by Unknown
My dad, who has never in all my years told me something was out of my reach, looked me straight in the face and told me Siobhan Gallagher was out of my league. His exact words were you have a better chance of fucking a mermaid than getting Siobhan Gallagher to give you a minute of her time. My mom told me to leave her alone, that she wasn't to be toyed with.
What the hell was it about this woman that made my own family more loyal to her than me? I'm glad they are already protecting her like she is family because I have every intention of making her my wife, the mother of my children and my lover for rest of our lives. I just have to get near her without her beating me up. I walked out my parent’s house pissed off, making my phone call. I told them I want every piece of information on Siobhan Gallagher. I wanted to know where she went to daycare. I would figure out what Siobhan was about with, or without,my parent’s blessing.
I got my answers two hours later in the form of the FBI knocking on my door. It was made very clear that I was not to make any further inquiries into Miss Gallagher and if I attempted to further inquire about her, I would find myself suddenly a resident of Guantanamo Bay. Who is she?
Chapter 8
Today was the day I was moving into my new apartment. The only thing I had to move was the luggage I came with. When I walked in, all the Kerrigan’s except for Easton greeted me. It’s crazy to think I have only known them two weeks and they already treat me like family. Stacy, Rose, and Elena offered to help me unpack but I declined and started unpacking.
Walking into my kitchen I realized I was starving, and have been unpacking for what feels like hours. I noticed Easton sitting in an armchair in the living room.“What are you doing here,and how did you get in?” Standing up and unfolding his six foot five two hundred and thirty-five pound frame in an attempt to intimidate me only pissed me off.
“I have a key. It's my building.”
“No asshole, it's your mom's building. And it's my apartment so I'm gonna give you thirty seconds to get the fuck out of my apartment before I hurt you.”
He started laughing. “You caught me off guard in the parking garage. I'm not here to fight. I just want to know why when I ran a background check I got a visit from the FBI telling me to back off. I want to know why the daughter of a teacher and factory worker has millions of dollars,and I want to know why you have integrated yourself into my family.”
“It's none of your business who I am. It's even more so not your business how I got my money, and your family is nice and I didn't integrate myself with anyone. I bought a building, and they are all part of getting that building up and running. So, if you have a problem I think you should go talk to them. Now get the fuck out my apartment!”
Easton takes a step towards me until he is toe-to-toe. I'm no match, but I am always prepared. Deep, steady breaths Kennedy show no emotion.
I pull the Glock 19 from my bag, “You have ten seconds before I empty this clip into you, so my suggestion is to find yourself on the other side of my door and, while you're at it,place my key on the table on your way out.”
He went to speak so I just cocked my firearm. “Yeah, no talking. You need to mosey on outta here.”
"This isn't over! I'm calling the police and my parents! You will be out of this building in the next hour! Don't bother unpacking."
Tenminutes later the police knocked on my door with Easton behind them.“Miss Gallagher, we were told you pulled a firearm on Mr. Kerrigan.”
I stepped to the side. “Please come in officers. Easton stay in the hallway. You're not coming into my apartment.” I handed the officers my identification as well as my concealed weapons permit and I explained that Easton let himself into my home uninvited, with a key he was not authorized to have.
“I have the right to protect myself,” I said as I walked the officers to the door. I saw that Easton was joined by his family, all looking a bit nervous. The officers turned to Easton, “Mr. Kerrigan, you're lucky she didn't use deadly force, which was within her rights. You were not invited into her home and you used a key that you aren't authorized to have. If you want her gone, your only option is to evict her and considering you’re illegally trespassing. It's not gonna hold in your favor.”
“No, officer,” Shamus spoke up, “you were right,the lass had every right to pull a gun on my jackass son.”
The officers left.
"Everyone can come in except for Easton."
"No dear, it's just Shamus and I that would like to have a word in private if you don't mind.”
“No, not at all. Please come in." We all took a spot on the sofa.
