They weren’t touching.
“Loyalty. That’s the vein of strength through you. You’re a very loyal person, and you expect it back.”
She was right.
“You’re smart,” he said, petting his dog. “I found her. She was this sick little pup. She couldn’t have been more than three weeks old. I don’t know what happened to her mother. She was abandoned.”
Brianna listened.
“I bottle fed her, spoon fed her, and fell in love for the first time in my life. I’ve had Molly for seven years now, and I can’t imagine a day without her. She’s messy, slobbery, and a horrible roommate.”
“Ah, love. It sneaks up when you least expect it.”
Yeah, it really did.
How did he know?
He was feeling it.
Brianna stopped moving. She could hear Oracle in her head.
“I hear her too,” he said, taking her hand in his. Once they connected, it was crystal clear.
She got the message.
“I guess I’m going with you to the office,” Brianna offered. “I hope you don’t mind the company.”
MIND?
She could sit on his desk and hold his hand all day. Laird knew when he had a good thing.
Speaking of which, he saw all the young Irish men checking her out, and that made him nervous.
He didn’t want her poached.
He’d just found her.
Then, he had an idea.
“Can you watch Molly today?” he asked. “She’ll just follow me all over the place, and she’s a menace.”
Now she’d follow her, keeping any potential suitors away until he could woo her with their first real date.
And, he wanted to see if Brianna could handle the big furry menace. He wanted to see if she fit into his world. Maybe that was why he was telling her about his dog, his life, his beliefs. If she was good with his job, Molly, and him peeking into her head, they would be set.
She smiled at him. “That sounds like the perfect day. Molly and I will stay out of trouble,” she promised.
Perfect.
His plan was in place.
He knew while Molly looked like a big, fluffy puddle of mush, she was more than that.
She was territorial.
She was protective.
And she’d guard what was his.
And Laird knew one thing.
Brianna…she was meant to be his.
Forever.
* * * O R A C L E * * *
Detective Maguire’s
Office
Nine A.M.
When Luke, Nate, and Bishop got there, they were ready to work. It was time to dig into the case, pulling apart the two victim’s lives.
As they waited, there was a Garda sitting there with a scowl on his face.
It was clear what he thought of them.
From his attitude, and how he went out of his way to ignore them, and still watch them with open hostility, it appeared James Cooley didn’t like anyone butting into Irish business.
They deduced that by the fact he kept muttering ‘Americans’ like they had some communicable disease.
Haters were going to hate.
When the detective arrived, Miss Collins in tow, they knew it was time to get started.
“You needed me?” she asked, as she entered the building.
Bishop handed her a note, addressed to her.
After she opened it and then read it, she smiled. “That’s right up my alley,” she offered.
She handed it to Detective Maguire and then gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Seven?” she asked.
“Yes, Miss Collins. Seven.”
She headed out, going to the library to meet up with Maura, Avalon, and Lucian, so they could do their part in this investigation.
“Are you ready?” Nate asked.
“Yes, we have two people to talk to regarding the murders. I’d say split up, but you don’t have jurisdiction. Since no one was American…”
They got it.
Again, James made a comment, and again, the three ignored it. Most of the people they’d run into in Ireland were filled with hospitality, so they knew it was likely a job-related pissing match.
They wouldn’t take it personally.
Besides, they were at Laird’s mercy when it came to doing any investigating. It sucked, but in Ireland, they were third wheels. The detective was running the show.
James Cooley slammed the lid of his laptop, and everyone looked over.
“Jimmy, I’m not excluding you. Would you like to join us?” he asked, trying to keep the peace. He could tell this might be a problem in the future.
“Not if my ma begged me to with a basket full of scones,” he admitted.
Laird gave him the look, but he didn’t reprimand him. He wouldn’t do that to anyone in front of an audience of people, but once this was over, he and his young Garda were going to have a long conversation about manners. You never knew when you had to work with an American agency.
He wouldn’t burn his bridges.
“Have it your way. I want to solve these cases. I’m not too proud to take help when it’s being offered. That’s the first rule of being a good investigator.”
James Cooley glared at them.
Gladly, they headed out.
“Who’s first?” Nate asked.
“A woman by the name of Cara Healy,” he offered. “I’ve tried to interview her at the bar she works at, but she’s dodging me.”
“Do you think she’s guilty of something?” Luke asked.
He laughed. “Yeah, I’d bet money on it. She’s young. Stupidity is rampant at that age. I know since I was once her age too.”
He had a point.
They all had been.
Together, as if sightseeing, they walked through town until they arrived at the woman’s flat. As they climbed up the stairs, they found the door with her name on it and got to business.
Laird took the lead and knocked, but didn’t announce himself. His finger was over the peephole, so she wouldn’t get the chance to avoid him.
Again.
When she yanked open the door, it was clear she had been sleeping.
“Ah, Cara, you’re home. Good. Let’s have a chat, shall we?” Detective Maguire asked.
