Revenge Read online

  “Wait until you see what we brought you back from Ireland,” Emlen told her. “You’re going to love it. Whiskey for James and something lovely for you.”

  “You could’ve just got me whiskey,” Eileen teased.

  “Well, I’m sure James will share.”

  “Don’t be so sure,” James laughed, then winked at Eileen. “Yes, of course I’ll share.”

  “Well, if he doesn’t, Cullen bought some too and is going to save a few bottles for when I’m able to partake of alcohol again. In about two years?” Emlen sighed and patted her belly. “I hope you appreciate my sacrifice, little ones.”

  Everyone chuckled as Eileen passed the rolls over and James leaned back. “If Connor were here, it’d be perfect. I’m so proud of my family.”

  “Well, it’s not the same, but…” Cullen pulled out his phone, dialed Connor, hit speaker and set the phone on the table.

  “Yeah, Cull, what’s up?” Connor answered.

  “You’re on speaker with me, Em, Ma, and Da. We’re having lunch and Da missed you,” Cullen said.

  “Hey, everyone. This is actually great timing, Cullen. I got the fingerprint results back from the letters.”

  “Yeah? Any good news?” Cullen asked.

  “Not really. The prints are likely Peters’, but there’s so much scar tissue, it’s only a vague match. Yet, knowing what we know about the accident, it would fit. That, and what Jackson told us. The content of the letters seems to fit as well.”

  “Okay, so we can assume, with minimal risk, that the person Jackson was working with was Peters,” Emlen said. “Which we already were assuming but couldn’t confirm.”

  “And still can’t without some doubt, but all the pieces fit,” Connor said.

  “Is this about that perp behind the attacks in Ireland?” James asked.

  “Yeah, turns out he was working with Jackson, getting intel so he could target us more effectively. They used spelled jars that passed letters back and forth. We never would’ve known about it if not for Tina,” Connor explained. “She really saved us with not only her intel, but with taking out Jackson. Which reminds me, Cullen. Take me off speaker, got some business to discuss. Love you all. Hope to see you for Christmas next week.”

  “Bye, Connor,” rang out from around the table as Cullen tapped the phone and rose to leave the room. “Okay, brother. What’s up?” he asked, leaving the other three to chat and finish lunch as he ducked into the library and shut the door behind him.

  “There are more attacks planned. One somewhere here in New York City, one in Boston and one in DC. We’re still gathering intel and analyzing the letters, but I think if you can get Tina to write that letter sooner rather than later, it’d be good. We need to shake this guy up and see if we can stop these attacks.”

  “Shit, well, yeah. Okay, if not tonight then tomorrow, I’ll get Em to sit with Tina and write it up. Did the case and jar get delivered here already?”

  “Yeah, Amos signed for it. It should be in the safe room. That’s where I told him to store it.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll track it down while Em’s napping and make sure it’s ready to roll.”

  “Cull, this guy is doing all of this to make people pay for, and I quote, “his beloved Valentina’s death”. That means while he may be highly intelligent, he’s acting on powerful emotion and loss. Maybe knowing that can help with how the letter is written. Good luck, and let me know how it goes?”

  “Will do, little brother. Love you.”

  “Love you, too. Bye.”

  Cullen hung up the call and leaned his hips against the desk, gaze on the window across the room and the faint tease of snowflakes against the gray sky. He really hoped they could get this mess with Peters settled soon. He didn’t want to be worrying about mad bombers when he needed to focus on his wife and impending fatherhood.

  Em tapped on the door, then stepped inside at his call to enter. She moved to wrap her arms around him and rested her head on his chest. “I’m going to go up and rest for a bit. Your folks are going to watch a movie in the living room since the forecast is for a lot more snow today.”

  Cullen wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head. “Go rest, love. I’ve got some stuff to check out for Connor. When you’re awake, let me know? We need to talk to Tina about the letter.”

  “Okay, love,” Emlen yawned, then reached up to kiss his jaw. “See you in a bit.”

  He watched her leave the room and smiled. If anyone had told him a year ago that this would be his life, he would’ve laughed. Now, he just counted himself blessed.

  Chapter 17

  Emlen, Tina, and Eileen sat in the library at the table. A fire burned on the hearth, adding welcome heat to the room. One of Mrs. A’s tea trays sat at the end of the table with cups, plates, and crumbs scattered among the notebook and papers. Em had a hand on Eileen’s leg while Tina dictated a letter that Eileen was writing. She had wanted to help and her handwriting was better than Em’s so they’d agreed.

