Page 76 of The Scald Crow

“My brother, Hugh Jr., is on a mission.” He parceled morsels of cod onto his fork. “He’s on about ‘healthy eating.’ Low sodium. Low fat.” He scooped another mouthful of naked fish into his mouth.

“You could have ordered the salad.” I smiled with a vengeance.

“Not a fan of green things.” He watched me impale two more of his fries.

“Are you eating that?” I pointed my fork toward the green mush on his plate.

“Want some?” He motioned with his fork.

“What does it taste like?” I studied his pained expression.

“Green peas.” He smiled a crooked grin.

“And you don’t eat them either? Don’t tell me because they’re green?”

“Tell me, how does this telepathy thing work? How do you do it?” He shrugged, offering me a spoonful.

“Not bad, kind of like mashed potatoes.” I opened my mouth and teased my tastebuds with the savory condiment. I turned his question over in my mind. How did I do it? “I don’t know. I’ve only encountered dream travel with you.”

“Hmm.” He chewed each morsel. “You agree with my demands, then. No other man will give you pleasure. You will ‘visit’ me alone?”

“I told you already, O’Donnell, you’re not the boss of me.” I twirled strands of my hair around my index finger.

“I will provide your pleasure.” He lifted one eyebrow, a smile tweaking his lips.

“You’re confident. I’ll give you that. You made me come. What once? Twice? Besides, assassins live a solitary life, don’t they? A cash box stowed away in a Swiss bank, a stockpile of passports. Long-distance relationships don’t work. Everyone knows that.” I dabbed the corner of my mouth with the napkin.

“I am not an assassin.” His gaze flowed over me, soothing and teasing all at the same time. “But yes, I work independently. I’ve given a lot of thought to moving back home.”

“Moving? Why?” My thoughts scattered.

“My priorities have changed.” He trailed his fingers over mine. He looked up, his gaze searching the dark hallway.

“You’re freaking me out, Colm.” I’d gone from solitary flyer to let’s join the band. When did I become that girl?

“Anything else for you? Dessert?” The server stuck his head into our enclave.

Colm looked at me for a reply.

“No, thanks.” I shook my head.

“We’re good, mate, just the bill, please.” Colm nodded.

“Let me.” I pulled my wallet from my bag.

“No, this is my treat.” He motioned, waving with his hands.

The server returned almost immediately, handing Colm the check.

“I ate your lunch. Well, most of it.” I lifted my eyebrows as he reached into his jeans.

“I insist.” He plunked paper bills onto the table. “Shall we?” He extended his hand, guiding me into the aisle.

“Well, thank you, Mr. O’Donnell.” I walked ahead with Colm in hot pursuit.

“Calla, wait.” He touched my elbow as we reached the exit together. He stepped before me and opened the door, allowing the moody skies to enter O’Donnell’s Lair.

“Wow! Would you look at that? Where has the day gone?” I stood on the sidewalk, my gaze straying toward the castle turrets. I swallowed hard, the vision of the young Red Hugh O’Donnell razing his home to the ground burning in my mind. “Thank you for lunch. It was enlightening, to say the least.”

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