Speak Easy Speak Danger

by Sharon G Clark

  Adam’s head popped up, a worried look on his face. With unexpected speed, he surged up from the floor and squeezed himself between Margaret and Fiona. “I stay with my aunties, right?”

  Fiona clasped his small hand in hers. “You aren’t going anywhere, tiger.” Margaret had tears in her eyes as she placed a palm on his thin little thigh.

  Ian stood and offered a hand to Brigid. Jo noticed Brigid didn’t release it once she stood. “This isn’t a decision to make lightly.” He glanced at her, then where Margaret and Fiona sat. “Think about it. For now, Brigid and I are going to put the boys to bed, and then clean up the kitchen. We will see you in the morning.” Ian, Brigid, and Richard left the room and headed for the stairs. Adam hesitantly placed a light kiss on Margaret and then Fiona’s cheek, getting a snug hug and peck in response. Damn, Jo thought, the addition of the little guy is just what this family needs. Adam rushed up the stairs as fast as his small legs could manage, catching up with Ian, who picked him up for the remainder of the trek.

  “After all Adam’s been through,” Janice said, also getting to her feet, “I never expected he’d transition so quickly. I hope you aren’t disappointed with the name I chose.”

  “He’s perfect. His name, Janice, is perfect,” Margaret said, taking Fiona’s hand in hers.

  “Janice, I can’t—” Fiona stopped and took a deep breath, the intensity of her joyous emotions on her face and in her tone. “We owe you so much for this. If there’s any way I can repay you, you ask.”

  Janice walked over and knelt in front of Fiona. Her palms rested on Fiona’s knees. “Oh, my sweet Finn and beloved Fiona. Seeing the delight on your face,” Janice started to weep, too. “Watching Adam interact with us and not sit silently in the corner, alone? This is my payment. Look, I know what the—” she stopped, glanced at Nicholas, then Tessa questioningly.

  Jo understood her hesitation. “Tessa and Nicholas are part of the family. They know about the prognosis from Denver.” Jo hadn’t fully explained the diagnosis to Tessa but didn’t bring that up. She hadn’t wanted Tessa to feel more guilty than she already did.

  This made Janice sob harder. “Oh, Fiona, I’m sorry. But I know you will make a significant, as you already have, impact on Adam. If you ever need anything from me, ask. There are so many people who love you and owe you much. We’re here for you and Margaret.” Janice gave a watery smile even though Fiona couldn’t see it. Janice tossed her head in Jo’s direction. “Hell, we’ll even help squirt over there if you ask. Even if she quit being a cute kid for a cuter adult.”

  “I’m honored,” Jo said with teasing sarcasm.

  “You should be,” Janice said, standing again. “Well, I’m off to bed now. We’ll catch up more tomorrow.”

  After Janice left, Jo tugged on Tessa. They moved to the couch and sat beside Nicholas. Jo hoped to brighten the mood, which grew quiet after Janice’s comments. Enthusiastically, Jo said, “So, Margaret, you finally made me an aunt.”

  “We’re all aunts, Jo,” Margaret said. “Adam is allegedly Eldon’s son, at least for the paperwork’s sake.”

  “Maybe outside of this house,” Tessa said. “Adam already knows you as his parents.” Tessa gave a shocked expression, and an abrupt inhale of breath. “I’m sorry. Not my place.”

  “It is, Tessa,” Fiona said. “You’re part of the family now. Which means you get to speak freely and take part in decisions and discussions.”

  “Certainly,” Margaret agreed.

  Tessa relaxed beside Jo. Jo playfully punched Nicholas in the shoulder. “You’re awful quiet tonight.”

  Nicholas swiped a finger across his thin mustache. “I was internally conducting serious consideration to a crucial matter.”

  “That sounds ominous. On the murders? Have you something new?” Fiona asked.

  Nicholas shook his head. “No, I think we’re on target with what conclusions we’ve arrived at so far. We’ve done all we can in that matter.” Jo knew Fiona and Nicholas suspected Warren of killing Ethel. They didn’t believe her death part of the other murders in town. Out of deference to Jo and her feelings for Tessa—and because they also liked Tessa—Nicholas spoke vaguely on the subject. He rose above Jo’s already high estimation of him. Nicholas rose from the couch and tugged down his vest, straightened his tie, then clasped his hands behind his back in a contemplative gesture. “Horribly forward of me, but I would appreciate your deliberation on an offer. My services as Adams’ godfather.”