“Jaysus! You again. What the hell is your issue?” she asked. “I didn’t do anything. The pot wasn’t mine.”
And here was what he’d been talking about.
Stupidity.
“I’m not here about some penny ante bags of weed, Cara. I’m here to ask you about two people.”
“Why the entourage, Detective? Slow day on Main street?” she asked. “Are you and your stiffs going to muscle some people around like your da used to do?”
He tensed, but he didn’t let it faze him.
Cara was stupid to provoke him, but he’d stay calm.
“You’re a funny one, lass. How about you answer me here, or I can strut myself over to your boss and tell him you’re dealing weed out of his pub? Or the other things you’re taking cash for like giving men head in the loo?”
That shut her up.
“Come in.”
They followed her in, and it was a dive. She lived like a slob. Bishop saw the mess and opted to stay outside. She was sloppy, but she didn’t want to catch anything terminal in that bacteria fest. It was better if she protected their flank.
Nate and Luke followed the detective inside.
“What’s this about?”
He showed her the pictures of the two deceased people. Well, not the crime shots.
“Do you know them?” he asked.
“They come into ‘The Bog’ all the time. Why?” she asked. “What did they do?”
“They’re dead. He was a thief, and she was a hooker. I think she was also servicing some horny men in the loo. Maybe you saw her?”
She stared at him.
“Well?” he asked.
“That sucks that they’re dead.”
&
nbsp; Was this compassion?
Remorse?
Really?
“When was the last time you saw them?” Detective Maguire asked.
“With him, it’s been a while. He’d come in, hit on the pretty ladies, and then he’d get himself shitfaced drunk. We’d have to toss his ass out each and every night.”
“He was found in the alley two blocks from the pub.”
“It’s a shame.”
“And her?” he asked.
“I feel bad for her. She had to put up with a lot of shit to even turn a trick. That’s definitely not the game I’d wish on anyone.”
No one would.
“Was anyone bothering them?” Nate asked. “Did you see anything suspicious?”
“Oh, an American. How sweet. Are you calling in the big guns, Detective?” she asked, blowing Nate a kiss.
“Shut it, Cara. Answer his questions or I’ll be showing you big guns. It’ll start with me harassing you at work, so you’ll be turning tricks to make ends meet full time.”
She flipped him off.
“No one was bothering them. It’s a pub. They screamed at the televisions, and guzzled beer. That’s what happens in there.”
Then she paused.
“No, wait! There was this guy. He was trying to get in her panties, and she wasn’t having it. I remember thinking ‘Wow! She’s really particular about the men she takes’.”
“Who?” Nate asked.
She thought about it.
“I believe he was one of the O’Leary boys. You know. The one who had the issues with the law.”
“Connor?” he asked.
“Yeah, that’s him. He is ham-handed when it comes to the ladies. I’m not shocked he has to pay for pussy. A girl likes a suave man like that one,” she said, pointing at Nate.
The detective wasn’t having it.
“Watch your mouth, Cara. No one likes a dirty girl. I’ll tell your ma what you’re up to.”
She winked at Nate. “I bet he does like a dirty girl. What do you say?”
He stared at her. “I like my wife,” he answered, “and I prefer my girls clean.”
He looked around the room.
“This is not clean.”
She laughed.
“Jaysus! It’s a hard group today. I’m only coddin’ya!”
Luke lifted a brow as he played ‘decipher the Irish’. It happened a lot.
“Was that English?” he asked.
“She said she’s yanking your chain,” Laird translated. “Cara likes the slang. Again, proof that she’s a dirty girl. She curses like a sailor.”
She blew him a kiss too.
“So, this Connor O’Leary was trying to buy her, and she wasn’t having any of it,” Nate reiterated.
“He’s a huge gowl! He has no clue.”
They looked at Laird, again, for translation.
“It means idiot.”
It was funny that they were in an English-speaking country, and still needed a translator.
The Irish were tough on the language.
“Has Connor been in the pub since she was killed?” he asked.
“Are you kidding me, Detective? He’s on the lash every night!”
Laird translated without them even having to ask. “It means he was out drinking. I’ve arrested Connor before, and he’s an interesting character,” Laird admitted.
She snorted. “He’s all about the snog. If he can get that, he can get his way into some poor, unsuspecting girl’s panties.”
Nate knew this one. It meant kiss.
“Is that all, Detective?” she asked. “Unless you’d like to take me up on my previous offers with you.”
He laughed. “Sorry, Cara, but you’re not my type. I’m not into women who like to be disrespectful or who smoke pot.”
She laughed. “Maybe another time then when you untwist your britches,” she said, escorting them to the door.
“Nice tits,” she said to Bishop.
She smiled and then yelled BOO!
Cara jumped about three feet off the ground.
“Little girl, I’ve eaten smarter, scarier, and tougher bitches for breakfast. Go change your panties. I think you pissed yourself.”
They headed out, and Laird was still laughing.
“What?” Bishop asked.
“I like you. Americans…they are very different than we’ve all been told.”
