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Uncle Sean nods. “Aye, yer right. Yer some pup. Smarter than me when I was yer age.”
Laughing, I open my wardrobe and see my suit hanging up, freshly pressed. I’ll thank Amber when I see her later. “That was some time ago, aul’ lad.”
“All right, ya smart-arse. I’ll see ya later.” He playfully slaps the back of my head, before leaving to no doubt help with thefur coat, no knickersfestivities inside.
Once he’s gone, I exhale, that was close. No one can know about Ronan. Rory, Cian, and I will deal with this our own way because our fathers have dropped the ball. For the men to think they can go behind our back is a sure sign they’re not afraid of the repercussions.
I want to rule with respect, not cruelty, but it seems we might not have a choice. I can’t shake this feeling that we have a mole in our midst. What Aidan said has been playing on my mind since he said it.
“Ya have no idea who yer fightin’. This is bigger than ya can ever guess.”
What does that mean? My guess is that it’s theDoyleswere fighting, seeing as they’re the enemy. So why would he phrase it like that? Like I’m supposed to guess who’s behind the secret door. I need to speak to the boys about it because it doesn’t make sense.
I shower and get ready for tonight’s façade. I wonder what Connor has up his sleeve to impress the chief constable? I’m already done.
Looking at my phone, I’m tempted to send Babydoll a message. I don’t know what I’d say. Sorry for being such a bastard would be a good place to start. But I can’t do that. My life is a fucking mess right now.
It’s best I leave her be because I have absolutely nothing to offer her. But that doesn’t mean I won’t do everything in my power to find out who hurt her. They’re going to pay. Her wounds, they were inflicted by someone whipping her.
Such a barbaric act. I don’t understand why or who would do such a thing. But I don’t know anything about Babydoll, and that is troubling, especially now. I need to treat everyone like the enemy.
Looking at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, it’s amazing what a mask can hide. I look like everyone else, but I’m not. I smile, laugh when prompted, but it’s all just an illusion to make people feel safe because when they do, they lower their guards and then I can seetheirtrue faces.
I must be ruthless because that’s the only way I will succeed.
Once I’m dressed, I decide to head to the main house and see the twins. I doubt they’ll be allowed out of their rooms as Connor will see them as just getting in the way. I can hear distant voices up ahead as the house will be a panic of people, not wishing to upset the hosts.
Amber and the twins are in the backyard, flying a kite. She places her hand over her eyes to shield the sun and when she sees me, she waves.
My mum’s gardens once thrived here. Her roses grew tall, but they’re no more. Fiona made sure of it when she dug up the gardens and left nothing in their place. She just wanted to destroy something that was my ma’s.
I walk over, smiling when I see the twins fighting over whose turn it is.
“Y’ve already had yer turn,” whines Hannah, as Ethan tongues the corner of his mouth in concentration. “I’ll tell Da!”
“Ya will not,” I say with a smile when I’m within earshot. “What did I tell ya about dobbin’ on yer brother?”
When Hannah sees me, she smirks and throws herself in my arms. “He’s being a dick,” she states, while I try not to laugh.
“And what did I tell ya about usin’ bad language?”
She wraps her arms around my neck, hugging me tightly. “I’ve heard ya say worse.”
I look at Amber who shrugs with a grin as we both know she’s right.
Pulling Hannah out at arm’s length, I see her pink dress has grass stains all over it. “I like yer dress,” I say, kissing her forehead.
“I hate it,” she argues, pursing her lips together. “I want to wear trousers, but Amber said Ma wanted me to wear this.”
Of course, Fiona did. They have to look like the perfect family. I’m surprised she allowed me to attend, seeing as I ruin her charade. But Dad wants me there to be a lickarse with the chief constable. He’s away in the head if he thinks that’s happening.
“Best listen to Amber then. She helped dress me too.”
Amber smiles, brushing a piece of hair behind her ear.
“Yer turn!” Ethan yells to Hannah, but she shakes her head.
“I wanna stay with Punky.”
