Page 59 of Dublin Debacle

“I ran searches on clashes between the two factions and didn’t find any deaths of a female Traveller attributed to Radical Nationalists,” Lucie said. “But that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. And based on the guy’s hand, he’s not that big and maybe young, like a teen. I could only do so much to enhance the photo.”

“What does it matter anyway?” Jack shook his head. “Even if we find this guy, it’ll be too late. From what you’ve said, the mercenaries have collected enough weapons and explosives to kill a lot of people. If it’s happening at the rally, it might be too late to stop them.”

“Can we get the government to call off the rally?” Emily asked.

“The two sides are gathering as we speak,” Jack said. “Even if the government calls it off, they’re going to be there. The Flamethrower has thrown down the gauntlet, inciting both sides to riot.”

“We have to do something. People will die,” Emily said. “I think about the women and children hiding in the basement of that distillery. Their loved ones are going to that rally to fight for them, but they’re fighting for the wrong reasons and the wrong people. They need to know before it’s too late. Cormac Faherty needs to be exposed for what he’s doing to our city. To our country. This could reignite the Troubles and destroy the peace people have worked so hard to attain.”

The doorknob to Emily’s apartment rattled.

Jack stiffened and moved to stand between Emily and whoever was trying to get in.

“What’s happening?” Ace’s voice reminded Jack he still had his cell phone in his hand, and it wasn’t much of a weapon.

“Someone is trying to get into Emily’s apartment,” Jack said softly.

Emily grabbed one of a pair of heavy candlesticks from an end table and handed it to Jack. She took the other.

Jack hurried toward the door. If he could reach it before the intruder crashed through, he could use the element of surprise to smash the candlestick over his head.

He didn’t make it to the door before it swung open easily.

Jack rushed toward the intruder with the candlestick raised above his head.

“Jack, no!” Emily yelled.

The man in the doorway raised his hands to ward off the blow.

Jack slid to a stop, his weapon still held high.

“Don’t hurt that man,” Emily called out, her voice sounding choked. “Don’t hurt him. That’s my father.”

As Jack slowly lowered the candlestick, Emily rushed past him and into the arms of the man.

“Oh, my sweet, lass.” Seamus O’Brien stroked Emily’s hair as she sobbed against his chest. “I’m sorry I had to put you and your brother through so much.” The older man glanced over Emily’s head at Jack. “Thank you for looking out for my girl.”

Footsteps sounded on the landing behind Seamus.

Emily’s brother, Finn, helped his girlfriend Ciara into the apartment and closed the door behind them.

Emily stepped back and wiped the tears from her eyes. “Ciara, are you all right?”

Ciara had a wound on her forehead and a massive black eye, but she stood straight and nodded. “Finn instructed me to respond to any comments on my appearance with,You should see the other guy.” She chuckled.

“Shouldn’t you still be in the hospital?” Emily asked.

Ciara shook her head. “They observed me for concussion and released me. I feel fine, other than the scuffs and bruises.”

Emily glanced between her brother and father and back to her brother. “You knew?”

Finn nodded. “Working on the wharf, I thought I saw him a couple of times.”

“Once I knew he’d seen me, I pulled him aside and let him know what was happening, but that I wouldn’t tell him where I was staying in case someone tried to force that out of him. I’m just sorry they found out I was still around and came after my family.”

Emily turned to her father and hugged him again. “I’m just happy you’re here and alive.”

Finn joined in on the hug.

---