“River.” Her name sounded like a prayer, an apology.
While they stared at one another from across the room, MacGregor filled the silence with suggestions, orders, and demands. “Rowan, please take my room. There is a couch you might want to grab, Hugh. Due to the lateness, Hugh and I decided to leave here by nine, which is less than six hours from now.
“We’ll have a report on Delton’s package in less than forty-eight. Tom, you and Dixon patrol the perimeter until I relieve you. Ms. O’Connor, go to bed now. You’re about to fall asleep standing.”
River turned to see Jo bristle at Thomas’ high-handedness. She shocked the hell out of her guard, though, when she commented, “You aren’t the only guard on duty now.”
River had to cover her mouth from letting out an indelicate squawk. HB’s whole body turned to stone as if Josephine O’Connor was Medusa. He waited until he heard the click of the front door, meaning his men weren’t there to witness their boss toss a squealing Jo over his shoulder, disappearing into her bedroom.
Everyone was shocked but River. After his speech earlier, there were no doubts as to his ultimate end game. Hugh looked at his son, who still hadn’t made a move toward River, and asked Rowan if she would mind if he took the couch. He was attempting to give them privacy, which was thoughtful.
“Sure, Mr. O’Faolain. I have no doubt you can resist any wiles I might accidentally throw your way.” Rowan’s parting shot had Hugh tipping his head back. His eyes closed. Most likely praying for an intervention.
And that left two. The silence was unbearable. All the other bullshit and betrayal, pictures and pain— could not be allowed a second life. She’d already forgiven Patrick. Tonight. The photo album, the tears, the insecurities— all of it —should not, could not, be laid at Patrick’s feet.
Patrick and River.
River and Patrick.
“I promised you forever, Patrick.”
He rocked back on his feet as if a physical blow had landed a direct hit to his gut. “You did, but... that was before?—”
River cut him off. “No buts. I won’t lie and say seeing the photographs didn’t throw me. They did wound me. They did fucking hurt me again, damn it!” She walked closer to where Patrick stood, looking for all the world like his life was over. Taking his huge hands in her own, she destroyed all doubts about where their relationship stood.
“I promised you forever. I meant it. You promised me forever. Did you mean it?”
“Jesus, River. Forever and a day.” He pulled her close to his body. Wrapping his arms tight around her body, he lifted her until she could wrap her legs around his waist.
They stood for several minutes in a silent embrace.
“I’ve been so worried. It meant everything that you wanted me here.”
River pulled back from where she’d tucked her face against Pat’s neck. He continued to stroke his hand over her hair and down her back. River thought it soothed him as much as it did her. “From here on out, let us be clear on at least this one thing. You love me, and I love you. That, Mr. O’Faolain, is the present and future for us.”
* * *
Patrickand his family were in a meeting with MacGregor in one of The Fitzwilliam’s conference rooms again. He, Bran, and Dad hadn’t kitted out their conference room at the O Building yet. Dean and James O’Connor were present on Zoom. Holding River in his arms all night in Inverness, then last night in their own apartment, had done wonders for his stress over the Delton situation.
That piece of shit would not destroy his relationship with River. Not. Ever.
“My people confirmed that the package was mailed inside Dublin. Delton could have had someone do it for him, but the detectives and FBI believe he’s here. His MO suggests that his ego wouldn’t allow others to take part in what he perceives ashisaccomplishments.
“The photo album was old and had several fingerprints, none matching Delton. Unsurprising, as he’s always been careful. The powder that coated the album that caused River’s skin rash was fiberglass. Its prickly particles are synthetic but contain some glass. The more River rubbed her skin or scratched, the worse it became.
“There are several manufacturing plants in the Dublin area where he could have obtained the substance. The FBI will be here by tonight. Delton made a mistake in giving away his location. Dublin is small when measured against the United States. His stunts, along with his need to brag, will be his downfall.”
“Until he’s caught, what does that mean for our families?” Dad asked.
“It means we stay in groups. Food needs to be ordered anonymously. Grocery services where Delton can’t anticipate how to hurt us in advance. It means, Mr. O’Connor, your daughter needs to stay with me at The Fitzwilliam, where monitoring is easier. It means Rowan Byrne moves into the O Building. There is added security in staying together.
“I believe that with the FBI coming, knowing the perpetrator is here, he’ll be run to ground sooner rather than later.”
37
Stance.
Sight Alignment.
