by Kate Sweeney
Michael grinned. “Just happened. One day she’s taking my temperature, the next I’m kissing her.” He looked at Maureen. “Wasn’t that easy with you and Annabel, was it?”
Maureen chuckled quietly. “No. But just as wonderful as with you, I’m sure.”
“Ya love her, don’t ya?”
“I have no earthly idea what love is.” She looked up. “Do you?”
“Not a clue,” he said sadly. “Good thing we have two good women who can help us. If we let them.”
“If only we would…”
“All right then. Enough love talk. Tell me what’s naggin’ you.”
“I don’t know. It’s the damnedest thing. I can’t put my finger on it.”
Mick took out his cell. “Call him. Have him come take a look at the book. He can help, Maureen. I have his number already there.”
Maureen took his phone and dialed. When she heard his voice again, she smiled. “Hi, Kevin.”
“Maureen? This is Michael’s number. Where is he?”
“He’s here with me,” she said. Michael grinned and nodded.
“Is he? Well, good. Did you get him out of the hospital with no trouble?”
Maureen laughed. “Well, a little, but he’s fine. He looks good. A little tired still, but he’s recuperating. Kevin, we need to talk to you.”
“About Doyle?”
“Yes. We found a book that Michael’s friends put together. It’s more of a ledger, and we think it’s…” She stopped and laughed. “We’re not sure what it is. But we’d like you to take a look at it.”
There was silence for a moment, then it dragged on for what seemed like hours. “Kevin?”
“Oh, sorry, darling. I had a pesky rookie in my ear. I’d like to see this ledger. Where are you?”
She hesitated to have him come to the house. She was so paranoid it drove her crazy. And she didn’t want to be seen. Not yet anyway. “Can ya get out of Galway?”
“Sure. Where?”
“How about the cottage…”
He laughed then. “Where you two idiots ran away to?”
“The same.”
“Sure. About an hour?”
“Grand. Thanks, Kevin.”
“All right. Take care of each other. I’ll see ya soon.”
Maureen closed the phone and handed it back to Michael. “Meeting there is a great idea. Do ya feel better?”
“Yeah. Actually, I do. Do ya feel up to it?”
“Of course. I haven’t seen Kevin in so long. Even under these circumstances.”
*******
“Well, they’re both pretty pissed,” Michael said.
Maureen drove down the narrow road and nodded emphatically. “Deirdre more than Annabel. Wow, you’ve got your hands full with that one, boyo.”
Michael laughed. “And I love it. Though Annabel is no shrinking violet, sister. Did ya see the look in her eyes?”
“Well, let’s just get this over with and get back to them.” She looked over at Michael, who leaned back against the headrest. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine. Just so beastly tired.” He wiped the fine sheen of perspiration off his brow.
“Don’t you dare have a relapse without Deirdre here. She’ll kill me.”
Michael laughed, but he closed his eyes. “I’m fine, ya nag.”
They pulled down the dirt road, overgrown with weeds and tall grass. Michael raised his head as if he sensed where they were.
“God, Maureen. How I remember this place. To think how many times we ran away. How many times you protected me.”
“We always stayed together. That no one can ever take away from us. Ah, there’s Kevin’s car.” She pulled up behind him.
Kevin got out and smiled as he walked to the car.
“God, he looks so old,” Michael said.
Maureen heard the catch in his throat and patted his arm reassuringly before exiting the car. She hugged Kevin and gave him a big kiss. Michael did the same.
“Ah, you two look wonderful. Michael, you’ve lost weight, boy. But there’s life in your eyes.” He rubbed his hands together. “Now let’s take a look at what ya have.”
Maureen pulled out the book and handed it to him. Kevin put on his glasses and examined the book. Neither said a thing while they watched him.
“Looks like code or something…” he said thoughtfully.
“That’s what we think,” Michael said eagerly. “Any ideas?”
“No,” he said, still leafing through the book. “What are ya going to do with it? Are you even sure it has something to do with Doyle?”
