Her excuse didnat sit well with me, and I couldnat shake the feeling deep in my bones that head shown up at her house too.
The question remaineda"what did he want? And why was he coming round after all the years head been gone?
aPenny for your thoughts?a Aidenas syrupy voice asked.
I rolled my head along the seat back and cracked one eye open, looking at him. aA whata? Oh, just trying to figure out how to tell Aunt Brenda about what happened without over-worrying her.a He looked relaxed behind the wheel of his own car, d.a.m.n him, with one arm draped along the window ledge and the other arm stretched out along his leg as he held the steering wheel at the bottom. He flicked a glance at me and then back at the road as we rolled to a stop at the traffic light two blocks from The Grounded Bean.
aItall be all right, Airen. I told you that Agent Jackson a.s.sured me that theyad have patrols set up in case whoever it was tried to come back.a Head told me before at the car dealership too as we waited for whatever forms head filled out to be processed. It didnat help how I felt though. It didnat stop Robert Anderson from being family. And it d.a.m.n sure wouldnat stop him from trying to find ways to get at us. Aiden might have a gun, but that didnat mean he was in any way ready to take on someone like Uncle Robert.
Something else that bothered me was that Aiden had danced around the fact that he carried a gun, never really coming right out and saying why.
What if Aiden was somehow connected to Uncle Robert? Did I dare ask that question while sitting beside him in a moving car? He could just keep on driving. And if he was linked with Uncle Robert, he could drive me right to him and drop me off. No one would be the wiser.
By the time Aiden pulled to a stop behind The Grounded Bean, I was shaking so hard that I could barely get out of the car.
Aiden opened his door and moved to get out. When he noticed I hadnat budged, he turned in his seat, putting his hand on my shoulder. aHey, itas gonna be okay. I promise. I wonat let anything happen to you, your mom, or your aunt. Youare safe, Airen.a I jerked away from his touch, scrambling out of the seat.
Aidenas door closed with a soft thud, but he made no move to come around it, leaning instead on the cab as he watched me.
Indecision locked me in place, and I squared off with him. aHow do I know that? How do I know Iam safe, that any of us are safe, with you? Why was there a gunman at Aunt Brendaas house? He wasnat the only one with a gun either. What about you? How do you fit in with all of this?a I couldnat stop the questions from tumbling out of my mouth. Each one hissed past my teeth like venom, striking at him the only way I knew how.
Aiden didnat try to stem off the words as he waited for me to run out of questions, or maybe he was just waiting for me to run out of air.
I could feel my chest heaving and knew I was on the verge of rage, or tears. Either could have erupted at that point. And still he waited, looking deep into my eyes with questions of his own. I could see them floating there.
The back door of the coffee shop opened as Aunt Brenda poked her head out. aIave just had the most disturbing phone call come from Annie Kirkpatrick across the way,a she said, waving her hand at us to come inside, wavering when she noticed the car.
Busybody Annie Kirkpatrick was what she should have called her. Aunt Brendaas nosy neighbor and frienda"when they werenat fighting.
aIam sure you did,a I mumbled, closing the car door and flicking a glance at Aiden that told him wead continue our conversation later.
Aunt Brenda stopped me just as I pa.s.sed by her, tugging me by the shoulder and running her hands over my back as she made grumbling noises with a spattering of words.
I stepped away from her wandering hands, asking, aWhat are ye doing?a Aidenas shadow crossed the doorway as Aunt Brenda answered, aLooking for holes, I dare say. Annie saida"a aYe shouldnat believe everything that woman says, Auntie,a I huffed.
Her eyebrow kicked up. Her lips pulled into a thin line as she turned away from me and grabbed Aidenas arm, making him turn in a full circle in front of her. aWell, at least the only holes in the two of ye are betwixt yer ears.a Aidenas hand came up as if to touch his chest, but thought better of it, least he gave away what was under his shirt.
