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“Who the hell is that?” He craned his neck, looking over at the door. Bridget realized the thudding sound hadn’t been just her heart, but someone pounding on the door as well. “Go away. It’s the middle of the night!” he called.
“It’s Sean MacDonald, Kelly. Open up.”
Callahan looked at her, and she saw the flash of fear before he covered it with his usual nonchalance.
“Give me a minute then. We’re not presentable.” He sat. “Go behind the screen and put something on.” His voice was low and his speech rapid. “Stay back there. I don’t want MacDonald to see you. If something goes wrong, go to the docks and be on the next packet to England.”
“But you—”
He put a finger over her lips. “I can take care of meself, lass. Now go.” He stood and pulled her up beside him, swatting her behind to make her move. But just as she started toward the screen, he grasped her wrist and yanked her back. He held her against him, bent down, and kissed her long and hard. “Don’t forget me, lass.”
“I would never—”
“Go!”
She scurried behind the screen and heard him moving about as well, the rustling sounds indicating he was pulling clothing on. She donned a chemise and was putting a wrapper over it when she heard Callahan’s footsteps on the floor as he crossed to the door. “What can I do for you? And your friends?”
Bridget bit her lip. Sean MacDonald hadn’t come alone. Was this it then? Would they both be killed and found dead in a railway car as Donnelly had been?
“I’m sorry to interrupt what looks like a pleasant evening.”
Bridget could only imagine the state of the room. But she didn’t feel embarrassment. MacDonald was the interloper here. He was the one trespassing where he shouldn’t.
“Then make it quick, and Mrs. Kelly and meself can get back to our evening.”
Bridget heard a few of the men chuckle. There was the charm again. Callahan was giving an order, but it was made in such a way even someone more powerful than he could accept it. She’d seen him do it to Baron, and now she prayed it would work with MacDonald.
“You said you wanted to help our cause,” MacDonald said, sounding unrepentant at the interruption.
“Sure and I meant when it was daylight. What can you possibly need help with at this hour? A lullaby? I’m afraid it will have to be a bawdy tune as that’s all I know.”
More laughter. He hadn’t mentioned her and spoke as though she weren’t present. Callahan was obviously doing all he could to keep the men from remembering her presence.
“We’ve had a change of plan,” MacDonald said, his voice serious. “We’re leaving tonight and want you to come with us.”
“Leaving for where?”
There was a moment of silence.
“I’d rather not say. At the moment, we’re on the way to my house to make the final arrangements. You’re to come with us.” It wasn’t a question but a command.
“I’ll come in the morning. I need to speak to me men at The Selkie. Make sure someone is there when it opens.”
MacDonald made a dismissive sound. “Your wife can see to that or the pub can remain closed for a couple of days. We’ll be back before you know it.”
“I don’t like to leave me wife alone,” Callahan said, clearly using the last of his excuses.
“Oh, as to that, I brought Aoife with me. She’ll stay with your new wife, won’t you, Aoife?”
“I will.”
Bridget could hear the menace in her voice. Aoife would keep her company in the daylight and stab her in the back while she slept.
“Give me a moment to dress and say me goodbyes.” Callahan seemed to know he was beaten.
“We’ll just wait by the door then,” MacDonald said.
Bridget pressed her back against the wall and closed her eyes. She heard Callahan moving around, presumably dressing. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, he slid behind the screen and put his hands on her upper arms. She opened her eyes. His own were pale gray now.
