Page 29 of Dublin Debacle

As she stepped out, Emily spotted Jack running down the middle of the apartment building parking lot.

The woman he’d rescued had only a couple of yards lead on him. When she burst out into the street, tires squealed and a horn honked.

A speeding vehicle skidded toward her, too late to stop.

Jack flung himself at the woman. The two disappeared as the car blew past where they’d been.

Emily screamed and rushed forward, expecting the worst.

When she arrived at the point where the parking lot met the street, she stopped, her heart lodged in her throat, shocked that more cars passed on the street. How could they when two people had just been?—

Jack appeared on the other side of the street, helping the young woman up onto the sidewalk.

Emily let go of the breath that had lodged in her throat.

“Damn you, Jack,” she whispered and blinked back the tears welling in her eyes.

When there was a gap in the traffic, Emily ran across the street and into Jack’s arms.

CHAPTER7

Jack heldEmily with one arm and the stranger with a hand clamped on her elbow. He waited until his breathing and heart rate slowed almost to normal before he stepped back and glared at his captive.

“Let go of me,” she said. “I won’t run.”

“I’m not letting go until we get some answers,” Jack said, his grip loosening slightly. “First, who are you?”

“Ciara Thomas.” Her gaze darted right, then left. “Could we take this off the street?”

“Are you afraid of someone?” Emily asked.

Ciara nodded. “I was afraid of you.”

“Of us?” Emily frowned. “Why?”

“At first, I thought you were someone else.” She grimaced. “That’s why I hid when you entered the flat. I climbed over the balcony railing and hung on, praying you wouldn’t step through the sliding doors. When you did, I lost my footing and fell.” Ciara’s gaze swept the area surrounding them. “Please. They could be watching.”

“Who are you afraid of?” Emily asked.

“Those who wish to hurt us.”

“How do you know we wouldn’t hurt you?” Jack asked.

The young woman’s lips twisted. “You wouldn’t have helped me off that balcony, if you wanted to hurt me. I also figured out who you were. At least one of you.” She tipped her head toward Emily. “We need to get off the street. I know of a pub where we can talk safely.”

When Jack didn’t move, Ciara sighed. “Look, I know you have no reason to trust me, but it’s not safe to stand on the street. If you don’t want to come with me, take me where you feel safe, and I’ll answer your questions.”

Jack met Emily’s gaze.

She gave him a slight nod.

“Lead the way,” Jack said, and dropped his hand to his side.

Ciara pulled her hoodie over her head and hunched her shoulders, making it impossible to see her face beneath the hood. Then she set out at a brisk walk.

Jack and Emily hurried to keep up with her.

Ciara turned left onto the side street that was narrow and dark. The buildings lining it blocked what little sunshine broke through the ever-cloudy Irish skies.

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