"We know you're Kennedy Brennan." I think my heart stopped before Elena finished the words. I felt the bile making its way into my throat. I must have looked like I was gonna pass out because Shamus came and sat next to me and held my hand.
"I know you don't like to be touched, but I'm here to comfort," Shamus spoke softly.
Elena spoke again, “I knew it was you the first time I saw you, but hearing your prayer when you were in the theatre confirmed my suspicions. You can dye your hair, change your eye color and hide those freckles, but I watched your story unfold with the rest of world. Your face was etched into my mind forever. Oh dear God child,what you must have gone through.” I could feel the tears welling up.
Shamus spoke, “I know why you changed your name and wanted a fresh start. We will keep your secret till the grave. You will never have to worry about having a place to stay. If this is where you want to be, we will do whatever is in our power to make it happen.”
“I don't like people sneaking up on me. He was in the apartment and made me feel threatened. I wouldn't have shot him, but he can't just let himself in. I need the locks changed.I need to feel safe and secure.”
Shamus moved to grab his phone, “Hello, I need locks changed within the next fifteen minutes. Please send someone; I will pay whatever it costs.”
“Please don't tell anyone who I am! I haven't had enough time to figure things out.I'm not ready to go public.” There was a knock on the door; the locksmith was here. Everyone was still waiting outside the door.
Shamus gave me a hug and Elena wiped my face and kissed my forehead.“Everything will work out.”
And then the next thing I heard was a slap. I walked up to my room locked the door and went to bed.
Easton's POV
It took a moment for me to realize the stinging on my face had come from my mother slapping me. Not once in my twenty-nine years had either of my parents ever struck me.
“How dare you break into the woman's home and have the nerve to call the police on her!I have never in my life ever been so ashamed to call you my son.”
“But, dad!”
“No, let me explain, son. There is nothing you can say to me that I would ever excuse. What you have done, going into a tenant's apartment attempting to intimidate and bully a woman was just down right wrong. I don't know who you are, Easton, because you aren't the son we raised. We love you, but we made it very clear to stay away from her. We need a little while to process this so please do not attend dinner this Sunday.I don't think I could stomach looking at you while eating.”
I went to my siblings for moral support but all I saw was a mix of anger, pity, and what I'm sure was disgust.“Stay away from her!” Liam growled. Rose grabbed his hand and they walked away.
Rhydian who always has my back just mumbles“Asshole!” and walks away.
Before I know it,Michael has me shoved up against the wall with his forearm pressed against my neck.“If you see her walking in the building you walk the other way. I have always kept quiet about your arrogance and your overall douche bag behavior, but if you mess with her again you will be sorry!” Releasing me, he walked into Siobhan’s apartment.
I turned to Stacy and Killian“I thought he was still hung up on Katie! What is his problem?”
“Maybe you should just shut the fuck up and stop trying to hear yourself talk all the time.” Stacy turned and went into Si
obhan’s apartment too while Killian headed towards the elevator.
I continued to my place; I needed a drink, so I called an old fraternity brother, Reed Sterling, who now worked for Homeland Security after a few years as a secret service agent.
“Hey, it's Easton. I need to know everything you can find on Siobhan Gallagher. The FBI told me not to investigate her, but I know that you know how to get around that. I just want to make sure this woman isn't out to harm my family, and she won't give me any answers. When I confronted her, she pulled a gun on me. Just find out what you can,man.” I hung up and made myself a drink.
Chapter 9
Walking down the stairs to the kitchen, I see Stacy and Michael on the sofa. “Why are you guys here? Did you hear I'm crazy? I pull guns on innocent people.”
“No, you pulled a gun on someone who was in your home without permission,” Stacy said.
"Look guys, I'm not trying to come in between you and your brother. He's your family. You're supposed to have his back right or wrong. It's not personal, I understand. I'm gonna be looking for a new place to live in a few days. I don't feel safe here."
