Revenge Page 11

  “Oh, he was in it alright, but he survived. He is Peter Wolfe.”

  Tina sat down on the side chair and covered her face with her hands. “Oh. My. Gods.”

  Emlen let go of JJ and went over to Tina, crouching before her and putting her hands on Tina’s knees. “Auntie, tell me. Who is this guy?”

  JJ kept giggling on the couch and the agent moved to stand behind him where he could keep him from getting up if necessary.

  Tina’s voice was soft and ragged as she spoke. “Brian Peters. He was my garda for over five years. We were in love and he asked me to marry him.”

  “What happened?”

  “Daddy happened,” JJ said. “Peters was Garda. That was not good enough for his baby girl. He didn’t know about them, but I did. I told him. So he had him killed.”

  “You fucking bastard!” Tina roared and launched herself at JJ.

  To be honest, Emlen didn’t know if it was the boost in her powers, the power of the babies, or the sheer pain and fury that Tina felt at that moment – but Tina launched herself at JJ and physically rocked him back on the couch. Em had fallen backwards and it took her a moment to get to her feet, but by then the damage was done. Tina’s hand was inside JJ’s chest and his face went gray, lips turned blue as he gasped. The agent tried to help but there was nothing for him to grab onto. When Emlen finally got her hands on Tina and pulled her back, JJ was dead. Tina had crushed his heart, just as he had broken hers so many years before.

  Chapter 15

  “In other news, President John Frederick Jackson’s funeral was kept private followed by interment at Arlington National Cemetery. The final conclusion on the cause of death was heart failure from a previously undiagnosed defect.”

  Emlen turned the television off and tossed the remote onto the table. “Heart failure. That’s one way of putting it.”

  “Well, his heart failed to continue pumping after his dead sister crushed it, so it’s not a lie,” Joel said.

  “Very funny. Not,” Emlen said. “I didn’t like watching my aunt kill my father. Granted, the bastard got what he deserved, but I’d rather not have seen it happen.”

  “Has his ghost shown up yet?” Joel asked.

  “Not yet. I’m hoping it got sucked right into hell,” Emlen replied.

  “Have you seen Tina?”

  “She’s been scarce. I think she’s still processing everything. I did tell her that she shouldn’t feel guilty for killing him. He wouldn’t have stopped and according to the letters we found, he was feeding Wolfe info that helped him track down where we were in Ireland and here. The brothers have beefed up security at Mayfield, but we’re all heading to Boston and New York tomorrow, now that the funeral and investigation are over.”

  “What about the O’Briens in Boston?”

  “A PLEA contingent was sent up the day after he died to help with security at the manse. There were a couple of incidents of pro-Jackson supporters throwing rocks and spray painting the fence, but that was handled quickly and quietly. Scatha is up there and I can’t wait to see him. I miss my feathered friend.”

  “I’m sure he misses you too. I haven’t seen Simone since your wedding. Do you think she crossed over?”

  “I hope she did. I think she felt responsible for JJ’s behavior and the shame kept her from being around us.”

  “His behavior is not on her, it’s his father’s fault. That man poisoned his son and destroyed his life.”

  “I agree. I just hope I can do well by these two.” Em’s hand rested on her belly, sensing the satisfied emotions of her babies.

  “How are you doing? Feeling rested enough?” Joel stepped closer and then asked in a near whisper, “May I touch?”

  Emlen smiled at him and nodded. His hand settled on the curve of her belly and a gentle thump brushed his palm. “Oh, my stars. Hello, little one. I’m your Uncle Joel.”

  Tears pricked Emlen’s eyes but she blinked them away, not wanting to upset Joel.

  “That was the boy. The girl is here,” Emlen slid his hand to the side and he was rewarded with another thump. “I think they like your voice.”

  “Have you come up with names yet?”

  “We’re tossing around a few. I think we need to meet them first, then we’ll know.”

  “And what happens if they tell you they don’t like the names you choose?”

  Emlen stared at Joel for a moment, then started laughing. “You’re mean. They’re going to love their names and their family.”

  Joel laughed with her and gave her a hug. “You’re going to make an amazing mother. Enjoy every moment, little one.”