  Fiona grinned, stood, and extended her hand in his general direction. “I would consider it a fantastic honor and blessing for all involved. If Margaret has no objections.”

  As Nicholas shook Fiona’s hand, Margaret wrapped him in a tight hug. “No objections, Nicholas. You are now the unofficial, in the eyes of the church, godfather of our wonderful little boy.”

  Nicholas beamed with pleasure, bowed to Margaret, and addressed the room in general. “Perfect. Then if you’ll excuse me, I have a private celebration over a glass of scotch waiting in my hotel room.”

  When only the four of them remained in the parlor, Jo pulled Tessa closer and draped her arm across her shoulders. “Eventful as the evening’s been,” Jo said, “I wonder when the other shoe will drop.”

  Margaret shook her head. “Let’s hope it isn’t tonight.”

  “I agree,” Fiona said. “So, Tessa, are you sure you can handle this patchwork family?”

  “This was the best night I’ve had, Fiona. I gladly welcome many more in the future.”

  The statement filled Jo with delight. She’d didn’t ever want to lose Tessa. They still needed to walk a fine path, hide their interactions from Warren. Jo certainly looked forward to a time she didn’t have to avoid Tessa when outside this home.

  At this point, unfortunately, it appeared only divine intervention could clear that path completely.

  Brigid and Ian, who presently wiped dry the last pan, finished with clearing the dining room and washing the dishes. She was a little surprised he’d offered his services and not just his presence. Moments before, he’d been wonderful at putting both the boys to bed. He read to them from one of Richard’s picture books. Her heart felt full, but her head grew confused. Spending time with Nicholas encouraged Brigid to think a lot of Ian. Older now, and a detective rather than a beat cop, Ian had grown into a remarkable and more handsome man. For a moment, Brigid wondered what Fionn would have achieved had he lived. Would they have become man and wife? Would he have become a cruel drunk, like his father?

  “I enjoyed the diversion,” Ian said. He folded the dishtowel over the drying bar.

  She smirked at him. “You enjoy watching ladies work in the kitchen?”

  Ian pulled out a chair from the table and indicated she should sit. When she did, Ian perched himself on the seat to her left. “Enjoy spending time with you, no matter the task.”

  Brigid felt the heat of a blush immediately and lowered her head, not able to meet his gaze. “You don’t have to say things like that, Ian.”

  “It’s the truth.” He cleared his throat. “Are you seeing the fancy fella in the parlor?”

  “We’ve spent time together.” Brigid wondered if Ian knew what intimacies that statement entailed. How would he take the information? Would he think less of her? Judge her? She wasn’t ashamed. Heck, most considered her an old maid. Brigid would not let anyone make her feel tawdry on the matter. “No, we do not see one another, not the way it may suggest. Nicholas and I aren’t compatible other than in friendship. With Richard to consider, I have a lot more to contemplate.”

  Ian cleared his throat. “Brigid, can I be totally candid with you?” Brigid nodded. She tensed at what might come next. “I know you loved Fionn and devastated with his death. By giving you space to grieve, I nearly lost you. Until Fiona became Finn.” The disguise had been a surprise for her, too. She’d worked for the Graham’s, Margaret’s family, and been shocked the first time Fiona entered the house. Fiona ha
d been impersonating a teenage boy, using Fionn’s nickname of Finn. She’d looked so much like her older brother that Brigid thought his specter had come to haunt her. “I had always wanted you to be mine, Brigid, but Fionn had your affections first. I couldn’t go against my best friend.” Her hands became engulfed in his larger ones. “Seeing you today reminded me that my heart never pushed you out, nor forgotten you.”

  He slid from the chair on to a knee. Brigid was shocked, her eyes wide. “You don’t have to love me, Brigid. I’ve enough love to compensate both of us. Marry me and let me provide a home for you and for Richard.”

  Emotions waged war in her head and her heart. Ian would be a great husband and father. She knew it meant leaving Fiona in her worst hour as she adjusted to her blindness. But, oh, how she wanted to go back east. Back with her parents. “Fiona and Margaret need me, especially now.”