"Look," Michael said. "Here are the new keys to the door. No one else has a copy. Easton is an asshole, but he isn't a bad person and he would never harm a woman. I understand you don't know that and that's why you reacted the way you did. No one thinks you were out of line. If anything, Easton acted like a bitch by calling the police. I'm not sure what he was thinking.”
“Look guys, what's done is done. I came to Denver to start a new life. The drama that is Easton Kerrigan I can do without.”
“I'm hungry wanna go grab something?” Stacy said.
“No, why don't I cook? I have this fantastic kitchen. Why don't you guys find something on TV and I will make us dinner. Do you guys want some cheese and fruit to tide you over? It's gonna take about three hours to make lasagna.”
“Yes,” Stacy said. “I will cut up some cheese, and do you have any crackers?”
“Yes, they are in the pantry. Hey, Michael, do you want a beer?” I called from the kitchen.
“Yes,” he replied and as I was walking to the living room. I looked at the TV and saw Tristan Cooper, star of the TV show Music High, trying to push through the airport. “Tristan, Tristan! How did you find out your fiancé was cheating on you? Did you catch her in the act with your co-star? Is it true the baby isn't yours? Tristan have you heard from Kennedy Brennan? Tristan, Tristan!” He finally made it to the waiting limo. When the camera panned, I realized he was arriving at the Denver International airport. What are the chances?
I could feel every hair on my body stand on end and a whisper of Emma's voice in my ear, “Go, he needs help! Let him teach!” I hear you, Emma. I'm going! I'm going!
“Oh God Kennedy stay with me help is on the way. I called 911. They are coming, Kennedy. Fight, Kennedy. You have to survive. Please don't die, please. Can you hear the sirens, Kennedy? They are almost here. They are coming please don't die. Let's sing. Kennedy, stay awake. Come on, sweetie, let's sing: he starts singing Keep Holding on.
Sir, let us help your friend. Please, you have to back up. The officers need her information. Please, the best thing you can do for your friend is help the officers.”
Coming back to the present, I realize I have just been staring into space because Michael and Stacy are looking at me confused. "Hey girl, where did you go? You looked a million miles away."
"I'm fine, just was thinking about an old friend." I smiled and went back to the kitchen to put the lasagna together.
“Hey guys, the food is in the oven. It should be done in an hour and twenty minutes. I have a few phone calls to make so I'm gonna go upstairs. Be back in a few.”
After a few rings my mom answers, "Hi honey, how's it going?"
"It's good; I'm making dinner for Michael and Stacy. Ipulled a gun out and threatened to shoot their older brother in the face for being in my apartment.”
“Jesus all mighty, girl! Cian, get on the phone. Your daughter is trying to shoot people again!”
“No momma, he just wouldn't leave! Easton Kerrigan is a royal pain in my ass!”
“Hmmm, so you say…Is he handsome,sweetie?”
“Momma,I'm telling you I threaten him with a gun and you want to know if he is handsome?”
“Well, yes, honey! Stop avoiding the question.”
“Fine! Yes, he is very handsome. He’s tall and well built. He has hair as dark as raven's wings and eyes the color of the ocean. He has deep dimples on both cheeks and the most amazing smile and full lips. His lashes are dark and full, they make is eyes look like they're windows with drapes and he smells like heaven. He smells like the ocean after it rains and freshly baked cupcakes. His hands are soft and large and when he touched my shoulder, I felt an electric current zip through my whole body. In that moment it was just me and him in a bubble, but none of that matters because he's a jerk,and I'm pretty sure a gun to the face has caused that ship to sail.”
“Oh, you never know. I hit your father with my car and we were married less than a month later. Sometimes love has a way ofsneaking up on you.”
“Anyways momma, I didn't call to talk about jerk face Easton Kerrigan.I wanted to know if you have a number for Tristan Cooper. I know he has always called to check in on me and I want to reach out but I don't have his number.”
