Page 61 of Sullivan

“That’s his story to tell you, lass. Growing up where we did wasn’t easy. Gangs were prevalent—some worse than others. Sully did what he had to, I think. My Niall was deep into the life when Finn took him to Canada, which I was grateful for. Sully moved on and found his own path with his career. Moved away to escape it. Some didn’t.”

“Like the ones last night?”

She shook her head. “That’s more an attitude. Young pups who think they know everything and that the rules don’t apply to them. I’m glad Sully was there and put them in their place. We don’t have many. Since Finn and Niall bought me this place, life is more peaceful. It’s a lovely village, and what happened last night was rare. Just a bunch of arses trying to be more than they are.” She patted my hand. “You’re grand.”

I frowned, and she smiled. “That means not to worry.”

I nodded in understanding. I was learning lots of little Irish phrases I could use. Sully would love it.

A hand folding over mine brought me out of my musings.

“You’ve yawned twice in the past ten minutes.”

“I’m tired.”

“We’ll be home by eight. I’ll tuck you into bed early.”

“I was going to unpack.”

“Do it tomorrow. You can have a bath when we get home and get a good rest.”

I leaned my head on his shoulder. I liked the sound of that.

SULLY

I yanked a hand through my hair in vexation. “I just got back from Dublin. Now you want me to go back?”

My boss, Archie, regarded me steadily. “Unfortunately, yes. I need you there for this. McFadden is ill and can’t go. Zoom won’t work. It needs to be in person.”

I wanted to thump my head on the desk and say no. But I couldn’t. I knew how important this was to the firm. But it meant a couple nights away from Autumn, and our time together was dwindling fast. She had barely settled into my place, and even though I knew she’d be back, the thought of her leaving loomed in my head constantly.

“You can fly there later tonight and home on Wednesday,” Archie offered.

“As long as things go well.”

“And with you there, I know they will.”

“Fine. I’ll catch up on what I can and go home to pack. I’ll get Lloyd to book me out on the late flight.”

He nodded and left, and I shouted for Lloyd, telling him what I needed.

“On it,” he assured me.

Then I called Autumn and told her the news.

“Oh, okay,” she said. “You’re grand.”

“What?”

She giggled. “Roisin taught me that one. It’s fine, Sully. Except I have a meeting at five I can’t get out of, so I won’t see you.”

“Dammit.”

“I’ll see you Wednesday,” she soothed. “Bonnie and I were going out for drinks tomorrow anyway. Everything is good.”

“I’ll miss you,” I grumped.

“I’ll miss you, but I will see you the day after tomorrow. That doesn’t sound so bad, does it?”