One Night in Paris

by Kate Sweeney

  “All right,” she said softly and sat down. “Trevor is making lunch. He said you look tired, and he’s right. How are you feeling?”

  “I feel fine, and yes, I’m a little tired. I just want this over with and done,” she said, finding Kevin’s number. “I’m just checking in with him.”

  Annabel smiled and nodded while Maureen waited.

  “Inspector Martin.”

  “Kevin? Maureen.”

  “Good God, child. I nearly gave up on you. Where the hell are you?”

  His voice sounded tough, but Maureen also heard the kind concern, as well. “I’m sorry to worry ya, Kevin. I-I can’t tell ya exactly where I am.”

  “Are you at least in Dublin and back from Paris?”

  “Yes,” she answered immediately. She stopped for a moment; a chill ran through her as her mind raced. Kevin went on, breaking her thoughts.

  “How’s Michael?”

  “He’s still in the hospital,” she said slowly, still trying to collect her thoughts. “Tommy knows where he is.”

  “You didn’t tell me he was in a rehab place. How did Tommy find out?” There was silence for a moment before Kevin let out a low breath. “How?”

  “I don’t know. But the nurse told me his uncle called after Michael.”

  “Damn it. If he knows…”

  “I’m getting him out of there.”

  “How?”

  “I can’t go into it now. Have ya seen Doyle at all?”

  Kevin let out a rude snort. “Of course. He’s not one to hide, the crazy bastard. Why don’t ya tell me where you are? I’m so worried about ya.”

  Maureen’s heart ached to tell him, to have him take care of everything, but she couldn’t. “Trust me, I’m fine, and this will all be over soon.”

  “I don’t like that tone. You can’t do this alone.”

  “I’m not.” She glanced at the worried look on Annabel’s face and winked. “I’ve got help. And I trust them. Please, that’s all I can say for now. I’ll check in with you tomorrow. I just didn’t want to worry you any more than you already are.”

  She heard the exasperated breath and smiled. “Don’t worry. It’ll all be fine soon.”

  “You keep in touch with me, young lady. I want updates.”

  “I will. Thanks for everything. And thanks for always being there for us.”

  “If that judge would have let me adopt you two all those years ago, you wouldn’t be in this mess.”

  She smiled, and Kevin laughed. “What am I saying? You two would probably have driven me to drink.”

  Maureen now laughed along with him. “I’ll call ya later.”

  “Goodbye, darlin’.”

  Maureen snapped the phone shut, fighting the wave of emotions. She flinched when she felt the warm hand on her arm. Annabel pulled her into her arms then, and for the first time in such a long time, Maureen allowed someone to hold her, comfort her.

  Without any promises or conditions, Annabel held her and whispered tenderly as Maureen melted in her arms.

  “It’ll be all right,” Annabel whispered, gently rubbing her hands up and down her back. She guided Maureen over to the couch.

  They sat side by side. Maureen let out a deep sigh as she put her head back. “Kevin is a good man.”

  “Tell me.” Annabel turned to face her; she gently ran her fingers across Maureen’s brow. “What happened to your parents?”

  “Annabel...”

  “Please, I want to know you. Someday you’ll have to join the living,” she said and smiled slightly.

  “I live.”

  “You exist,” Annabel gently countered.

  Maureen took a deep frustrated breath. “Why won’t ya let it be, woman?”

  “Because I’ve come to care for you ever since I saw you at that casino. I don’t know why,” she admitted, “but here we are.”

  There was a long moment of silence. Maureen turned her head and looked at Annabel. “I never knew my parents. Constable Kevin Martin found us in an alley in Galway. I was seven. Michael was three,” she said evenly. “I don’t remember much of that at all.” She looked a bit confused as Annabel watched her, saying nothing. “My first recollection is Kevin, being in his arms with Michael. I don’t remember much before that, maybe it was too traumatic. You’d think I’d…Anyway, he says I was screaming not to take Mick from me.” She laughed quietly. “And ya know he never did. He did everything he could to keep us together. I remember him saying, ‘Don’t worry, lass. Your brother isn’t going anywhere. The doctor just needs to check him out.’ I cried and cried, so scared I’d never see Michael again. So Kevin says, in his soft voice, ‘All right now, lass, come with me.’ Then he picked me up, and I remember him saying how filthy I was.”