Maureen and Michael looked at each other. They hadn’t thought of that.
“Look, kids, I know you want Doyle. So do we, but ya can’t show that to anyone and tell them if ya don’t know for sure. It’s too bad both those young men are dead.” He handed the book back to Maureen. “What will ya do now?”
“Decipher this somehow,” she said, slipping the book into her pocket. “Thanks, Kevin.” She gave him a kiss and a hug.
“I don’t know what for,” he said, hugging Michael. “I’ve got to get back. Where are ya staying?”
“In a mansion in Dunboyne,” Michael said. “You should see this place, Kevin. Twenty rooms if there’s one.”
“Where in the world did ya find a place like that?”
Michael jerked his thumb at Maureen. “A doctor friend.”
“You know a doctor?” Kevin asked with a smile.
“That’s what I said.” Michael clapped Maureen on the back. “Anyway, it’s safe from Doyle while we figure this out.”
“I really didn’t want anyone to know,” Maureen said, glaring at Michael.
“Now don’t blame the boy. Your secret is safe. You haven’t been to your flat?” he asked Maureen.
“Not yet. I will have to eventually. I’m running out of clothes. Maybe tomorrow.”
“All right then. Go on, it’s damp and cold. And my arthritis is acting up. Love you both. Take care…”
They watched him as he pulled away. Maureen then slapped Michael on the back of the head.
“What was that for?” he asked, ducking out of the way of another slap.
“I don’t want anyone to know about Annabel or Trevor. Even if it’s Kevin. Damn it, Mick. Will ya shut your gob?”
“All right, take it easy. It’s only Kevin.”
“C’mon, let’s get back before ya blab about anything else.”
“Do ya think Kevin could be right about the book? Maybe there’s nothing there.” Michael stared out the window as Maureen drove back.
“Anything is possible. But I don’t think so. If it were true and the book means nothing, then why did Sean and Matt have to die? No, something’s in that book, and I’m going to find out. It’s staring right at us. I can feel it.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“Well, we can’t keep hiding from Tommy forever.”
“We may not have to.”
Maureen shot him a look as she drove. “What are you thinking?”
“Tommy doesn’t know we have the book, and he for sure doesn’t know what’s in it. Maybe we can do a little bargaining and get him off our backs.”
Maureen chewed at her bottom lip in contemplation. “My idea is to get Tommy Doyle. If we bargain with him and get ourselves free, what about all the other poor bastards who are still under his thumb?”
“We can’t take care of everyone.”
“Michael…” She took a thoughtful breath before continuing. “Can you live seeing Tommy day in day out, knowing you could have stopped him but did what you could just to free yourself? If you can, then you take the book and do it. I can’t.”
Michael put his head back and chuckled. “It was just a thought…”
********
When Annabel heard the front door open, she flew into Maureen’s arms. “I was so worried. How did it go?”
“Well, if ya let me out of the stranglehold…”
“Oh, so
rry.” Annabel let her go and took a step back. She waited a moment, then launched herself at Maureen once again. “I hate this. You’re never leaving like that without me again. Promise.”
“Okay, I promise.” Maureen pulled back and kissed her. “I’m sorry I worried you.”
“You should be.” Annabel looked at Michael. “Don’t look so smug. You’re in deep shit, pal. Wait till Deirdre gets her hands on you. You look tired.”
Michael walked past them. Maureen winced when she heard Deirdre’s angry but worried voice.
“Tell me what happened? Did Kevin help?”
Maureen put her arm around Annabel as they headed to the living room. “No. He had no clue what the codes were. He actually wondered if they meant anything at all.”
“You don’t sound as confident as when you left.” Annabel sat on the couch, pulling Maureen next to her.
“I don’t know. I just want this over with.” She sighed and put her head back against the soft cushion. “I’m just tired, I suppose.”
Annabel turned to face her. She ran her fingers through her hair. “I wish this was over, as well. You’ve got Michael back, and you just need Doyle off your necks.”