Clearing his throat, he said, aYeah well, about thataa AUNT BRENDA LEANED FORWARD IN the chair behind the desk with her head in her hands, rubbing tight circles at her temples. aI donat understand. Why would someone come to my house and fire a gun at ye?a aWeare not sure. Agent Jackson did a.s.sure me they have people looking into it though. As far as your car, Iave taken it in to have the window replaced, but it wonat be ready for a couple of days,a Aiden told her, stretching as he stood. aAgent Jackson did ask something of me. He wants me to stay at your house tonight. Iall need to get a change of clothes though. Will you excuse me for a little bit while I go get my things?a He didnat wait for either of us to answer as he walked out at a brisk clip, closing the back door with a hard tug.
I blew out a deep breath, making my lips pop like a baby blowing raspberries, minus the humor of it.
Aunt Brenda rose from her desk and pulled me to my feet, hugging me against her chest with a shudder. aIam that sorry, Airen. Yer mum called just before Annie did and told me something. Something you need to know.a She released me, looking more worried than Iad ever seen her.
She went to speak, stopped, walked over to the door, peeking down the hallway in both directions before closing the door, and then came back over to stand in front of me. Her hands trembled when she clasped mine and held them tightly.
aIt was Uncle Robert. He showed up at Mumas when he was chased away from yer house, didnat he?a I asked, watching her face pale as her mouth moved, but no words came out until I made her sit in the chair Aiden had recently vacated.
aIa I never thought. Oh, la.s.s, ye should go. Get away before his filth can harm ye. Heas no a good man, Airen,a she said, hands clutching at the arm of her chair. Her fingers turned a mottled shade of red and white.
aAye, Auntie, I ken who and what he is. But Iall no leave ye here and run away,a I said, reaching over to pry her hand from the chair and clutched it in my own as I continued, aIad do anything ye asked, but not that. Never that.a aAiren, whatever reason heas come back, canna be a good one. Yer mumas right scared and looking at leaving herself for a while,a Aunt Brenda said, steadying herself enough to look at me with pleading eyes.
aWhere would she go?a I asked, curious as to why Mum would pick up and flee instead of helping to put her brother away. Maybe she didnat know that Agent Jackson was heading up the case. It was possible shead change her mind if she did know.
aFamily on yer Daas side has a house in Edinburgh. Itas been in the family for generations, and she thinks Robert doesnat know about it,a Aunt Brenda answered.
aOkay, well, thatas great for her, but what about you? Will ye go with her then?a I asked, silently praying shead say yes.
aNay, I willna run from the likes of that man. Besides, I have a business to run!a Her voice rose as the color returned to her face.
Aunt Brendaas office door flew open, banging against the wall with a thud as Mum barreled in like a hurricane bent on destruction.
She was slightly out of breath and clutching the hat on her head to keep it from flying off. aOch, and can ye believe the likes oa that man aathinkina heas going to show up on my doorstep demanding suchaa Her words stalled out when she realized I was there, hanging on to every one of them. aAiren! Oh, la.s.s, itas good to see ye. Iave missed ye so. How was yer trip?a It took everything in me not to roll my eyes, forcing myself to bite my tongue instead.
Aunt Brenda squeezed my fingers until the bones crunched together, reminding me to behave and say a proper h.e.l.lo.
I rose from my seat and walked over to my mother, giving her a peck on the cheek and a quick hug. ah.e.l.lo, Mum. Itas good to see you too.a I refused to enlighten her on my atrip,a since it had been somewhat of a sore spot between the two of us.
Moving over, I gestured to the chair Iad sat in beside Aunt Brenda. aPlease, sit. Iall just go get some tea, shall I?a Aunt Brenda gave me a brief smile and I left her office as fast as my feet could carry me, for surely Iad miss something important being hissed between the two of them before I could return.
I should have stayed instead of finding a reason to flee, but it was a common thing for me when it came to dealing with Mum. Too commona and it shouldnat be that way.
I really needed to find a way to deal with my resentment and put it behind me before it was too late.
I pulled a serving tray from its rack, hurrying as quickly as I could in order to get back to them and find out why Uncle Robert had decided to pay a call to both of his sisters. I knew Mum wouldnat come right out and say it, not with me standing there, but shead spill her guts to Aunt Brenda, and Aunt Brenda wouldnat keep it from me. At least, I hoped she wouldnat.