  “End it with, ‘Brian, if this is you, please stop hurting my friends and family. This isn’t going to do anything but make me hate you. I may be a ghost, but you’re still alive and you have a chance to make things better for people, not worse. The man I love would want things to be better. Love always, Val’,” Tina said, then let out a long sigh. “Fuck, that was harder than I thought. Can you lay it out on the table so I can read it all over and see if anything needs to be changed?”

  “Sure, honey,” Eileen replied, then spread the pages out in order before she capped the pen. “More tea, Emlen?”

  “Please, Ma. And another one of those little sandwiches. My kids seem to like those.”

  “You mean, they don’t give you acid reflux and it keeps them settled?” Eileen said, a smile spread across her face as she poured more tea for them both and pulled the plate of food closer.

  Tina stepped back from the table. “Let’s change this piece here.” She leaned over and murmured to Eileen as the additions were made, then sighed. “Okay. It looks as good as it’s gonna get. I just hope he believes it’s me.”

  Eileen gathered up the pages and folded them together into an envelope. “That signature should do it. Snookie?” A grin as she wrote ‘Brian’ on the front of the envelope and set it aside before she sat back down.

  “It’ll go in the jar when Cullen gets out of his meeting with Connor. Thank you, Tina, for everything. I know that was difficult,” Emlen said.

  “Difficult was seeing Ryan’s ghost and Kian’s missing legs. Difficult would be anything happening to you and those babies,” Tina replied. “Oh, I wanted to ask you something. When JJ died, did you feel the magic rush when it returned? I mean, you being the only Descendant left and all?”

  Emlen paused mid-sip and furrowed her brow. “Y’know, I don’t know. I’ve been feeling all off balance with the changes from the twins and the surge we all got in Dublin, I didn’t even notice.”

  “And with you right there, the emotion of the event could have masked the emotional flash you might have had,” Eileen said.

  “Well, if you got his magic boost, then it might mean your magic is stronger. We can check if your telepathy is stronger by having you reach out further than you have before,” Tina suggested. “See if you can reach Amos. He’s stationed in the guard shack by the back gate. That’s the farthest point on the property right now.”

  Emlen let out a breath and closed her eyes. ~Amos, can you hear me? If you can, just think your reply.~

  Tina giggled, then covered her mouth. After a few moments, Emlen laughed.

  Amos had replied. ~I can hear you, Ma’am. Does this mean you could read my mind anytime?~

  “He’s worried I can read his mind anytime,” Emlen told Tina and Eileen. ~No, I can’t any time. But it seems my range has increased. Thank you for answering. I’ll send out some coffee and a bowl of Mrs. A’s beef stew in a few.~

  ~That sounds amazing, Ma’am. Thank you. And Teagan is out here with
me. We’re not allowed to stand outside guard duty solo anymore.~

  ~Not a problem, Amos. Thanks again.~

  “I need to ask Mrs. A to send some of her stew and coffee out to Amos and Teagan in the guard shack,” Emlen said.

  “So it worked. Congrats,” Tina said.

  Eileen got to her feet. “I’ll go talk to Mrs. A. You want some stew to go with the sandwich?”

  “Thanks, that sounds good,” Em replied as Eileen left the room. She turned back to Tina “I want to test this, so over the next few days I’ll see how far I can reach. Thanks for reminding me.”

  “Not a problem. I mean, JJ made such a big deal out of how our mom reacted when she felt me die and how he reacted when he felt her die. I was surprised when you didn’t say anything about it when he died.”

  “I think I was more surprised that he was finally dead. Yes, he was my bio dad, but he was never a father to me. James O’Brien and my Grandpa Brewster were always the male parental figures in my life.”

  “Have…have you seen my mom around?” Tina asked.

  “No, I haven’t. I was wondering if maybe she crossed over. My mom’s been popping in a lot, checking on me and the babies, but she’s trying to not be all in my business all the time. I love her, but when she kept showing up in the middle of my private time with Cullen, we had to set some boundaries.”