  “Who’s got you laughing?” Cullen asked as he came into the room.

  “Joel’s here,” Em said and reached for Cull’s hand so he could see him too.

  “Hey, Joel, how’s things?” Cullen asked.

  “Things is good, boyo. Was just getting a chance to say hello to your offspring.”

  “Yeah, the kids thumped his hand to say hi. It was adorable.”

  “Aww, that’s cute. Hope they can see him because we’re going to need babysitters,” Cullen teased.

  “Oh, we’ll have plenty of babysitters,” Emlen said, “between dead and living grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins.”

  “Speaking of which, has JJ’s ghost shown up?” Cullen asked.

  “No, thank gods. I don’t want to see him again. If he did show up, I don’t know how to get rid of him,” Emlen said.

  “I do. Ryan and I went by the PLEA offices before you all left Dublin. There were three confused spirits wandering around and getting violent with investigators. We each grabbed an arm, told them they were done, and pulled them to the Between place. They didn’t have anyone that wanted them back, so they stayed. Since the only person with a tie to JJ on this side is you, if he shows up, Ryan and I can pull him over,” Joel said.

  “Oh, good,” Emlen sighed. “That makes me feel a little better.” She turned to Cullen, “Are we almost ready to go?”

  “Except for the last few things we’ll need tonight and in the morning, everything’s packed, so yeah, we’re ready to go.”

  “I’m glad. I want to get home.”

  “Me too,” Cullen replied. “Feels like forever since we’ve been back in Boston.”

  Joel stepped up and patted Cullen’s shoulder, “I’ll get out of your hair tonight and go help keep watch. Ryan’s already out there.” He paused and leaned over to Em, “I’ll also see if Simone has crossed over and check on Tina.”

  “Thanks, Joel. I’d appreciate you doing that. I’m worried about Tina, and want to thank her,” Em said.

  “I’ll let her know,” Joel said and faded out.

  Emlen turned to Cullen and pulled him down for a kiss. “How about a quiet dinner, just the two of us, and an early night? I’d like some husband and wife time with you.”

  “Now you’re talking,” Cullen smiled and kissed her back. “I’ll take care of ordering dinner and you clear the table in our room. Anything you’re in the mood for?”

  “Anything that doesn’t have tomato sauce. It’s been giving me heartburn the last few times.”

  “You got it.”

  * * *

  Dinner had been over for a while and the two were cuddled up in bed, talking quietly. The sound of a cleared throat made Cullen reach for the light. Emlen kept a hand on his arm and they blinked at Tina who stood at the foot of their bed.

  “Uh, Tina? What’s up?” Emlen asked.

  Cullen slid his arm around Em and gave Tina a warm smile. “It’s okay, Tina. We were just talking. Planned an early night of it since we’re all headed back to Boston tomorrow.”

  “I’m a horrible person,” Tina whispered. “I killed my baby brother.”

  “Oh, Tina, no. You’re not horrible. Did Joel tell you I wanted to see you?” Emlen asked.

  Tina nodded, arms wrapped around herself, head bowed.

  “I wanted to see you to thank you. We found out from the letters that JJ h
ad been feeding Peter information about all of us. They planned on having everyone killed, including me and the babies.”

  Tina’s head snapped up and her eyes blazed. “They better not touch those babies!”

  Cullen nodded, “That’s pretty much how I feel about it too. So you did us a favor, Tina. You saved the babies and all of us.”

  Tina brightened up after hearing Cullen’s words and seeing Emlen nod in agreement. “Okay, I can see that. Thank you.”

  “So, Tina,” Em said. “What can you tell us about Peters?”

  “Brian was a sweet guy. Considerate, caring, professional…he was an excellent Garda. He said he fell in love with me a year after starting as my Garda and kept it professional the whole time. It wasn’t until that last year that we started actually dating and having a romance.”

  “And then what happened?” Cullen asked.