“We like to shoot things and love greasy food. We’re pretty self-explanatory.”
Well, the Irish liked the greasy food too. So, they had something in common.
He threw on his sunglasses.
“Okay, so you’re exactly what we’ve been told. Good to know,” he offered.
Nate laughed. “Let’s keep going. Who’s next?”
“Well, since we’ve got Connor on the brain, let’s have some fun, shall we?”
This was his rodeo.
“Lead the way.”
* * * O R A C L E * * *
Adare
Public Library
When she finally arrived, Avalon, Lucian, and Maura were waiting for her. They were sitting on the steps with Maura standing guard behind them.
It was clear that she was waiting for anything dangerous to pop up. That said a lot about the people she was watching. Maura was always expecting something bad to go down when it came to Avalon.
She couldn’t help herself.
“Hello, Avalon,” Brianna said, greeting her.
The blonde smiled. “Brianna, how are you?” she asked, “Your aura is all sunny today, so I’m betting your date this morning went well.”
The woman blushed. “It did.”
Molly, who was trotting behind Brianna, saw his other favorite woman and raced for Avalon, giving her a big wet kiss.
“I see you have his dog,” Avalon offered.
Everything was moving ahead as fate had wanted. Avalon couldn’t help but be happy for her.
She was a big proponent for love.
“Yes, I do. Is it a problem? Molly seems to be a regular Houdini. She can get out of a locked house without any trace.”
Avalon was amused. “It’s never an issue. I’ve never had a dog, so this is fun for me. Will they let her inside?”
“I think so. Laird seems to be well-known here, and I’m guessing his dog is too.”
That worked for them.
“If she slobbers on me, I’ll kick her,” Maura stated.
Avalon snorted. “You will not. I’ve heard you telling Luke you wish you could have a dog. Who are you kidding?”
“Nosey psychics who eavesdrop learn lessons the hard way,” Maura stated. “And if you found that out by word of mouth, snitches get stitches. I’ll handle him later.”
She laughed.
Lucian too.
Maura was badass on the outside, but mushy in the center. Neither of them bought her words.
Inside the library, the man behind the counter smiled at them. “Ah, did you find Detective Maguire’s dog wandering around?” he asked. “I can call him to come get her. Molly is a treasure around here. She’s like the unofficial mayor of Adare.”
Brianna had seen this man around. “It’s William, right?” she asked.
“Yes, William Byrd. Would you like me to call him to get her?” he asked again.
She patted Molly on the head. “No, I’m dog sitting for him. He knows I have his dog. Isn’t that right, Molly Maguire?” she asked, as she leaned down to get a doggy kiss. “She said yes.”
The man lifted a brow. “Are you serious?” he asked, coming around the counter.
Molly growled.
Maura moved between him and the dog. “She’s serious. If I were you, I’d sashay yourself back behind the desk.”
“Oh, Molly and I go way back.” He held out a cookie to her, and she sniffed it but that was it.
Brianna took it from him and fed it to Molly. She didn’t hesitate to take it.
“Like I said,” she began, “I’m watching Molly for him.
I do have some questions about the town.”
He went back around the counter and adjusted his bow tie. “What are they?”
“My friends and I are doing some research.”
“On?”
“A man named Sir Lawrence Keane. We hear that he used to be part of Adare’s long history.”
“He was, and he wasn’t a nice man at that. There are conflicting stories about him peppered all through Adare’s history.”
That had their attention.
“What can you tell us about him?” Avalon asked.
“May I ask why a bunch of Americans are interested in local Adare legend?” he asked, staring at her over his glasses. “Tourists?”
Brianna covered for them. “You may ask. I’m writing a book on the history of Adare between school sessions, and they’re my writing team. Lucian Monroe owns the estate where Lawrence Keane once roamed.”
“Aye! You are the Monroe man.”
Lucian shook his hand. “I am.”
“Well, that makes sense then.”
All three of them relaxed. He seemed to buy it—which was good, since no one wanted him spreading gossip or rumors. Who knew what this killer was up to, and why it may be connected to Lucian’s home?
“Let me see what I have,” William offered.
He looked a few things up on the computer.
“I have a few books that might reference him, if you like. Hopefully, they will give you a trail to find while getting information on him.”
Avalon spoke up, “Is there anything for the visually impaired?”
“I’ll check.”
While she could read Braille, she couldn’t read regular books. She was still learning. Lucian was teaching her as a surprise for Nate.
She wanted to use Lucian’s vision to read him a story for a change. His gift was her going out to investigate, and her gift was showing him she could read.
She couldn’t wait.
“You’re in luck! I do, miss! If you have a seat in the room over there and keep Molly under control, I’ll bring them in.”
That was good with them.
They headed in, and Maura pulled out her tablet.
“Don’t mind me,” she offered. “I like my information off the web. You do the dusty books, and I’ll see what I can find in the Irish Archives.”
Oracle Haunting (The Phoenix Files Book 4) Page 20