  Tina gave a soft snort of laughter. “Yeah, that’d be awkward.” Her smile faded and she sighed. “I looked Between for mom and didn’t see her. I think I would’ve felt it if she crossed all the way. I just…”

  “You’re just worried she’ll be upset that you killed JJ. I get it. But from what Connor told us, those letters were pretty specific. None of us were supposed to stay alive.”

  “She’ll understand. We talked about how messed up the Judge made Johnny over the years. She knows it wasn’t on her.”

  “Good. I’d like her to get to meet the twins when they’re born. If she wants.”

  “I think she wants to. I’m excited to be an auntie again.”

  “Grand-auntie,” Emlen teased.

  “Oh, shut it, woman. You’re so mean,” Tina joked back.

  * * *

  Later that afternoon, Cullen put the jar on a shelf in the corner of the library and put the letter inside. The lid was put back on. Emlen, Cullen, and Tina all looked at each other.

  “Anyone see anything?” Cullen asked.

  “Not me,” Tina said.

  “Me neither. Open the jar and see if it’s still in there?” Emlen suggested.

  Cullen lifted the lid. “Well, the letter is gone. Now, we wait. I guess we just check the jar a few times a day to see if something gets sent back.”

  “Okay, then. How about a movie, Cull?” Emlen said.

  “Sure, I think the new superhero movie is on the streaming service. You get the popcorn and drinks, and I’ll pull it up?”

  “Sounds like a plan,” Emlen replied.

  “I’ll pop back in later,” Tina said and faded out.

  Emlen took a slow breath. “This is really hard on her. She’s watching the men she loved and admired turn into monsters. I don’t know if I’d handle it as well as she has been.”

  “Me neither. She’s been amazing through all of this. Even killing JJ was a positive thing in my eyes. That sick fuck would’ve laughed as we all burned.”

  “I agree. Okay, I’m going to go get the popcorn. What do you want to drink?” Emlen asked.

  “Chocolate milk. Just like you,” Cullen said and smiled at her.

  “You know me so well,” Em said and kissed him before waddling out of the room towards the kitchen.

  Chapter 18

  Christmas Eve Mass at St. Anthony’s was attended by the whole O’Brien clan, including Connor and his lady friend, Brenna. They’d started dating before Thanksgiving, but had only decided to get serious a couple of weeks ago. With all of Connor’s travel, he’d not made time for a relationship and the family was happy to welcome the musician into the fold. Brenna played harp for the New York Philharmonic, so she had a travel schedule to rival Connor’s. Emlen thought they were adorable together. Brenna had dark hair with red lights and dark green eyes. A few inches shorter than Connor in heels, she moved with the grace of a ballet dancer, a light in her eyes whenever they landed on her man.

  They were all staying in the manse for the holiday, and Eileen and Mrs. A had gone all out with the decorations. A tree had been decorated in the family room, formal parlor, and library. Long boughs of green with dark red velvet bows and tiny gold balls decorated door frames and stair railings, wound around with tiny gold strands of lights. Wreaths hung from wide red ribbon and bows on every single window in the whole place with a garland that wrapped the front door archway. The planters on either side of the door boasted small, decorated trees and lights were wound around the columns, garland, trees and the twin wreaths that decorated the double front doors.

  After Mass, back at the manse, everyone enjoyed warm spiced cider or hot cocoa and a selection of Mrs. A’s cookies before heading to bed. Plans to meet in the family room around ten were greeted with laughter as Cullen warned that next year the twins would be celebrating their first Christmas and likely have them up at the crack of dawn.

  The next morning, everyone made their way downstairs in warm, comfortable clothes and settled in the family room. Eileen sat on the floor by the tree and James delivered the presents as she read the tags. Each person opened their gift before the next one was given, so everyone could see each gift. Brenna had bought them each a special ornament, with Cullen and Emlen admiring the delicate figures in wedding attire and “First Christmas Together” and the date below their names. Even Mrs. A got a rolling pin with her name and the date on it.

  Emlen had given Cullen, Connor, and James matching bracelets. Paracord and leather, each had ‘O’Brien’ engraved on the underside of the metal bar while the front of the bar boasted a Celtic shield knot. Eileen had a gold Celtic shield charm for her charm bracelet and Emlen had had a pendant made for herself and Brenna. Cullen had given Em a charm pendant with a charm of a mother holding the hands of two children, so she slid her own pendant on the charm ring. “I’ll wear this always,” she whispered to Cullen.

