Page 27 of Guarding Salvation

Ten minutes later he leaned over and released the blindfold. “Sorry about that.”

Aoife gave him a small smile and looked to the window, no doubt trying to get her bearings. Lotus took a bend a little fast and Aoife slid into his side, the lap belt doing little to stop her, but as she went to move away, he put a hand out to stop her. He was in unchartered territory with Aoife. She was confident in some ways, the way she’d taken on Bás to make her case for coming with them evidence of that, but in other ways, she still seemed skittish. He’d need to tread carefully and make sure she felt secure.

“What kind of music do you like, Aoife?” Lotus caught his eyes in the rear-view mirror, and he could tell she’d picked up the same vibes and was trying to relax her. Despite her stand-off nature, Lotus was a good person. She should’ve been called hedgehog because she was sweet on the inside but seriously spikey on the outside.

“Um, pop, chart stuff, I guess. My father didn’t like music on in the house growing up, said it polluted the mind.”

“She likes Taylor Swift.”

Aoife glanced at him, a small smile on her face. “You remembered that?”

“Of course.”

“Well, let’s have a listen and see if we can find something we like, and I’ll try not to hold Taylor Swift against you.”

Lotus fiddled with the screen and before long music was blaring through the car as Lotus and Aoife sang along like they’d been friends for years, with Lotus, despite her derision, knowing every word to Shake it Off. He smiled to himself and thanked God there wasn’t any tequila in the car or fuck knew how this would’ve ended.

“We need to go out and party when this is all over and you’re free. Have a girl’s night and let our hair down.”

“I’m sure when this is over, I’ll be the last person you want to see.”

Bram frowned as he angled in his seat to see her expression. “Why is that?”

“Believe me, after the shit I’m going to land at your door, you’ll be glad to be rid of me.”

“Ack, Irish, you underestimate the shit we’re going to bring to Jimmy Doyle’s door. By the time we finish with him, he’ll be wishing he’d been the perfect parent to you and never had the unfortunate pleasure of meeting us.”

“Hooya.” Lotus laughed from the front and Aoife’s eyes widened.

“I’m starting to think you’re all a little bit crazy.”

Lotus laughed. “I’m insulted. I’m not a little bit anything.”

“Alright tone it down a bit, Naz. you’re gonna freak Aoife out.”

Lotus snorted. “As if seeing your pale ass and limp dick hasn’t done that already.”

“Oh my God, you two are worse than kids. And for the record, it wasn’t limp.”

Bram winked at Aoife as he laid his arm around her and kissed her head, breaking all his own rules, but at least he didn’t do what he really wanted to do which was kiss her until neither of them could think straight. “Damn straight it wasn’t”

“Okay enough foreplay, children, we’re almost there.”

Sure enough, they were driving through the middle of Hereford, over the new bridge, passing the football ground, and making a turn as they headed back out of town towards the Worcester Road. Lotus indicated and pulled into the drive where Peyton both lived and worked.

Aoife went to jump out, but Bram stopped her, his gaze on Lotus as they both spotted the side gate was open. Maybe nothing but neither were taking a chance. Bram unholstered his handgun from under his jacket and saw Lotus do the same. Aoife looked at them with wide eyes, seeming to sense something was off, and probably more than a little shocked at the sight of the weapons.

“Would that gate normally be open?”

Aoife shook her head. “No, Peyton has a new puppy and she worries about him getting on the road, so she’s anal about the gate being shut.”

“I need you to stay behind me.” Aoife nodded and he was pleased she was following his direction so well. “Good girl.”

Lotus exited first, with him moving in behind her. Grabbing Aoife’s hand he placed it on his waistband, and she held tight, moving in sync with him. He checked the front windows and found nothing amiss and they slowly, silently moved around the back. The back garden overlooked the Lugg flats which flooded regularly but were a great place for dog walkers and gave a direct escape route onto the main road out of town. At the far end of the garden was a wooden structure which was as large as his flat and was the building she must use for clients. Every part of his body was strung tight, his brain mission-focused, aware, as if every sense was heightened for danger.

Being friends with Smithy, he and Bram had talked about Peyton a few times. From what he knew, he agreed with Aoife about her loyalty. But he wasn’t about to take chances with her life.

Lotus nodded to the house, and he frowned, seeing the sliding patio door open. He motioned for Aoife to stay behind him as he and Lotus entered first. Plants and pots were smashed on the floor, and he could hear Aoife’s intake of breath at the first signs that all wasn’t well there. Lotus headed upstairs and he cleared the ground floor, finding no sign of Peyton or anyone else.