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Chapter 21
Cahill
We have searched everywhere we can think of, even to places we knew his mother went. We are not giving up, we can’t. I am pacing back and forth in my office at home. Ruairi has my men and is leading them, while Liam is searching with Marco and his men, both are reporting back. I have another smaller team searching with wee Dickie in charge. She has been gone for hours, nearly a full twelve hours now. If I don’t find her soon, she will be—No! I’m not even going down that train of thought. I will find her.
Aoife is in bits. She is blaming herself, and it’s not her fault. Only Jonathon’s fault for doing this. Lauren is staying with Aoife, hopefully she is still asleep.
My office door opens. My mam walks in, catching me looking at my phone. I am looking at the pictures I took of Sophie when we went to Bray for a walk along the sea. They were better, brighter days than what I am facing right now. She looked so happy and peaceful, I want to see that again and I will.
“You ok, Mam?” She hands me a coffee and takes a seat on the sofa.
“Son, I am grand, but you aren’t. You be again when you will find her. Search with your heart, not your head. Sophie’s heart is beating, calling for you, follow it. I have every faith in you, and so would your father if he was here today.”
“Mam… I am scared. I can’t lose her. I love her. She is my one. She is my weakness, which means more men will come after her the longer she stays with me. What am I going to do, Mam?” I sit down beside her and hold my head in my hands and let the tears fall. I have failed her miserably. I should never have kept her. I am the wrong man for her.
“Cahill, you are the best man for her. She loves you. And more importantly, she is a fighter, she will fight for you, and by your side, and be the queen this family needs. Now drink up that coffee, shake it off, and get back to work. Follow your heart, Cahill.” Mam stands up and is about to leave. I can’t believe how much faith she has in me. I doubt myself all the time.
“I was taken from your dad, once, many years ago, he burnt the city till he got me, and no-one ever touched me again. You and your men are doing just that. No one will want to deal with your wrath, Cahill Traynor. Also, I was going to make roast beef for dinner tonight, so hurry up and get Sophie home. You both can’t be late for dinner.”
And shuts the door. Only my mother would worry about dinner in a time of crisis. If anything, she has given me a newfound hope and reminded me of who I am.
Just as I’m finishing my coffee, I get an update from the lads. Jones storms in and I look up at him. I am not sure what he is about to say, but he was in the forces, and I have a lot of respect for him.
“I know it’s not my place, but I believe Jonathon would have taken Sophie back to her apartment block. Maybe he’s using her apartment, or the boiler room with loads of space. I know you are thinking why would he go there? Why not there? Lauren is here. Sophie still has access to the building, so he isn’t breaking or entering. And I am sure he has been watching the building for a few weeks to see the comings and goings. If I was him, that is what I would do.” Jones is pacing, he’s worse than me.
“I know you are thinking I’m crazy, but by the sounds of it you have tried everywhere else. Why don’t we go? We can have a little look about and call for back up if we need it.”
I am starting to think Jones might be on to something. He is right, we have tried everywhere else. The boys are torturing men for information, someone has to know something. What would be the harm in Jones and me going? Give us something to do. Jones is a great man to have by my side, after all, he is better trained than me.
“Come on, Cahill, it’s worth a shot. I need to do something to help. Sophie was like a sister, even a daughter to me. She gave me a new purpose, and never judged me, always wanting to help. I want to help. You know I’m more than a chef. I can’t believe I am saying this, but please, Cahill.” He looks defeated, exhausted just like me. Jones would have made an amazing father but that wasn’t on the cards for him.
“What have we got to lose? Come on. I will drive, you get the goodies.” I smirk.
“Time to blow up this city.”
“Fuck yes!!!” I hear Jones whoop with joy as he makes his way over to grab the guns and other toys. He likes bombs the best. Out of all weapons, they are his favorite toy. He is an amazing marksman, but he just enjoys throwing the bombs, and watching their faces as they realize they are fucked with nowhere to go. Hm, he might be a little sick in the head. I have to admit I am too because I’m the same.
I pass Mam in the kitchen, and wink at her. She smiles, knowing I am going to get my woman back.
I reach the door when I hear, “Cahill.” It’s Aoife, she should be sleeping.
“You ok? Something spook you?” I ask as I embrace her.
“I’m sorry. I just don’t know what else to say. This is my entire fault. I should have told her no and made her wait for you. I can’t believe I didn’t think. I should have known better. I grew up in this life, she didn’t.” Aoife cries on my shoulder. I pull her back and look into her eyes,
“This is not your fault. I am going to get her back. And then I am marrying her sweet ass. She will be your sister in no time. I need you to stay with Mam and keep an eye on Lauren. She has no clue about our life. She is also a lawyer, so try to tell her very little. Please. Now, I need to get going so I can be back in time for dinner with Sophie, or Mam will have my ass on a plate.” I smile.
I am anything but calm and happy but try to project I am to my sister. Aoife smiles at me and heads off to help Mam in the kitchen, probably hoping mam will make her some tea.
I get to the car. Jones is ready and waiting for me. Ok. I can do this. I can take Jonathon out if it comes down to it.
On the drive over I fill Jones in on Sophie’s father.
“He just turned up hoping the last twenty-five years meant fuck all, and Sophie would play happy families with him? He sounds like a right dick. Tell me you sent him on his fucking way?”
“I sent him off to Muff. He is going to see Sophie’s mam. He overheard Sophie was taken, which makes me think he will try to contact Jonathon. I am hoping he doesn’t make contact because I’m worried if he does that it will get Sophie killed quicker, and I won’t be able to reach her in time.”
I am showing my weakness, but I know Jones has my back and he understands. Jones has been in love before, but that is his story to tell.