  Annabel smiled. “I can just imagine a cute face smudged with dirt and stained with the tears that ran down your rosy cheeks.”

  “I must have been a sight. Kevin begged them to let me stay. And they did. I watched the doctor examine Michael. That was my first meeting with Kevin Martin.” She sighed pensively before continuing, “Kevin is a good man. He tried to keep us together. It wasn’t easy. We had to go to an orphanage outside of Galway. He came to visit all the time, even had us for holidays, when we weren’t put into the foster homes.” Her voice trailed off as she remembered those times. “Like I said, some people only wanted Michael. Some only wanted me, so they tried to separate us,” she said, then laughed quietly.

  “You have a beautiful smile when you’re not frowning and brooding,” Annabel said, running her fingers through her red hair.

  “And if ya don’t stop touching me, I’ll never be able to finish.”

  “Okay, continue.”

  However, she did not stop her caresses, and Maureen didn’t mind at all.

  “Tell me,” she urged, and Maureen nodded.

  “A few times, we were separated. Each time, I’d run away and find Michael. We’d head right for Kevin, poor man. Each time, they would send us back to the orphanage. The nuns were brutal…” She stopped abruptly.

  She saw the look on Annabel and grudgingly admitted to herself that she was beginning to know Annabel and smiled slightly. “To answer your question, they only hit Michael a couple of times. He was a wild thing, always going against the grain. I-I knew at an early age how to play the game. I’d do anything to stay with my brother.”

  Annabel heard the resolution in her voice and smiled. “You’re a good woman, Maureen Costello,” she said softly and looked at her.

  Maureen shot her an incredulous look, then chuckled rudely. “Well, I’ve never been accused of that.”

  Though intended to be a joke, Annabel heard the hard truth behind it.

  “What happened at the foster homes?” she asked quickly, fearing Maureen would stop talking.

  “Some were okay. Some were not. Then they sent us to a family in Dublin when I was about twelve. It started out good enough, then he started to hit Michael. The father was a drunk. The mother was a passive woman who worked and wasn’t home most of the time.”

  Annabel was outraged. “How could they hand two children over to someone like that?”

  “It’s like I said.” Maureen shrugged. “Families joined the foster program for money. The Irish government subsidized them. I’m sure it’s the same in America. It’s not always like that. Unfortunately, it was for us.”

  “What happened?” Annabel stopped Maureen before she spoke. “I remember. You ran away. Two lonely siblings tossed around Ireland, staying in an abandoned cottage.” She angrily shook her head. “It’s outrageous. But I have to admit, it was ingenious of you.”

  Maureen grinned and nodded. “I was pretty proud of myself. No one knew we were there for almost three days. We would go out at night and take whatever food we could find, then come back. I knew we had to get to Kevin.”

  Annabel sat up then. “Wait. You said Kevin was in Galway. You went across…You walked? The whole way?” she exclaimed.

  “Pretty much, yea
h. We stole a couple bikes, but they gave out after a few days,” she said logically.

  “It’s amazing.”

  Maureen could tell Annabel’s mind reeled with the idea of two young children making their way cross-country. She remembered those times long ago. The countryside was wild, open, and no one really paid any attention to them. But she knew they had to stay off the main roads and travel along the hills and fields. It was breathtaking and sad and very lonely.

  She looked at Annabel, who seemed deep in thought. “What else do ya want to know?”

  “Everything,” Annabel said. “So you left the abusive family. I take it you got back to Kevin.”

  Maureen glanced at her. “Ya sure ya want to hear this?”

  “Yep. Continue,” she said firmly.

  “Yes, we made it back to Kevin, who scolded me so badly I thought he’d never speak to me again. I was only twelve, maybe thirteen,” she said and let out an evil laugh. “He was yellin’ at me, and I was yellin’ right back. Michael was just sittin’ at the table eatin’…” Her voice trailed off as she shook her head. “In the end, we were sent back to the orphanage.”