  “Fiona will understand, believe me,” he said.

  Yes, Fiona was selfless enough, even if she did need her, or anyone. The merits of the proposal were great. But she wanted more than just an offer based on the past. “Would you court me first?”

  Ian grinned. “Gladly.” He tilted his head. “It will give me a chance to win Richard’s favor, too.” All the old feelings of how wonderful Ian was came rushing back to Brigid. She wanted to be a wife and mother. Needed the stability Ian was offering. Brigid realized long ago she wasn’t inherently strong like Fiona, or like Margaret and Josephine. Brigid needed someone to support her. Was the revelation even fair to Ian?

  “I see you’re conflicted. Sleep on it, Brigid. Know that you don’t have to return my affections. Maybe, someday, you’ll grow to feel as I do, and love me back. No matter your feelings, since I know there’s some affection toward me, let me be a beau, then a husband to you, and a father to Richard.”

  Brigid felt the tears stream down her face. Some were tears of relief at the offer. Some were tears of joy Ian had professed his devotion. The thing she wanted most was being offered—stability. She had, in fact, had stability here, but not in the manner she needed. She wanted her own family home and life. Brigid would be a fool to turn Ian’s offer down.

  “If you aren’t having sport of me, Ian, I’ll agree.”

  Ian beamed a smile at her.

  If it didn’t work out, Brigid thought, at least I’ll be back with my mother.

  Jo had Adam perched on her hip, as she and Tessa gave their goodbye hugs to Brigid, Richard, and Ian. Margaret stayed close to Fiona’s side. She knew this farewell was hard on Fiona. Added to the burden, few, outside of the family, were privy to Fiona’s blindness. They had agreed to keep it quiet for as long as possible. “How are you holding up, honey?” she asked, head bent close to Fiona’s ear.

  “Fine, I guess.” Fiona’s hand found hers, and Margaret ignored how it would appear to outside observers, given they’d be correct whether they knew it or not. Eventually, any observer would realize Fiona was incapable of maneuvering the people and obstacles of the busy train station if they cared to examine them close enough. She wished Fiona could have seen the signage about the ladies of the evening, and the police direction on their appropriate and expected behavior and their curfews. Margaret hadn’t remembered seeing the signs when they’d arrived five years ago. Granted, it was a trying time for the whole family. Telling her about them had made Fiona smile, but it lost some of the humor they could have shared if they’d been able to read them together.

  The day already held such sadness, even a little humor was better than none. She, too, would miss Brigid and Richard. It had been great to see Ian again. Fantastic to visit with Janice and learn of the wonderful things she’d accomplished since their separation. Margaret was pleased to learn Janice had put her party girl days behind her. Margaret’s family and friends were growing up and moving on.

  “Do you think our Brigid and Ian are really happy?” Fiona asked.

  “Yes, honey, they are. Truly. Brigid and Richard couldn’t do better. Ian will be a great husband and father. He has Nana and Claire to help.” Nana Donnelly, Ian’s mother, had helped Margaret’s own mother during her illness. His sister, Claire, had been a close friend to Fiona.

  Fiona nodded. “I’m glad Brigid was able to move beyond Fionn.”

  “And Nicholas?” Margaret couldn’t help but notice their interaction. After Ethel’s death, the stirrings of closeness and then the distance they perpetrated had been strange to watch.

  “Nah, that rapport was more a friend comforting a friend.” Fiona leaned even closer to Margaret’s ear. “I worried a bit, though, that Brigid might try to garner a relationship with Langford.”

  Margaret chuckled. “Thankfully, the spark was quickly diminished. No one should be that desperate.”

  “I’m glad Tessa doesn’t share his qualities—or his lack of any good traits.”

  “Touché,” Margaret agreed. “Here come Brigid and Ian.”

  Brigid pulled Fiona into a hug. “Please don’t be angry with me for leaving.”

  “Never. I’ve always only wanted you happy. Ian will take care of you and Richard. He’s like a brother to me, so I can finally have you as my sister-in-law,” Fiona said, grinning.

  “I’ll do my best to make them both happy,” Ian said. He nudged Brigid toward Margaret’s side so he could better focus on Fiona. “It’s been wonderful seeing you again. Mother and Claire will be relieved to know you are all right.” He took Margaret’s hand in his, then Fiona’s. “Should you ever decide to come back home, let me know. I’ll be here, immediately, to get all of you.”