“True. God, you have a soft touch, Annie.” She closed her eyes and sighed again. “I could stay right here forever.”
“Well, you relax for now. How’s your side? With all this, I haven’t had a chance to ask.”
Maureen grinned. “Well, after last night, I wouldn’t be surprised if I need stitches.”
Annabel snorted a laugh. “That was a little raucous.”
Maureen cracked one eye open. “A little? You could have done some damage.”
Annabel leaned over and kissed her lightly on the lips. “I think you’ll survive.”
Perhaps it was Annabel’s sensual tone, perhaps it was the pent-up anxiety of the mess she was in. Whatever the reason, Maureen quickly stood, taking Annabel with her.
“Let’s go upstairs,” she said, pulling Annabel along.
“But I thought you were tired.” Annabel laughed as she ran behind her. “What am I saying?”
*******
Annabel lay on her back, completely naked, breathing like a bull. Her blond hair was all over the pillowcase. “Good Lord. I can’t breathe.” She lifted her head and let out a barking laugh.
Maureen was lying at the foot of the bed on her stomach, equally naked, and a sweaty wonderful mess. Annabel crawled down to her and practically lay on her back. “God, Annie, don’t. I seriously think I’m having a heart attack, and you’re not a real doctor.”
Annabel laughed again and straddled her buttocks. Maureen let out a low rumbling laugh. “I’m serious.”
“I know,” Annabel whispered, kissing her back. “So serious.” She ran her fingertips up and down Maureen’s back. “And you’re so muscular. I’m jealous.”
“There’s no need to be. I love your body just the way it is.” Her breath hitched when Annabel sensually rocked back and forth.
“Can you feel me?” Annabel leaned forward and whispered in her ear.
“Yes,” Maureen whispered obediently.
Annabel started grinding a little harder, barely able to control her arousal. “God, Maureen,” she whispered. “I’m…”
“Go ahead, luv,” Maureen said in a coarse voice.
“Are you sure? I can’t help it.” Annabel whimpered as she continued. “Oh, my God. I’m gonna…” She stopped and shivered on the brink of her orgasm. Her body trembled, her hips rocked harder back and forth across Maureen as she came.
In the next instant, she let out a shriek, when Maureen flipped her onto her back in a perfect position to pleasure each other. She felt the vibration shoot through her as Maureen moaned deeply, her tongue finding every sensitive area possible.
Annabel wrapped her arms around Maureen’s hips, pulled her toward her eager mouth. Her tongue bathed every inch of Maureen until both women nearly knocked each other off the bed. Annabel didn’t know she had so many orgasms within her. Maureen seemed insatiable, as well.
Finally, Maureen’s body jerked, and she nearly flew off Annabel.
“God Almighty,” Maureen cried out as she lay practically curled up in the fetal position.
“Oh, God, I broke her,” Annabel said, scrambling to pull Maureen into her arms.
They clung to each other for a time in complete silence until Maureen lifted her head. Annabel grinned. “Hello.”
“You’re the devil.”
“I thought I broke you.”
“Well, ya ruptured somethin’, though I’m not sure what.” She sighed and snuggled closer to Annabel. “I have never had that many orgasms in my life.”
“Good,” Annabel said, kissing her damp head. “And there’s more where that came from.”
“Not tonight, please. I’m beggin’ ya.” She looked up. “Ya used my body enough for one night.”
Annabel blushed. “Sorry about that. I don’t know what got into me.”
“I don’t, either, but make sure ya keep it. It was awesome.”
“Yeah, you did get a little excited.” Annabel reached down and pulled the quilt over them. “Have you noticed we’re either tired or talking about being tired? Or eating? We do a lot of eating.”
Maureen laughed along. “Crazy American.”
Chapter 19
“Well, well. You didn’t come down last night. You two must have been tired,” Trevor said.
Maureen and Annabel looked at each other and burst into laughter.
“Yes, we were tired,” Annabel said through her giggles.
“And now we’re hungry,” Maureen announced.