  “As I will always wear this,” Cullen replied. Em also had Mira and Patrick put protection charms on the bracelets and pendants, but they couldn’t discuss that with Brenna in the room. Not yet, anyway. Connor hadn’t felt it was time to expose all of the family secrets.

  A delicious brunch had them all gathered in the dining room when the doorbell chimed and James went to answer it. He called for Cullen a few moments later and the two of them carried a huge box into the room. “This was just delivered for Em. The guards checked it and deemed it safe,” James said.

  “It’s from Susan and Angelica,” Cullen said as he handed Emlen a card.

  Emlen read it out loud. “Wishing all of you a very happy holiday. We’re spending the holiday with our families at Disney in Florida, and we’re having a wonderful time. Thank you for the amazing gift. This box has gifts for all of you and then some. Love from all of us, but mostly Susan and Angelica.” She finished reading and looked at Cullen,”What is she talking about?”

  Cullen shared a look with Connor, then shrugged.

  “Cullen Murphy O’Brien,” Emlen said, hands on her hips. “If you don’t tell me right now…”

  Connor laughed, “Well, you got the Mom-voice down already, sis. Relax. Cullen and I felt that since Susan had been shot on our watch, we owed her. Set up a Disney vacation for a week for them and their whole family.”

  “And why did you hide this from me? That’s wonderful!” Emlen said as she wrapped her arms around Cullen and kissed his cheek.

  “Well, it was a lot of money,” Cullen muttered.

  “I don’t care. We have more money than we’ll ever spend, or our kids will ever spend. Now, let’s open this box,” Emlen said.

  Cullen pulled out a pocket knife and slice
d the box open, folded it back, then looked up at Em. “Want me to hand them out?”

  Em rubbed her lower back. “Yes, please. If I bend over to reach into that box, I might end up curled up in it.”

  Everyone chuckled as Em took her seat and left it to Cullen. There were gifts for everyone, even Brenna. Each item was a hand-knit or crocheted gift. A pair of fingerless gloves, infinity scarf, and soft beret for Brenna in a beautiful green, blue for Eileen, and violet for Emlen. A knit cap and scarf for each of the guys, and then two large boxes with ‘baby boy’ and ‘baby girl’ on each one. Emlen opened one and Cullen the other. Each box held several outfits and two thick blankets, booties, caps – a treasure of handmade beauty in a variety of colors. Emlen wiped tears from her cheeks, then pulled out her phone and dialed Susan. The phone was set on the table and speaker button hit.

  “Hi, Susan, happy holidays. Thank you so much for the incredibly generous and beautiful gifts,” Emlen said. Everyone called out their thanks and Susan laughed. “You’re all very welcome. We made some of the baby things new and some are pieces our grandchildren wore. All washed and packed up and ready for those beautiful twins.”

  “The blankets are gorgeous. What’s the extra yarn pinned to them for?” Eileen asked.

  “So they can be personalized when we know the names and date. Just put it aside and when we come visit to meet your children, we’ll finish them.”

  Emlen sniffled and Cullen called out, “Thank you, Susan and Angelica. We’re honored and grateful. Have a wonderful rest of your holiday.”

  “You all enjoy your holiday too. Much love. Bye!” Susan and Angelica called out before they hung up. Cullen pulled Em close and kissed her cheek. “Love you, Em,” he murmured in her ear.

  “Love you too, Cull.”

  Before Brenna and Connor headed back to New York, Brenna treated them to an evening of harp music. Emlen fell asleep against Cullen’s shoulder since the harp music did a beautiful job of quieting the twins. The rest of the month went by fast and soon it was time for Cullen and Em to go to New York for New Year’s Eve. They weren’t going to go out to Times’ Square or anything crazy because Emlen got too uncomfortable on her feet after about ten minutes. They gathered at Connor’s townhouse where he’d set up the rooftop garden to be a winter wonderland. Heaters kept the air warm, a fire pit glowed in the center of comfortable chairs and a table held sparkling grape juice in champagne flutes. A feast was set out and the set up on the roof gave them a clear view of the Times’ Square ball and fireworks. Emlen got on Brenna’s good side pretty quickly by sharing stories of the brothers and some of the mischief they’d got up to. They all counted down and the couples kissed at midnight. They spent a little more time, enjoying the fireworks and hot cocoa before they all headed down to bed.