  “Thank you for the offer, Ian,” Margaret said, “but we’re happy here. This is our home.” She knew Fiona shared her position on the subject.

  Ian shrugged. “Gotta tell Mother I tried, as she wouldn’t forgive me if I hadn’t done so.”

  He and Brigid moved away, and Janice took their place. “It’s been a pleasure, my old friend.”

  “Watch who you’re calling old.”

  “Figuratively, Meggie.” Janice heaved a weary sigh. “Last chance, my dear’s—”

  Margaret scowled and took a menacing step forward and lowered her voice. “If you offer yourself to my wife, so help me, Janice.”

  Janice gave a full-throated laugh. “I know better.” She turned toward Fiona and gave her a full-body perusal that Margaret was glad Fiona would never see. “You’re still a handsome woman, Fiona. Even without the suits. Miss the newsboy cap, too.” Janice shook her head. “No, I want to make certain I didn’t overstep myself with Adam.”

  Fiona gave a throaty growl. “My nephew-son stays here with his auntie-mother’s.”

  “Just wanted to make certain,” Janice said. “Couldn’t ask for a more perfect family. All right, dears, I’m off. Don’t be strangers. Come visit.”

  Margaret knew she meant well, honestly offered the invitation. Deep down, Janice knew as surely as Margaret, they would never be able to accept.

  The call for boarding was given, and they waived their final goodbyes, as their Boston-family boarded. Margaret wrapped an arm around Fiona’s waist. “As good as friends visiting us is, I’m looking forward to time alone with you and Adam.”

  “Are you sure you’re okay with raising Adam?”

  Margaret frowned. “Why wouldn’t I be? He is perfect. Cavanaugh through and through, even as a Graham.”

  Fiona gave a weighty shrug. “Not like I’m capable of giving you a child. Now, I may not be around to see him to adolescence, let alone manhood.”

  Tears filled Margaret’s eyes. “Oh, honey. Adam couldn’t be more your son if he’d been of your blood. Every minute the three of us share is, and will be, precious.”

  “Everything okay?” Jo asked, Adam still on her hip. Tessa smiled warmly from Jo’s side.

  Margaret squeezed Fiona’s waist and caressed Adam’s cheek. “Wonderful. Just telling Fiona how lucky I am to have the perfect family. Let’s all go home.”

  Adam leaned forward
and wrapped an arm each around her and Fiona. “Auntie’s go home.”

  Beaming a smile, Margaret ignored the tears that fell. Happy tears were always welcomed.

  Chapter Twenty-seven

  “What is that smell?” Margaret asked. She stepped into the kitchen just as dark smoke rose from the cast iron skillet Jo was tending at the stove. Adam giggled from his seat at the table next to Fiona, who currently made exaggerated facial expressions for his benefit. They’d placed Adam in the chair Brigid used, but he wanted to sit next to Fiona. Margaret couldn’t take offense because Adam would often offer Fiona his assistance.

  Best of all, he’d opened up a little bit at a time and bonded with all three of them in the last two weeks. The one concern they seemed to have was his reluctance to leave the house. It didn’t pose a problem yet as the family was still adjusting to the loss of Brigid and Richard in the home, Jo’s sulking because she had to avoid Tessa, and Fiona’s learning to maneuver the house and journey to the barn for her work.

  “Ugh, why can’t I ever get this right.” Jo removed the pan from the stove, placed it on the potholder on the counter by the sink, and opened a window. “Brigid made this look so easy.” Margaret stood behind Jo and looked down. Their collective stomachs would pay for this debacle later. “It’s fine, honey. Still edible,” she lied. “After school is out, I’ll be able to assume this responsibility for the summer.”

  “Glad I don’t have to see it,” Fiona whispered.

  “What did you say?” Jo demanded as she spun and nearly bumped into Margaret.

  Adam giggled again, not able to squash it behind his hand.

  Fiona appeared to struggle with holding the laughter back and asked, “Any more toast need buttering?”

  “Maybe Jo do the jam,” Adam said.

  “Does,” Margaret said automatically.

  “Good idea, Adam. She can’t ruin that,” Fiona said. She pursed her lips. “I don’t think.”