  “We were going to elope. We were in his car, heading into town for the ceremony when Simmons rear-ended us. Brian kept driving and floored it. Simmons and Dunleavy were in an SUV behind us and kept bumping the rear corners of our car, trying to force us off the road. We pulled up to a railroad crossing, the bars were down and Brian took a look up the tracks and floored it. Smashed right through the bars and across the tracks. The train clipped the back of the car and sent it spinning out of control. It slammed into a metal pole on the driver’s side. Brian was okay, but the doors were pinned. He smashed the rest of the windshield and shoved me out. I got away from the car and sat by a tree, I was shaking so hard and I’d hit my head. Brian got out, then turned to dive back in to grab something.” Tina took a breath and closed her eyes before continuing. “The car blew up. Simmons and Dunleavy crossed after the train and grabbed me up and stuffed me into the SUV and drove away. When they pulled up at the mansion, I got out and ran, and that’s when Simmons shot and killed me.”

  Emlen got out of bed and went over to Tina, wrapping her in a hug. “Oh, Tina. That’s so awful. I’m so sorry.” She led her over to the bed and sat down, taking Cullen’s hand once more so he could see and hear Tina again.

  “I’m sorry, Tina. Em’s right, that’s horrible,” Cullen said, voice low. “If that’s the case, how did Pete…er, Brian survive?”

  “I have no idea. Maybe someone pulled him free. I’d love to be able to talk to him, but it sounds like he’s gone off the deep end like Johnny did.”

  “And if you were going to actually talk to him, I’d have to be there,” Emlen said. “And I’m not so sure that’s a good idea. Not with how much he wants us all dead.”

  “No,” Tina said. “The risk to you and the twins is not worth it.”

  “Maybe we can put a letter in the jar and see what happens?” Cullen said.

  “Now that’s a brilliant idea,” Emlen replied. “Let’s do that. Tina, can you dictate a letter and I’ll write it and sign it as you?”

  “Yeah, this could work. I can talk about things only he and I would know,” Tina said, thinking carefully about what to write to her once-lover.

  A clock chimed downstairs and Emlen yawned. “Okay, let’s do the letter thing once we get to Boston. I need to sleep and we’re traveling tomorrow. Another day isn’t going to make much of a difference at this point, right?”

  “Right. We’ll deal with it once we get home,” Cullen said.

  “Gives me time to figure out what I want to say. I’ll see you guys later,” Tina said and faded out of the room.

  Chapter 16

  They’d spent two days in New York City with Connor, arranging Cullen’s appointments with Jeanine Markam, the psychotherapist Connor had working with PLEA, for those days each month she would be in Boston. Meals were had either at the UN offices of PLEA or nearby, but the last night they had dinner at Connor’s townhouse. The place used to be Garda property and while they’d sold off or repurposed most of the Garda assets, they had kept a few, including this place a few short miles from the UN. Four bedrooms, five baths, Connor kept his own suite of rooms private and shared the place with Thomas and Evelyn whenever they were in town as well as guest rooms for visiting PLEA officials. Saved the organization a fortune in hotel and rental fees.

  The formal granting of Cullen’s new title and position had been that evening with Thomas in attendance and now the four friends sat around the table, laughing over Thomas’ tales of how he fumbled when first learning his powers. Cullen had been so nervous when he went up to the mic for his acceptance speech, his powers sparked and shorted out the sound system. Now Connor was calling him “Sparky” and the two were making electricity dance across their fingertips.

  “Okay, boys. Put the lightning back in the bottle. The kids are getting jumpy,” Emlen said, hands smoothing over her belly as the twins shifted and thumped beneath her hands.

  Connor leaned over and held out his hand, asking with a look if he could touch. Emlen smiled and nodded, taking his hand to rest over the spot where both were thumping.

  “Hey little ones. It’s me, your Uncle Connor. Sorry we got you all excited. Need you to settle down now so your mommy can sleep soon. Can you do that for me? Settle down a bit?”

  Almost as if they understood him, the babies settled and Emlen let out a slow breath. “Thank you. They’re getting so active I find myself standing by the dishwasher so the sound lulls them to sleep.”

  Connor leaned over and kissed her blouse-covered belly. “Sleep well, little ones. We’ll get to meet soon.” Then he leaned up and kissed Emlen’s cheek. “Go rest, sister-mine. Your flight leaves early tomorrow because we need the plane back that afternoon to get Thomas home.”

