Oracle Haunting (The Phoenix Files Book 4)

by Morgan Kelley

  “I’d rip your pretty girl face off, stomp it with my boot, and put it back on inside out.”

  “See?”

  They got it.

  “I’m trying to be a better person,” Nate said. “I’ve hurt her, caged her, treated her like a prisoner, but I’m trying. This isn’t easy for me. I don’t appreciate the sighs, or how every time I get upset, I get a look from one of you. Walk a mile in my shoes and then tell me what it feels like. I’m fighting an uphill battle here, and no one gets that.”

  Lucian understood fighting the odds.

  He did that to get Bishop.

  It had been hard.

  “I can disconnect more. It’s not pleasant, but I can do it. If me being connected all the time is an issue, I’ll do it, Nate. I don’t want you to hurt. I don’t want Bishop to hurt.”

  He sighed and closed his one eye.

  “I love Avalon, I do,” Lucian offered, “but it’s not the same kind of love you feel for her. That love…” He touched Bishop’s face. “That love is for my wife.”

  He got that.

  “I just need a little break. I need to feel like I’m in control of my relationship.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  Nate was too. “Lucian, I don’t dislike you. I’m just afraid to lose her.”

  He focused on the man. “She’s afraid to lose you too. If you could be in her head, you’d see that every day, she worries you’ll change your mind about her.”

  “I will never change my mind. She’s the one I love.”

  “Then I’ll give you space. I’m out of her mind.”

  It was the best he could do. How else was a psychic supposed to detach himself from his psychic match?

  “I don’t want to fight. Just stay out of my fiancée when you can. Give me that. I need to feel like I matter.”

  Nate walked away.

  Lucian watched him go. “Maybe me offering to help was a bad idea,” he said, pulling his hand away from Bishop. He left the room, saying nothing.

  The rest of the team watched him go.

  “I’ve got a bad feeling about this,” Maura said.

  Yeah, Luke did too.

  This wasn’t going to end well.

  At all.

  How did he know?

  A jealous Nate was never a good thing.

  Not once in their lives.

  Chapter Seven

  Town

  Adare

  Monday Late Afternoon

  L aird had to admit, spending time with Brianna wasn’t a bad thing. She was easy to talk to, funny when she tried to be, and open to him. He could say, without a doubt, that he’d never met anyone like her in his life. She was a uniquely, special person.

  He was beginning to believe her gift wasn’t psychic, but just being a decent person people flocked to.

  A few times, as they headed toward the bed and breakfast, people stopped to say hello—more so than they did to him. She would smile, be cheery, and greet them all.

  She was like the unofficial mayor of Adare.

  It amused him.

  Then, as they were walking, he began feeling uneasy about his new gift. Without having to say anything, she simply took his hand in hers, or put her arm through his.

  It was…sweet.

  She was taking care of him in her own way, and Laird wasn’t going to stop her.

  He liked it.

  Sweetness and kindness like that weren’t common in his life. Growing up, yes, his father and mother had a connection, but he’d never expected to find it so quickly with another person, let alone this American.

  When his father and mother were both gone, he always swore he’d never fall for anyone so much that he’d give up himself. Laird wouldn’t love like that, forcing himself to grieve with his own life if that person were to disappear. He didn’t think he was strong enough.

  Then there was Brianna.

  With her, she intrigued him.

  As a cop.

  As a person.

  And definitely as a man.

  Brianna Collins was a gem and he was shocked that she’d stumbled into his life.

  “So, tell me more about you, Miss Collins,” he asked, slowing them down. Laird didn’t want this walk to end. He wanted to spend more time getting to know her.

  All of her.

  She smiled at him as they headed toward the inn. “There’s not much to tell. I’m an only child, I love being a teacher, and I have a gift.”

  “Do you play the piano?” he asked.

  “Are you fishing around in my head?” she teased.

  “Yeah, I am. I’m sorry. Is that bad?” Laird asked, slowly withdrawing from her mind.

  She stopped him. “You can be in there. It’s comfortable. I don’t mind if you practice your gifts on me. I’ll help you learn.”

  He was shocked it was so easy, and that she didn’t mind him doing it. If it were him, Laird might not be so magnanimous.

  It was so damn odd, and he liked it.

  “I do play the piano, and you play…” she stared at him, slipping into his head to share the experience. “You like to ride motorcycles.”

  He laughed.

  She was right.

  Laird liked to drive fast and live on the edge.

  “Yeah, I do. I don’t have a musical bone in my body, unless it’s a radio in a car. Sue me. I’m the typical man.”

  She stared into his aqua eyes. “You’re definitely not typical.”

  When she brushed a strand of his hair from his face, his heart skipped.

  “Have you ever been on a motorcycle?” he asked, quickly blurting it out, so he wouldn’t do something stupid, like kiss her.

  GOD!

  He wanted that in the worst way.

  She laughed. “No, never. No one’s ever asked. I imagine they’re fast, scary, and amazing.”

  He glanced over at her. “Want to go for a ride some time? I’ll be more than happy to show you. As a gentleman, it’s the least I can do.”

