Page 22 of Black Dog

“Heavens to Paddy. I’m fortunate beyond words to have such good neighbors. I’m very well, as ye see, and set for a bit. My Charlie was gone early this mornin’, but left me a hundred nicker and a note sayin’ ‘twas from a profitable nixer’.” She chuckled. “He’s a good boy, my Charlie. I’m sorry ye missed him.”

Elora did her best to smile in a way that looked genuine. “Well it is a Happy Yule indeed then.”

“’Tis,” said Mav, nodding.

“Well,” Ram began, “Good to see ye. If ye should need anythin’, ye know we’re just up the lane and ye have our number.”

Halfway back Ram saw Elora swipe at her face out of the corner of his eye.

“No tears, Elora. Do ye no’ know this is good news. We have a truly useful lead that may take us to Blackie straightaway.”

“I know. I feel sorry for the widow. Her only family and the person who took my dog are one and the same. And it sounds like she depends on him to make ends meet.”

“When we catch the fucker, we’re tearin’ him limb from limb. No matter who his mother is.”

Elora didn’t respond. Certainly a part of her felt the same way.

CHAPTER SIX

Everybody had gone back into the house but Storm, who stood in the lane waiting. With their history they could both recognize his form from a distance.

They stopped in front of him.

“The fucker has a lovely widowed mum who lives at the end of the lane. Name’s Charlie Sweeney. He and his friend stayed last night, left early this mornin’.”

Without a word Storm pulled out his phone and dialed Simon. After telling Simon what they’d learned, he said, “That might just do the trick.” He looked around. “It’s almost dark. I don’t think anything else can be done today so I’m taking the missus home.”

Elora gave Storm a brief hug. “Thank you for coming. And for getting Simon to turn the dogs out.”

“We’ll be back in the morning. You want us to bring donuts? Looks like there’s a scarcity of donut shops around here.” He smiled. “Don’t worry, Elora. Chances of getting him back just keep getting better.”

“Yeah,” she said quietly.

“Aye to donuts,” Ram said. “Better bring a lot because we got a full house. For that matter, bring kolaches. I like the ones with ham and cheese. And the ones with peach preserves. And potato.”

Storm smiled and shook his head.

Helm saw them approaching and met them on the way back to the house.

“You remember to warm up the cottage?” Ram asked him.

“I did,” Helm said proudly. “They’re already settlin’ in.” Ram nodded and gave his son a small smile of approval with a little eye twinkle for bonus. “Where’d you go? What’d you find out?”

“Go get your auntie and ask if she can come to the house,” Ram said. “We’ll talk it over together.”

Helm jogged away without arguing, knowing that the sooner he did what his da asked, the sooner he’d get his answers.

Elora went straight to the Aga and started the kettle. She was delighted to see that the twins had put some of the muffins they’d baked in to warm.

Storm was helping Litha into her coat. Elora rushed over and grabbed the other sleeve.

“You’re the best for coming,” she told Litha. “You want another tea before you go?”

Litha chuckled. “I’ll be up every half hour tonight eliminating all the tea I’ve drunk sitting here today.” She swiped at her nose. “So no.”

“Well, then get some good sleep. Tomorrow you’ll be better. And thank you for coming. And for… um, trying.”

“I haven’t been very useful. I’m here more to show support. I know this is big. Girl and her dog and all.”

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