lowest level walking into a living room and bar for get-togethers. Guest bedrooms in the back— Dad and Patrick wanted it too.
He smiled, remembering Saoirse’s initial, “That building isn’t for sale, Mr. O’Faolain. Nor have I heard so much of a whisper of anyone wanting to move it privately.”
“So, can you find out who owns it and call them this morning?”
She huffed into the phone but asked, “Are you serious about this?”
“My girlfriend, hopefully wife soon, is pregnant and living next door. I want it.”
“I see. I’ll get my ass back to the office then and make some calls. Keep your phone close. If I can even get the owner to consider selling, I’ll need to call you immediately if they give me a price.”
Bran, Patrick, and Dad wandered around Dublin for over an hour. They ran into Jo and Thomas. Jo was all smiles and exuberant about her mom’s birthday present and how much her dad was going to love it too. Thomas only watched the crowd, and Bran noticed, kept his big body between his charge and the road.
O’Connor obviously decided not to chance his daughter’s safety even though she’d left the country. The detective didn’t believe that Raven was in any danger, but would the stalkerfollow Bran to Ireland? He needed to talk to the detective this afternoon.
“Do you guys want to have dinner tonight? Honey and I were thinking of a more quiet, romantic evening.” She moved close to Thomas and gave him a side hug. “Isn’t that right?”
Thomas didn’t so much as blink.
She turned her attention back to them. “He’s shy, but I can assure you, it was his idea. He even asked if we could plan dancing. Of course, I told him I didn’t bring an appropriate dress. I mean, a woman can’t plan foreverything. Of course, my Honey Bunny is a problem solver, as you’d imagine. And heinsistedwe go dress shopping.”
Bran was trying very,veryhard not to laugh. MacGregor must have really pissed off Jo. “That sounds... fun, but I’d planned on spending the evening alone with Raven tonight.”
Jo sobered, all teasing set aside. “Of course, Bran. I’m truly happy things worked out between you two. She’s tried to put a brave face on it, but she’s been miserable without you. You’ve been equally miserable but didn’t try to hide it.”
Patrick laughed. “Truth. He’s been unbearable. Dad and I are both thankful Raven took him back.”
“Okay, well. No candlelit dancing tonight.” She glanced at Thomas over her shoulder. “You even got waxed this morning. Pity.” Resuming their conversation, she explained, “BunBun has the cutest tuxedo panties, and hairy... parts... just don’t work.”
“Josephine.” His dad growled from behind him. Bran was surprised to hear him speak. Besides telling him to buy the property, he had spoken maybe five words since the blow-up about the girls’ flat.
Jo blushed but ignored the reprimand. “So, we’ll let the newly reunited couple have their alone time. Pat, why don’t you see if the girls want to meet for drinks, fish and chips, and livemusic. Honey and I will need to relax after all the shopping today.”
Patrick already had his phone out. “If they agree, I’ll have River text you for the details. The six of us should be able to find a good table somewhere if we don’t go too late.”
“Perfect. See you guys. I’m ready, Honey.”
As they walked away down the sidewalk, Bran shook his head as they watched Jo lace her fingers through MacGregor’s. It was war between those two. His money was on Jo.
“Jesus, Jo is definitely on one. I’ll have to tell James to let his old man know to triple whatever price he agreed to pay MacGregor.”
Bran’s phone started ringing. He answered, “O’Faolain.” It was Miss Kennedy.
He put it on speaker and moved into a wide doorway out of the wind. “He wasn’t interested. He rents the floors out to different businesses and tenants. For shits and giggles, I asked him to name his price.”
“And?”
“Fifteen million. American.”
That was only five mil split between them, with another few million in renovations. He looked to his dad and brother. They nodded.
“Tell him we accept. All cash, no contingencies. But I want everyone out immediately.”
“Wha... wha... what? That’s... you’re serious, Mr. O’Faolain?”
“Very. I expect you to call me back immediately.” He hung up, deciding to find a warm pub to celebrate.
Bran leaned back in his chair where they’d settled at a small, comfortable pub in the Temple Bar District. His glass of Jameson vibrated beside his drumming fingers.
