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Without delay, I pull the drawer out completely and reach for the folded piece of paper. When I unfold it, all I see is an address. It’s in Dublin.
My heart doesn’t usually race, nor does my breathing accelerate, even when I’ve beaten someone within an inch of their lives. I usually operate on a monotone, but that changes when I see this piece of information because it may be the key to where I need to start.
Reaching into my pocket, I use my phone to take a picture of the address. Cian does the same. Always have a backup. Not sure where this piece of paper was stacked in this drawer, I place it between two folders and hope for the best.
“Let’s go,” Cian anxiously says, knowing if my dad catches us in here, it’ll be hell for us both.
Ensuring everything is where we found it, I slowly open the door and take a juke down the hallway. When it’s clear, I step out, and Cian follows. I lock the door, and we dander, not wanting to alert anyone to our snooping.
We turn the corner and bump into Uncle Sean. “What ’bout ye?”
“Beezer,” I reply, but my injuries contradict my aloof reply.
Uncle Sean grips my chin, turning my face to look at the damage. “Why do ya provoke him, cub?”
Uncle Sean’s touch is the only one I can stomach—only just. “The aul’ lad is such a dick. I can’t believe yer his kin.”
Uncle Sean sighs, letting me go. “Aye, sometimes I wonder that myself. Since yer ma—” But he soon pauses, stopping himself from sharing the Kelly secrets.
I don’t bother asking him to continue because I know he won’t, which is why as soon as this naff tea is done tonight, I’m going to Dublin.
“Yer so much like him. Yer both so bleedin’ stubborn.”
“Please don’t insult me, Uncle Sean,” I sternly say. “I’m nothin’ like that bastard.”
Uncle Sean knows better than to argue. “That’s the truth, so it is. Have fun tonight,” he quips, knowing how opposed to the idea I am. “Make sure yer not runnin’ late.”
He gives us one final look before we part ways, and I’m onto the next state of affairs for the day.
When we’re out of earshot, Cian exhales in relief. But the fun is only just beginning, and he knows it.
“Ya didn’t tell me the wee ride’s name.”
A mix of emotions come over me when I think about her. Even though I am rippin’ that she stole from me, a small, insane part is actually impressed she was able to nick from me in the first place. I haven’t been caught unaware in a long time.
But regardless of that, she’s going to pay for taking something that isn’t hers.
Only when we’re in my car do I reply, “Babydoll,” before turning up the radio.
“Oh, fuck,” Cian groans, shaking his head as he fastens his seat belt, knowing this is about to get bumpy.
As I’m knotting my black tie in the bathroom mirror, I scoff, hating everything about tonight. My face looks a mess, and no matter that I’m sporting a pressed white shirt and tie, it doesn’t deter from the black and blue mess my face is.
My tie is loosely knotted, and two buttons are left undone on my shirt. My dad is not going to be happy that I replaced my black trousers with ripped black jeans and black combat boots, but he’s lucky I’m going at all.
My mood is foul because Cian and I didn’t find anything on Babydoll. We went back to where I last saw her but came up empty. In the daylight, it was even more isolated than it looked at night. There wasn’t a house for miles, which has me wondering, just what was she doing out there?
I haven’t given up, however.
Iwillfind her. I just need to figure out how.
My hair is a tousled mess with the longer blond strands flicked to the left to cover the bruises around my eye.
Once I’m ready, I grab everything I need and jump into my Jeep. I’m not riding with Da as I don’t plan on staying long. The moment this tea is over with, I plan on making an excuse to leave. It’ll take about an hour and a half to get to Dublin, so I have no time to waste.
The drive to the Duffys’ is quite peaceful. Filled with lush greenery and old homes, I appreciate how “fortunate” I am to bear the Kelly name at times. I’ve never had to worry about money, and my house, which was once a castle, is the envy of many.
I begin to wonder what Dublin will be like. The unknown excites me. I know I have to be careful, as even our lingo differs, so it won’t be hard to spot the odd man out. I need to blend in.