  “Why didn’t Kevin adopt you?” Annabel asked the logical question.

  “He tried…” Maureen remembered that day very clearly. “Kevin pleaded his case and the judge was very understanding, but she said she was sorry. Kevin didn’t make enough money to take care of two small children. He had no stable household, and his job wasn’t suitable for young children.”

  “But he loved you and you loved him. Why the hell not?”

  “That’s exactly what Kevin asked. He was so angry. I held on to his hand so tight while the judge listened to him. I kinda felt sorry for her. She leaned down from where she sat. I remember she looked like she was a hundred feet in the air…” She laughed and shook her head. “Funny how you remember things when you’re a kid. But anyway, she looked so sad when she told Kevin ‘they need a mother.’”

  “You needed love,” Annabel argued.

  “I know, luv. But I could see her point. She said love is not the only thing we need. Kevin knew that. She said how sorry she was. Then she banged her gavel. And for a minute, I didn’t get it, ya know?”

  Annabel wiped away the tears and nodded.

  “I looked up at Kevin and realized what happened. He couldn’t have us. He was so mad his ruddy face was beet red. I watched him as he watched the judge disappear into her chambers. Then he knelt in front of us and told us it changed nothing. I could tell he was trying not to cry.

  “He told us to hold on to each other. Never let go. Said he’d be here always when they let him and promised to take us whenever he could ya know, weekends and holidays if they’d let him. But the judge was right, Annabel. A kid needs a mother.”

  “That’s horrible.”

  “I know. I cried like a little girl—”

  “You were a little girl.”

  Maureen nodded. “I hung on to his neck as did Michael. They had to pry us off him. He told me to promise to take care of each other. I remember him kissing me on the cheek. I vowed then no one would ever, ever separate us.”

  Annabel sniffed and reached behind her to grab a tissue when Maureen finished.

  “Annabel, don’t. No one separated us. Kevin kept his promise and took us whenever he could.”

  “I know, I know.” She waved her off and stopped crying. She took a deep breath. “It’s just such a sad story. Two kids tossed all over the place.”

  “It happens more than you know, sadly enough. But Michael and I are together. And that’s the important thing.”

  “And by this time tomorrow, he’ll be home.”

  “Speaking of home. I wish I could get to my flat in Dublin and get a change of clothes.”

  “Don’t worry about that. We’re the same size practically.”

  “I can’t keep wearing your clothes, luv.”

  “Yes, you can. We’ll do some laundry today. That’s the least of your worries. Now tell me about Conall. I get the impression you only know nefarious people.”

  Maureen laughed just as Trevor came into the room. “Lunch is ready. You need to eat. And I missed everything you talked about, so you’ll have to repeat it.”

  They sat around the counter surveying the small feast Trevor prepared. Maureen was ravenous, as she picked up a sandwich. “Thanks, Trevor. I didn’t realize how hungry I was.”

  “Now tell me about Conall,” Annabel said, taking a bite.

  “Like I said, we all grew up together. Conall was an orphan, as well, and very street smart. He’s a few years older than I am. He showed me a thing or two. Kevin didn’t want me hanging around with him, but it was better than Doyle’s company, which Michael unfortunately gravitated to. Con never wanted to get into the drugs or the prostitution, he favored gambling. He had a knack for it, and when I showed an interest, he taught me. And for a while, I made the rounds to the places in Dublin. Learning from Con not to bet too much, not to stay at one table too long.”

  “Why?”

  Maureen blushed and laughed nervously. “I’m good with numbers. And playing blackjack was easy for me. If ya stay at a table too long and win too much, the house gets a wee bit nervous. They’d figure out you’re counting cards or you had a system and you’re ruined. They’d never let ya back in. So you have to be patient and win a little at a time.”

  “Is that illegal?”

  “I don’t think so. I have a gift,” Maureen said with a wink.

  Annabel gave her a suspicious glance while Maureen ate her lunch. Trevor agreed with Maureen. “It’s not stealing. If you have a gift and you’re not cheating anyone, what’s the harm?”