  Em kissed Connor’s cheek in return and hugged him before patting Thomas’ shoulder and smiling at Cullen. “You stay and visit. I’m going to go enjoy that fancy shower with all the shower heads and then sleep.”

  Cullen got up to give her a kiss and walked her to their room before coming back to enjoy whiskey and cigars in the study with Thomas and Connor.

  A very early morning flight landed them in Boston without incident and a drive to the manse that took a while due to commuter traffic had them home for the first time in months. When they pulled into the drive at the manse, Emlen felt the tension slide away. “I have missed this place.”

  “I’ve missed it too, and I’m eager to see my folks,” Cullen replied.

  They’d barely got out of the car before Scatha was perched on Emlen’s shoulder, rubbing his head against her cheek. Thanks to the leitung, Cullen could still hear her familiar as he greeted them.

  ~It has been too long. You’ve both been missed. Wait, your magic – it’s much stronger. What happened?~

  “It’s a long story, Scatha. Let’s get inside and get settled and we’ll fill everyone in,” Cullen said.

  ~And you have magic. Yes, much to discuss. Hello, little ones. Yes, I hear you.~

  “You’re talking to the babies already?” Emlen asked, giving the bird a sideways look.

  ~Why not? They’re talking to me. Not words like you do, but images and emotions. They say you understand them, so why should it be different for me?~

  “Because you’re a bird?” Cullen teased as he carried a bag and opened the door for Emlen. The agents would unload the rest while they went to see Eileen and James.

  ~I may be a bird, but I’m a Familiar and far from ordinary.~ Scatha preened and fluttered his wings.

  “Yes, yes, you’re awesome,” Emlen assured him before she turned and was wrapped into a hug from Eileen. Scatha fluttered off Em’s shoulder and settled on the top of an open door.

  “You’re finally home. Oh, look at how big those babies are getting. Come here, get off your feet. We’ve got lunch ready and…” Eileen bustled about, fussing over Em.

  Cullen derailed his mom when he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her from behind. “Mom, settle down. We’re here now and not going anywhere for a good while. The babies will be born right here in town and this is home base. Just breathe.”

  Eileen swatted his arm. “I’m jus
t excited. Let me go so I can tell Mrs. A you’re here.”

  James stepped into the space Eileen left and hugged first Emlen, then Cullen. “Glad you’re home safe. Your mother’s been in a tizzy.” He leaned over and whispered “She’s been having nightmares. Won’t talk to me about them.”

  Cullen frowned, “Any ideas?”

  “Normal nightmares or magical ones?” Emlen asked.

  “No, no ideas and I don’t know, Em. Maybe you can get her to tell you what’s going on,” James said.

  “I’ll talk to her later in private and see what she says,” Emlen replied.

  “Come settle in the dining room. Mrs. A is bringing the food,” Eileen called out. They set the bags down in the hallway and went in to sit down, Em pausing to hug Mrs. A before she sat. “Missed your cooking, Mrs. A. Thank you for making us lunch.”

  “Happy to do it, lovey. Glad you’re home where you belong. Those babies need to be born here, not in some strange place or country,” Mrs. A replied.

  “That’s the plan, Mrs. A. Settle in, set up the nursery and enjoy being home,” Cullen said.

  “Good to hear it,” Mrs. A said before she returned to the kitchen to get the last of the food.

  “I think she missed you more than me, Cullen,” Em said as she looked at the food on the table. “All of your favorites. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, peas, corn on the cob…”

  “And fresh-baked rolls,” Mrs. A added as she set the basket on the table with a bowl of butter. “Now dig in, everyone.”

  The excellent food, good conversation, and being home at last did wonders for both Emlen and Cullen. The agents and Mrs. A’s assistant got the luggage inside and sorted into the various rooms and Mrs. A made sure they were all fed. The crew left the family alone in the dining room to reconnect. Emlen could hear them laughing from the kitchen and sighed. “Feels so good to be here. Now I can relax.”

  “I know what you mean. I think we just needed to be home,” Cullen said.

  “Yes, you both needed to be home,” Eileen said and reached out to squeeze Em’s hand.