“Well,” my dad said. “He changes his number often and with all the rigmarole going on with that nasty piece of work he called a fiancé,I would imagine his number is already changed.”
“Well I'm not ready to have my cover blown, but I think I'm supposed to help him. I always regretted not letting him visit me after the time in the hospital and not keeping in touch after I got out. I know Dr. Franklin always thought we could benefit from some sessions together, but he was already on his show, and I didn't want him to be dragged back into my crazy. I'm gonna leave a message on all his social media sites on the off chance he gets it I hope he knows to call you guys. Can you please give him my number? He's in Denver, and I need to see him…I need to make things right."
“Honey, Tristan knows how hard your recovery was. He was your friend before, he was your friend during, and he will be your friend after. When he calls us I will give him your contact information,and I will let him know to call you.”
“Okay Mom, I love you. Talk to you soon,give dad kisses for me.” Tristan needs me, and I was gonna help him. I just had to find him.
I guess it was time to set up social media accounts for The Hope Music Conservatory.
“Hey guys I need to get some social media accounts set up for the Conservatory, and I need to contact someone about setting up a website so if you guys could help I think I'm gonna start with Twitter. We’ll use the same name, Hope Music Conservatory”
@ TristanCooper When it gets Cold, and it Feels like the end # Hope # Music Conservatory # Denver
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was Friday. Four days had passed, and I hadn't heard anything from Tristan. I guess when you push someone away for so long you can't just fix it with a tweet. I made contact. The ball was in his court now.
Easton's POV
Four days and I couldn't get Siobhan off my mind. After everything that has happened, I still feel this unimaginable pull to her. I'm fucking Easton Kerrigan. I don't chase women they chase me, but this damn girl is under my skin.
“Mr. Kerrigan, I have a Reed Sterling here to see you. He doesn't have an appointment but he said it is urgent.”
"Yes,” send him in.
Standing up,I gave Reed a bro hug.“God, man, it's good to see you! It doesn't seem like sixyears since we last met up.”
“Yeah, it's been really busy but I needed to get to you before you find yourself in some unknown holding cell. Here is what I know; whoever is protecting Siobhan Gallagher has such high clearance you're stepping into a minefield of who's who. This woman is untouchable from what I was able to gather she isn't in the witness p
rotection program and she isn't protected by any government agency. It seems to be some kind of hidden organization and the orders come from either the White House itself or someone high enough to have the president's ear. So I'm gonna tell you this as a friend, back the fuck off!”
“Unless you want every organization to come in here to overlook and tear apart every single shred of paper you have ever generated looking for anything that will give them a shred of nothing to disrupt your business holdings, leave this woman alone. You calling the cops put a red flag on her name, so I'm not sure It’s not too late to stop whatever it is you have already set in motion. Go talk to this girl use your charm, tell her to call off her dogs, because I'm telling you now Easton, whatever big bad is protecting Siobhan Gallagher now sees you as a threat and that is not gonna be a good thing for you or your family.”
“Hey Easton, I need all the files on Siobhan Gallagher. I'm to handle all of her business now. Oh sorry,I didn't know you were in a meeting.”
Reed turned his attention to Stacy and extended his hand.“Reed Sterling,” he introduced himself.
Stacy chuckled taking his hand. “Stacy Kerrigan, or as I remember, you calledme caterpillar.”
Reed looked shocked and said, “Well, I was right because look at you! All grown up and a beautiful butterfly.”
“Oh Reed, still ever the charmer. I seem to remember the nickname not really being a compliment. It was more to do with my uni-brow and awkward appearance. Easton, send the files to my office.” Stacy turned and walked away.
“Holy shit, Easton. When did your sister get hot?”
“Hey man, fuck off! She's off limits! You’re twenty-eight,she’s twenty-two! Get your pedo-bear ass out of my office, and keep your grubby ass hands off Stacy! She isn’t the fuck and duck kind of girl!”