  “I suppose,” Annabel said. “So this Conall fellow is a friend of yours?”

  “Yes. He’s been on Doyle’s shit list for a while, though.”

  “Why?”

  “He won’t play along. Con owns a casino on the north end of Dublin. It’s legit. Oh, he still has his fingers in a few things. He’s no saint. But he’s not like Tommy. He wanted Con to peddle his drugs in his casino. Con won’t do it. He’s satisfied with his business, and associating with Tommy will bring attention to him that he doesn’t want. Con just wants to run his casino, make money, and fly under the radar, so to speak. Tommy Doyle always wants more and likes to intimidate everyone. And he loves blackmail. He’s got something on everyone, and I think he’s got something on Con. I don’t know what. He’s been putting the—how do you Americans say it—the squeeze on Con. He hasn’t used his trump card yet.”

  “Maureen.” Annabel stared at her plate.

  “Yes?”

  Annabel looked up then. “If I ask you something, will you tell me?”

  “If I can,” Maureen said softly.

  “Does Doyle have something on you? Is he blackmailing you?”

  “No, he doesn’t. And yes, I’m being honest.”

  “As honest as you can be for right now, you mean?”

  Maureen shifted uncomfortably; Annabel was getting too close to her, and Maureen let her guard down and allowed Annabel in her head. She welcomed it, as much as she feared it. “Yes, for right now.”

  “Okay,” Annabel said with a grin. “That’s all I need to know.”

  “Well, I’m completely curious,” Trevor said, pouting severely.

  Chapter 12

  “I have to go out for a while, Annie,” Maureen said as she handed the last of the dinner plates to Annabel.

  Annabel took the dishes and nodded. “Okay. I don’t suppose you want company.”

  “I think you know the answer.” She dried her hands on the towel and laid it on the countertop. “I won’t be long. I just need to see someone. Better now than during the day.”

  “I understand.” Annabel leaned against the sink and folded her arms across her chest. “Of course, you’ll be careful.”

  “Of course, I will,” Maureen said. “Trevor gave me the keys. So I’ll be going, and I won’t be too late.”

  A
nnabel nodded, chewing at her bottom lip. “I won’t say I won’t worry because I will.”

  Maureen smiled and stood in front of Annabel. “I don’t want ya to worry, but I know ya will. I’ll be fine. I’m just getting all my ducks in a row, so to speak.”

  “Please tell me you’re not going anywhere near Tommy Doyle.”

  Maureen pulled her into her arms. “God, no. I may by dumb, but I’m not stupid.” She kissed the top of her head. “I’ll only be an hour or so.”

  Annabel pulled back. “I’ll be in bed. Come to my room, please.”

  When Maureen hesitated, Annabel held on to her. “Promise me, please.”

  Maureen looked into her eyes and nodded. “I promise. Now you need to do me a favor and bolt the door behind me. Don’t answer it for anyone.” She hated the terrified look from Annabel.

  “He can’t know…”

  “No. No, he doesn’t. Just be careful, that’s all.”

  “I will. Take the keys to the house—”

  “Trevor gave them to me.”

  “I won’t sleep until you get back.”

  “Then I’ll hurry.” She kissed her softly, then pulled her into her arms and kissed her deeply.

  Annabel moaned and pulled back. “You would kiss me like that when you’re leaving. We need to do something about this.”

  Maureen smiled and caressed her cheek. “We will. Now go on with ya. Go upstairs, and I’ll be back in a little while. I—” She stopped, not sure what she wanted to say.

  Annabel raised an eyebrow. “You what?” She held on to the jacket and gently shook it. “Tell me.”

  Maureen laughed and pulled away. “I don’t know what I was going to say.”

  “Well, think about it. And think about this, too.” She threw her arms around Maureen’s neck and planted a scorching kiss against her lips.

  In a moment or two or three when she pulled back, Maureen staggered, then ran her tongue over her bruised lips. “Good God, woman,” she said in a coarse voice.

  “Exactly.” Annabel turned her around and pushed her toward the door. “Be careful. If you come back all banged up, I’ll kill you.”