  She laughed. “Deal.”

  “BUT…”

  She waited. “But what?”

  “You’ll play for me? My mother played the piano. I miss hearing it.”

  “Deal. It’s the least I can do, Mr. Maguire.”

  As they approached the bed and breakfast, he stopped just off the fenced in yard.

  “You’ve been staying here a whole year?” he asked.

  She looked at the sunny building with the yellow shutters and window boxes full of flowers.

  “I was going to rent a place, but it seemed silly with just me. I’m only one person. How much space do I need? Plus, I’d rather read a book or go to the park to watch people than clean a house. I’m lofty like that.”

  “Lofty can be good,” he said. “How are the Murray’s treating you?”

  “I am secretly in love with their daughter. She walks me to school, she sneaks me cookies, and I think she’s a sweet girl. It’s all that red hair and freckles. How do you not love that?”

  Oh, he was aware.

  She had them herself.

  He covered for his thoughts. “She’s her mother’s daughter.”

  “What happened to her mother?” Brianna asked. “I noticed it’s just her, her father, and her grandfather.”

  “She left. One day, she up and abandoned Mary. She didn’t want to have children, but you know how the Catholics are.”

  Yeah, she got that.

  “That’s so sad. I don’t know how a mother could do that to a child. I’d never leave mine, if I had them.”

  “Do you like kids?”

  She looked at him. “I’m a teacher, so there’s your answer. My job would be hell if I didn’t. It would be like being held hostage each and every day.”

  He found that amusing.

  “I bet it would be,” he offered.

  “What about you, Mr. Maguire? Do you fancy kids in your future?” she asked, using an Irish accent.

  It fit on her, and made his heart thump.

  “I
like kids, too, but mostly, I like being Garda. I’ve always wanted to be a cop.”

  She didn’t let go of his hand. When she did, it would be sad. Brianna would feel the distance.

  “Are you a good cop? I mean Garda?”

  “I try to be.”

  “I’m sorry about what Oracle said about your father.”

  “He didn’t take bribes,” Laird said. “I became who I am to clear our name. Little by little, but I will.”

  She got it.

  While her parents made her insane, she wouldn’t let anyone disparage them. They were still her parents.

  She was going to share that with him, but suddenly, there was someone calling her name.

  Brianna turned to see Mary Murray heading her way.

  “Hello, sunshine,” Brianna offered, as the girl hugged her. “I missed you.”

  “I missed you too.”

  “What do you need, Mary?” she asked.

  “Da wanted to know if you’ll be having dinner. Grandda is making a vegetable thing for you.”

  “Then I’m in,” she stated. “I do love my veggies, and since he went to so much work…”

  “I should go,” Laird said.

  “Would you like to stay as my guest?” she asked, still holding his hand.

  God!

  He wanted to stay in the worst way. Only, he had to get back to the office, update the men, and get ready for the next day. They had interviews.

  “I wish I could, Miss Collins.”

  She looked disappointed.

  That brightened his day. If she didn’t want him to leave, that meant the next time, she’d likely ask him to stay, and he would.

  “Molly and I have to brief the team, but can you find it in your heart to meet me for breakfast before I meet with Nate and Luke in the morning?”

  She wanted to do cartwheels.

  Could she?

  Oh, that was funny. She’d make him freaking breakfast if he was so inclined.

  “I think I’m free. Where?”

  He wanted to say his place, but he knew that would be way too forward. He’d just met her, even though he felt like he’d known her for years.

  “How about the park? The same place as today?”

  That worked for her.

  “I can’t wait.”

  He took a chance, leaning in to kiss her on the cheek. “Be safe, and if you need me…” Laird tapped his head.

  ‘I’ll call for you,’ she whispered into his mind as she gazed into his eyes.

  ‘Please do.’

  “Mary, tell your father and grandfather I send my regards,” Laird offered.

  “Yes, Detective Maguire,” she said, pulling Brianna after her as she raced toward the house.

  Laird made sure they got inside.

  At the door, Brianna stopped, waved, and smiled.

  In that moment, he knew one thing.

  He’d met the woman who could bring him to his knees.

  She was the one.

  Laird was the victim of love at first sight.

  * * * O R A C L E * * *

  He’d waited a couple hours to talk to Avalon, but she didn’t wake up from her nap.

  Nate wasn’t surprised.

  She’d had a very long day, and these things happened when she exerted herself. She’d go and go, burning out, and then have to recoup.

  Maybe it was for the best that they didn’t talk.

  He was still irritated, and Nate didn’t want to have a fight with her.

  Then again, seeing her asleep in their bed, her hand tucked beneath her chin, like an innocent child, it melted the chill and ice daggers he wanted to shoot her way.

  “Oh, Avalon,” he said, climbing into their bed. “What am I going to do with you? I want to protect you, but I know you don’t need me to be that person all the time.”

  Nate wished she needed him like that, but as her powers grew, she needed him less and less.

  “Please still need me,” he whispered, “like I need you.”