Kirsten, manning the front counter, offered me a warm smile when she saw me.
aHowas the bairn?a I asked, pulling down three cups from the cabinet.
aHeas well. Teething and biting everything in sight, that one,a she replied, handing me over three diffusers, tea already inside ready to be used.
aThanks,a I said, noticing the dark circles under her eyes and the worn-down look about her. aHow are you doing?a She blinked rapidly at my question, as if not understanding my meaning, then snorted with a roll of her eyes. aAye, Iam that tired though. He has his days and nights mixed up right now, and the constant fever doesnat help. Most nights, I get s.n.a.t.c.hes of sleep here and there. Iall be glad when this part is over.a I gave her an understanding smile, even though I knew nothing of what she meant. Babies were a mystery to me from never having any around as I grew up.
Kirstenas eyes looked past me as I filled each cup with hot water. From the corner of my eye, I could see Aunt Brenda making her way over to where I stood.
aTeaas almost ready,a Kirsten told her.
aAye. Ye looked tired, la.s.s. Go ahead and start breaking everything down. Weall be closing up early today to celebrate Airenas return home,a Aunt Brenda told her as she picked up two of the cups in front of me and headed back to her office.
aThatas the best thing Iave heard all day,a Kirsten replied as she mechanically flipped the switches, powering off the appliances and pulled baskets, dumping old coffee grounds in the trash.
I left her to it, picking up my steaming mug off the counter, following along behind Aunt Brenda.
When we returned to her office, I set the cup down on her desk, not really in the mood for tea, and settled back into my seat. Mum sipped hers cautiously, dragging out the inevitable when I was ready to hear exactly what had transpired at her house that morning.
With the silence between the three of us, my thoughts skipped from Uncle Robert to Aiden, wondering how long it would be before he returned.
Needing to force my mind away from the American intruding on my thoughts, I cleared my throat and spoke. aWhat happened this morning, Mum?a My direct question startled her, and she jerked. Hot tea rose up to the lip of her cup, threatening to spill over. She used that as an excuse, stalling to answer me until her teacup was just so on the desk in front of her.
aOh, do leave it, Mina. Itas no like it has legs and will be walking off the desk when ye let it go,a Aunt Brenda snapped at Mum.
Minerva Campbell, my mum, or as Aunt Brenda and the rest of the family called her, Mina, let go of the cup with a huff and sat ramrod straight in the chair. aIall no say a word until I know all the details of whatas happened to my daughter this morning.a She huffed again for good measure, adding, aAnd ye ken it, aye?a Aunt Brendaas eyes shifted over to me and she dipped her head, acknowledging the fact that Mina had put her foot down and there would be no swaying her until shead got her fill on what had happened to me.
I slid forward in my chair, turning to face her, and told her what happened. The same as Aiden and I had told Aunt Brenda.
When I moved back in my seat, Mum reached for her tea. aWeel, that explains the blood on his clothes then.a Aunt Brenda gasped, and my hands that had been loosely resting in my lap sought purchase against my flesh as my fingers dug into my legs.
I flicked a nervous look at Aunt Brenda, who was scowling at me. How the devil was I to get myself out of this one? I thought.
Aunt Brendaas eyes squinted at me briefly, settling on waiting to ask me when it was just the two of us. My heart gave a hard b.u.mp against my chest, and I ducked my head in silent reply.
She knew what I meant as well, considering wead done the same sort of communication over the years for various reasons. Only never about something so dangerous and definitely never anything about Uncle Robert.
aSo he showed up bleeding then? And what else?a Aunt Brenda asked, turning her attention back to Mum.
A sliver of something I couldnat describe wormed its way down my spine. If Uncle Robert had shown up bleeding, then Aiden had done that. Aiden had shot him. But how? How could he have seen him in the cover of the trees?
Mum pulled in a long breath, and the dam broke. aHe threatened to take Airen if I refused to help him. We canna let that happen. Ye know the kind of man he is. I willna lose another I love. My heart canna take it.a Her shoulders hunched forward as large sobs escaped her.