“Yes, tired and hungry. Hungry and tired. Same ole, same ole.”
They both laughed harder now, unable to control themselves. Trevor gave them a worried look as he watched them.
Michael and Deirdre walked into the living room and stopped short. They looked from the laughing women to Trevor, who shook his head.
“I have no idea,” he said. “All I said is they must be tired…”
Annabel screeched with laughter and fell into Maureen, who wiped her hand across her eyes while she laughed uncontrollably.
“And they did this.” Trevor pointed at them.
Maureen took a deep breath and calmed herself. Annabel sighed and held on to her ribs.
Trevor shrugged. “Well, I’m hungry. I…”
This started them all over again. It only took a few minutes to calm them before Trevor threatened a bucket of cold water.
“So what are we going to do today?” he asked.
Maureen looked around the room. “I’m thinking of going to my flat today.”
“Really? Do you think it’s safe?” Annabel asked.
“I’m sick of hiding here. I need to get out and get a few things. I can’t wear your clothes forever. It’s broad daylight, and my flat is in the heart of Dublin. I don’t think Doyle is watching, not after this long.”
“Well, we should all go with you,” Michael said. “He won’t start anything if there are five of us and in the middle of town.”
“True.” Maureen looked at Annabel’s hopeful face. “All right. Go put on your walking shoes, woman. We’re going to town.”
“Yippie!” Annabel jumped up and ran upstairs.
The Costello siblings watched her exit.
“She’s a little crazy, isn’t she?” Michael asked.
“Ya have no idea. God love her. C’mon, let’s go before I change my mind.”
*******
It was a glorious sunny, cool morning as they drove Trevor’s car to Dublin.
“I can’t wait to see where you live.” Annabel looked out the window at the countryside. “It really is beautiful here.”
“Ya haven’t seen much of the country,” Maureen said. “Maybe when this is finished, we’ll take a drive around. How’s that?”
“That sounds wonderful.”
“Oh, I called the hospital,” Deirdre said from the backseat.
“I explained what happened to Michael basically. I didn’t tell them everything. The doctor wasn’t too thrilled, but I told him you’d be in to sign the papers at some point. So it’s all good. I don’t have to be back for another day or so.”
“Grand. Thanks, Dee,” Maureen said. She looked in the rearview mirror at Michael, who was gazing at Deirdre. Oh, he’s got it bad, she thought. She realized she had it just as bad when she gazed at Annabel while she took in the scenery.
“Maureen, where’s the book?” Michael asked.
Maureen patted the breast pocket of her jacket. “Right here. I’m not letting it out of my sight.”
“Thank God,” he said and sat back.
Maureen pulled into Dublin, then drove down a couple of streets until she pulled into the private parking lot.
Annabel looked out the window. “You live here?” The four-story red brick building was adorable. It had a bright yellow door and black iron railings around the tall apartment windows.
“Yes. It’s not as expensive as it looks. Mick, keep an eye out for, well, anybody.”
“Right.”
They took the cobblestone walk up to the door, which Maureen unlocked. She walked up to a small elevator, which everyone followed her to. “Fourth floor,” she said as they piled in.
“How long since you’ve been home?” Michael asked.
“At least two weeks.” She looked at Annabel. “But I left it clean as a whistle.”
They followed her down the hall to her apartment. As she put the key in, she noticed the door was already opened. She froze and put her hand up.
“What’s wrong?” Annabel asked.
“Maureen?” Michael said.
She waved at them to be quiet as she cautiously pushed her door open. The living room was a shambles. Chairs overturned, papers, magazines, books strewn all over the floor.
“Oh, my God,” Annabel said.
Maureen slowly walked in and looked around. She reached over and picked up a hurling stick. She held the wooden stick up and walked down the hall. The bedroom was the same. But she was satisfied no one was there.
“Doyle?” Trevor said, standing behind Michael, who nodded.
“There’s no one here.” Maureen put the stick back by the front door.
“What is that?” Annabel pointed to the stick.