  He brushed some of her blonde hair from her cheek.

  “I love you.”

  Nate cuddled down in the bed, and when Avalon didn’t roll into his body, he tugged her toward him.

  She was chilly to the touch.

  He knew what that meant. She was in some sleep walk where she was communing with the other psychics. In fact, she was probably connected to Lucian, again, doing their thing.

  Terrific.

  Great.

  So much for having her all to himself.

  Nate closed his eyes, and he willed himself to sleep. He wouldn’t get angry.

  He’d done that once already.

  Now, it was time to forget.

  And rest.

  Tomorrow was going to be a long day.

  He could feel it.

  As they sat in their room, Lucian wasn’t saying much. In fact, he was sitting on the edge of the bed, his torso naked, and his back to his wife.

  “Are you mad at me?” she asked.

  He glanced over his shoulder, his one good eye focused on her.

  “No.”

  “But…”

  “Maybe I’m not cut out for this, Bishop. I’m not sure I can be anyone I’m not. It’s not easy to have this gift, and no one seems to get that.”

  She did get it.

  Only, she’d done a bad job of conveying it.

  “I’m sorry about before. I didn’t want to hurt you, but you’ve always wanted me to be honest. You and Avalon, it’s hard to watch.”

  “She’s like a kid sister.”

  “Are you sure?”

  He turned. “Are you questioning my love for you, Bishop? Is that what this has come to that you think I could lie to you and love another woman?”

  She put her hand on his arm.

  His whole body was seething.

  Bishop could feel it.

  “Babe, calm down. I’m not questioning you. You’re edgy. I can feel the bad mood from here. If I didn’t think you loved me, really loved me, I wouldn’t have married you.”

  He relaxed marginally.

  “I get what Nate is saying, but neither of you are seeing it from our side. When I get those visions, they are horrible. They are enough to break me. The only reason I survive them is because of her.”

  She got it.

  She’d seen it happen.

  If Bishop could take that away for him, she would. Only, she couldn’t change his gift or carry it on her shoulders. This was about Lucian handling what fate had given him.

  “When she and I are connected, I can focus. I can feel. I’m not thinking about love, or anything more than ‘thank freaking God I can breathe’.”

  “I trust you.”

  “I think I’m going home.”

  “Then I’m coming with you,” she stated. “They can use the house, but I’m not letting my husband leave without me. That’s not how I roll, Lucian. For better or worse, for richer or poorer, and God! I hope you don’t get richer, but them are the rules, sir.”

  He sighed.

  “You’re happy using your mind.”

  “I’m happy being your sexy plaything,” she teased.

  “About that…”

  Bishop knew what was coming.

  “I want to apologize for the whole Maribel thing. I was having flashes of the visions, and it pulled me under. I could hear him, and I couldn’t control it.”

  She took his hand in hers. “Where did you go?”

  “We all have that safe place in our minds. It’s where victims go as they are being abused, or people go when they are out of control. I went there. Avalon had to find me and set me free. I couldn’t communicate.”

  She gave him a kiss.

  “You guys have a strong connection.”

  He shrugged. “And people who hate it.”

  “Give it time. Nate is stirred up, you’re stirred up, and this house…”

  “It’s creepy, right?” Lucian asked.

  “Oh, hell, yeah, it is. You cou
ldn’t pay me enough to live in this haunted monstrosity,” she teased.

  He laughed. “I love that you tell it like it is, Bish, and for the record…”

  “I know. I’m living in it. That should tell you how hot my husband is. I wouldn’t do this for just anyone.”

  “How hot is he, exactly?”

  Bishop wiggled her eyebrows. “Maybe you want to roll on over here, you sexy pirate, and shiver me timbers?”

  He snorted. “Aye, wench, I can do that.”

  Lucian attacked, and Bishop knew one thing.

  He hadn’t lied.

  She owned Lucian’s heart.

  * * * O R A C L E * * *

  Across Adare

  Detective’s Office

  When he told his men that they were going to have outside help from people who specialized in the kind of killings they were experiencing, it didn’t go over well.

  They asked a million questions, and then when they found out it was going to be foreigners, they weren’t having it.

  They would suck it up, but there was one man who wasn’t thrilled at all. It really didn’t go over well with the Garda he normally worked with, side by side. James Cooley was pissy about it. The man didn’t want to share the case with the Americans, and he certainly didn’t want to have them running roughshod over them.

  Americans were bossy.

  Thought they knew best.

  And they loved their guns.

  He threw out every possible reason why they shouldn’t do it. Only, Laird knew they would be the best people for the job since they specialized in things like this. In all his years in Adare, he had zero serial killers—that he knew of.

  Oh, there had been murder in Adare, but nothing so sinister that they couldn’t handle it.

  They had the normal bar fight.

  A drunken brawl turned bad.

  There had even been domestic disputes gone wrong.

  But a legit serial killer who was dining on hearts?

  Yeah, this was way out of his league, and he’d take what he could get to ensure the chief superintendent wasn’t riding his ass by the end of the week.

  Besides.

  ORACLE.