Page 61 of Hold a Candle

“Aye, we’re headed back now,” she replied softly, taking his hand and following Mica’s lead. They were all silent as they quickly made their way back to the east entrance. She heaved a sigh of relief when they cleared the woods.

When Darro sat the chopper down, they gave a brief explanation of what they had found, and Mica showed Angus and Darro the pictures. Pauley moved to the side and called Quinn. Florence turned her head away and wouldn’t look. After multiple curses, even Angus was at a loss for a joke. “That’s a nasty way to go,” he growled, finally turning his head away.

Darro nodded quietly. “Not sure I’ve seen the like of that before.”

“I saw it happen,” Florence mumbled. “Can I use yer phone now, Pauley, since yer finished with yer call? Please? I need to know if Devon’s alright. I’ve been praying Juice lied about kidnapping him. He destroyed my cell phone and threw it into the harbor.”

Pauley nodded and handed her the cell phone.

“Mica, are ye coming to Neamh with us?” Jamie asked. “There’s nothing left to do now but wait until tomorrow morning.”

“Nay, Jamie,” Mica returned. “I believe I’ll return to Miley and the twins tonight. Mayhap I’ve been a bit too cavalier towards Miley and an experience she says she had once on All Hallow’s Eve. I believe I’ll be closing my door tonight after all. The kids will probably be through trick or treating soon, so we’ll just hunker down and wait for a call from Pauley or Quinn. Curdle hates trick or treaters coming to the door anyway.”

“That’s because dogs can see the spirits,” Florence chimed in, finally sounding calmer and more like her old self. “Dogs don’t like the ones who are up to mischief.” She handed the phone back to Pauley. “Devon is with his dad and just fine. Thank God the bastert was lying.”

No one felt like refuting her statement about dogs and spirits.

Pauley nodded and turned to Mica. “Quinn said he will have Interpol meet ye at the base of High Meadow Road to take Florence into custody, Mica,” Pauley said.

“Aye,” he replied, then took Florence’s arm to escort her to his squad car. She was still in the handcuffs.

“Can’t ye take these off, Mica?” she pleaded quietly. “We were partners once, and I haven’t done anything wrong.”

He stared at her then finally nodded his head. “Aye, I can do that since my squad car has the grill barrier, and in case anything else crazy happens tonight. I don’t want to drive off the mountain if ye have another breakdown.”

Pauley silently applauded Mica’s decision. The sniper rifle he laid carefully in the boot, still wrapped in her scarf. “Drive careful, Mica. It’s been a strange night.”

He came over and hugged her. “Ye too, Pauley.” He turned to Jamie and shook his hand. Take care of her, Jamie.”

“I will,” Jamie assured him, snugging Pauley in close to him.

With a wave towards Angus and Darro in the helicopter, Mica left first. Darro lifted up and followed once Pauley and Jamie were seated.

“Where are ye going, boss?” Angus asked when Darro didn’t turn towards Neamh.

“Making sure they get to the base of the mountain safely,” Darro groused. “It’s been a really weird night.”

No one disagreed with him. They all watched as Mica met up with two cars flashing their red and blue lights at High Meadow Road. Then he turned around and headed back to Neamh.

Pauley was grateful for men like Darro, Angus and Jamie as she snuggled into Jamie’s side. Powerful men who knew how to get good things done, and had the resources to back them up. The world needed more men like them. There were far too many of the other kind.

She couldn’t wait to see Luca and reassure herself that he was still safe. Would Luca be safe in the future from this Kelpie? Would he hire another hitman? The knot of fear in her stomach was almost paralyzing. They still had this night to get through.

What would the morning bring?

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