I all but fell out of my chair to my knees and grabbed her hands in mine. aMum, he wonat take me anywhere. I promise. Heas just trying to scare ye.a aAnd a right good job heas done oa it too,a Aunt Brenda said, holding out a tissue for Mum.
She took it from Aunt Brenda, dabbing the corners of her eyes and then blowing her nose. aThaas why Iam wanting ye to come with me to the country, Airen. Weall be safe there. And the American agent ye talked of can take care oa Robert, and we willna have to worry about him anymore.a Aunt Brenda made a noise all Scottish people made when they didnat agree with what was said.
Mum pushed herself up from the chair and dropped the tissue inside her purse. aAnd what do you suggest then? Airen is just as much in danger as the rest of us. He willna stop when he wants something.a aAnd what exactly is it he wants?a Aunt Brenda crossed her arms, pegging Mum with a knowing look.
Wead finally hit the crux of the problem. Uncle Robert wanted something, and it scared Mum enough to want to take me and run.
Mum realized she slipped and tried backtracking, but Aunt Brenda was having none of it.
aDo ye mean to tell me that heas trying to claim rights to what isnat his?a she asked Mum.
aIn so many words, aye.a Aunt Brenda laughed. aWhat an eejit! He canna have what isna there.a aAye,a Mum agreed. aBut he thinks it is, and he willna stop until itas handed over to him,a Mum said, sinking back into her chair.
There was nothing like a half-spoken conversation, missing the key points of what two people knew, but wouldnat say. aWhat? What is it he thinks you have that he wants?a I asked, looking between the two of them, hoping that one of them would speak up about it.
aaTis nothing ye need to worry about,a Aunt Brenda answered, waving her hand at my question and disregarding my openmouthed stare. aAs for you, Mina, I donat think ye need to run, but go if ye must.a aIall no go without Airen,a Mum said sternly.
aIam not leaving Aunt Brenda to deal with this on her own, Mum. Thatas not fair to ask of me, but if ye feel safer to go, then go if ye must. Iall be fine.a Mum bristled in her seat.
aWill John be going with ye?a Aunt Brenda asked.
Mumas mouth opened and closed as her eyes welled with tears. aNay, he left this morning after Robert did. He willna be back, I think.a Once again, the tears rolled down her cheeks, making me sad and angry that John had walked out instead of standing beside her when she needed him the most.
Aunt Brenda grabbed the box of tissues and handed them over. One tissue clearly wouldnat be enough.
There was no amount of coaxing Mum to tell us what had transpired between her and John. And she wasnat coming forth with any information as to what exactly it was that Uncle Robert thought he had claim to.
The only thing I could do was sit through Mumas breakdown.
If I could wrap my hands around Johnas neck and squeeze the life out of him, I might feel a little better. Iad let Mum settle a bit, but she was by no means off the hook.
aIall be right back, Airen. I just need to go and lock up behind Kirsten,a Aunt Brenda said as she slipped out of the office and left me with a waterlogged Mum.
I hadnat been alone with Mum in a long time, and it made me uncomfortable. I had no idea what to say to her to make her feel better.
The silence, between her hitched sobs, lengthened until she pulled herself somewhat together and said, aAiren, who is the American boy yer aunt calls Aiden?a My eyes widened in response as I struggled with what to say. How could I explain Aiden, when I didnat even really know him myself? aIa uh, what is it exactly yer askina, Mum?a She zeroed in on me, pursing her lips as she searched my face. I blushed in response, wondering just what Aunt Brenda had said to her about Aiden.
aSo itas like that, aye?a She leaned forward, a hint of hope blooming on her face.
aNay, it isnat! And ye can stop lookina at me as if Iam about to gift ye a son-in-law and bairns to boot,a I said, shifting to get to my feet. Maybe Aunt Brenda would need a hand out front.
