Page 16 of Declan's Dove

“It doesn’t matter. My safety isn’t the concern. My son is all that matters.”

“I think Mister O’Malley would disagree, as do I.” He huffs. “Your safety is of the utmost importance for many reasons, but your son’s care and peace of mind are the two you should be most concerned with, I should think.”

“I’m not planning on getting caught. Especially if you’re helping me.” I grind out.

Stubborn man.

“Will you help me with this or not?” I’m pulling up to the long, gated driveway. The guard sees it’s me and waves me through, pointing me in the direction of where I should park.

It’s not my first visit here.

Me and Carter stayed here several days after we arrived in Oakridge, while we both recovered from our wounds. I don’t know if I’ll ever heal from the emotional scars James left behind, but my physical body is healthier now than ever before. Carter healed up quickly, as a strong boy should. I don’t know what his emotional scars are, if he even remembers much from the earlier years before we ran. But I know I will do everything in my power, sell my soul to the devil if I must, to keep my son from ever experiencing anything like our past again.

I park my car, but leave it running, waiting for Vincenzo’s answer.

“Do we have a deal, Vincenzo? I need to hear the words.”

He chuckles. “You’ve learned much in your time here, Miss Dupree. I accept your request, and I withhold my right to receive payment until such a time as I desire.”

“Fine.”

Not fine, but what choice do I have?

“I’m coming in.”

“Don’t bother. My guard will escort you to the helipad. I, Matteo, and the doctor, will meet you there. We’ll be leaving straight away.”

I pull out my phone and send a text to Mili.

Me: I’m on my way with reinforcements. Stay where you are until I call.

Mili: Thank you.

Here goes everything.

CHAPTER FOUR

Declan

I’ve been staring at this pile of papers on my desk for most of the afternoon, and though I’ve sorted through a lot, it doesn’t look like I’ve scratched the surface. I wish I could delegate this part of the job to someone else. Thankfully, I can pawn the payroll and receivables off on Jayde. She loves that kind of shit.

My cell phone ringing gives me an excuse to not deal with paperwork for at least a few minutes, and I welcome the distraction.

“Hello.”

“Mister O’Malley?” a woman’s voice asks.

“Yes.”

“This is Mrs. Monroe at Oakridge Elementary. I’m calling because Carter Dupree is here in the office. His mother never showed up after school to get him and she has your name listed as his emergency contact. Would you please come and get Carter, sir?”

Checking the clock on the wall, I see it’s nearly six o’clock.

“The after-school program will be closing soon, and we haven’t been able to reach Ms. Dupree.”

I’m already out of my seat and headed out of the office to get my bike.

“Yeah, I’ll be there in a few minutes. Can I speak to Carter?” I ask.

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