aWell, itas no as if either one of us are gettina any younger,a she huffed, s.n.a.t.c.hing my arm as I pa.s.sed by her. aAll right, Airen. Ye made yer point. Sit down, la.s.s.a I rolled my eyes heavenward, saying a silent prayer to whatever saint was listening, and thought of a way to pull her attention away from Aiden. aMum, what is it that Uncle Robert wants?a Her hand fell from my arm, bouncing on her lap as her eyes darted away from mine. aItas nothing for ye to worry about. The less ye know, the better.a ad.a.m.n it, Mum! He shot at Aunt Brendaas house, de ye not understand? Iam already involved.a She reeled back as if Iad slapped her. aIall no have ye talk to me like that, Airen!a My teeth sank into my lip, keeping me from hurling another smart retort back at her as Aunt Brenda opened her office door and pushed it all the way open. aWell, I see you two are about as comfortable as a cat in a room full oa rockina chairs. Sit down, Airen, yeall no get any taller standing.a I would have left, but the pattering on the roof above halted me. Iad be soaked clean through before I made it back to Aunt Brendaas.
aSo, about this boy Aidenaa Mum said.
Aunt Brendaas face turned up into a grin, her eyes crinkling with something akin to matchmaking euphoria.
I groaned and moved to the couch. Throwing myself on it, I put my arm over my face, hoping like h.e.l.l Aiden didnat come back while they were discussing all of his merits.
I LEFT WITHOUT GIVING BRENDA or Airen time to object to me staying overnight. Using the excuse to go and get a change of clothes wouldnat give me a whole lot of time, but enough to talk with Grant.
Hopefully, Nadia had been able to find some sort of record of Robert de Fleur showing up at a clinic or hospital. I know I hit him, well, winged him in any case. The trees had made it almost impossible to get a good bead on him.
I kept constant vigil in my mirrors, making sure I hadnat picked up a tail when I left The Grounded Bean. The last thing I wanted was to lead Robert to Cole Enterpriseas makeshift headquarters.
As I made a couple of circuits around the block, my foot itched to punch the gas and just keep driving. I missed the two-lane roads in Opp. And I really missed hanging out at the cabin with not a worry in the world, other than fishing or swimming.
It was the quieter moments that made me the most homesick. I really missed my friends. With all the secrets and deceptions wead become split apart in all sorts of directions.
After Jaredas kidnapping and Aceas helicopter accident, I doubted Grant and Nadia would allow either of them anywhere close to the Scotland operation. At least until Robert was under lock and key. After that, it would be hard to say. I could only hope wead all get the chance to get back to the cabin for some much needed R&R.
Another burst of homesickness washed over me. Iad give anything to be able to call Mark and tell him how amazing Scotland was. Head probably jump on the first flight here with his camera and Paige in tow.
Even with all the thoughts running rampant in my head, I kept my eyes moving from mirror to mirror, keeping steady watch around me. Deeming it safe enough, I parked a block away from the church and walked to the back entrance, letting myself inside.
Grant met me at the bottom of the stairs, phone in hand, rattling off instructions to someone on the other end. He ended the phone call with a clipped acall me back when you have the informationa and turned his focus on me.
aHeas wounded, for sure. d.a.m.n it if the b.a.s.t.a.r.d didnat slip in and out of a walk-in clinic under an alias. No one saw him leave, but we at least have an address to run a grid search from.a Grant sighed, slipping the phone in his pocket as we walked down the hallway towards his office.
aI knew Iad hit him. Too bad it wasnat a fatal shot,a I said, unable to keep a sigh from slipping out.
aSlippery b.a.s.t.a.r.ds like thatall take more than one shot. Unfortunately. Heas wounded, so thatas at least something. What will you do for transportation?a aI bought a car.a aGood. That solves one thing. Oh, so you know, I was able to get a few cameras set up at Brendaas house. Thereas one inside the porch light and two placed in the front yard along the driveway. Theyare small enough not to be detected, and they will pick up anything entering or leaving the property.a aWhat about the backyard?a I asked.
Grant chuckled. aWe tried, but one of Brendaas neighbors came out so weall have to wait and try again.a aWhat about Aira Brendaas sisteras house?a I cursed myself for stumbling over Airenas name.
Grant didnat say anything about it, but I knew he filed that under his mental checklist. Head hit me with it later when I least expected it.
Oh well, let him. I had nothing to hide. Airen was just a girl. Brendaas niece who needed my protection. And that was all.