Page 7 of Reckless

“Keep walking,” I tell him and he faces forward. His shoulders shake with silent sobs. We reach the large tree that I pat when I arrive. I called her the watcher. Johnny has followed us out, rope in hand and I give him the nod. Craig doesn’t protest as he’s tied to the large beast of a tree.

“It’s a cold night, Craig,” I say and step away as Johnny drenches him with a bucket of water.

His startled scream won’t be heard. “Stealing from me comes with a death sentence. Right now I am allowing God to make the decision of whether you live or die. If you’re alive in the morning, I will let you go.” His blue lips tremble and I think God has already made up his mind.

“Please, Mr O’Reagan. I’ll do anything.”

I’m nodding as he speaks. They always plead when the reality sinks in. “The only certainty is that you will never steal from me again.”

***

I’m standing across the road again waiting for Margret. This time I feel more nervous than the first. Checking my watch I look up as I hear footsteps. She’s smiling, her hair loose around her face, and she looks even more beautiful. She runs across the road to me and stops abruptly a few paces away. I can see it there in her eyes. She wants to kiss me but fear maybe of being seen is keeping her still.

“Why do you always wear a suit?”

The question surprises me. “I don’t know. I like them.” I answer her honestly. “I also think I look very handsome in a suit.”

Her laugh is quick and lights up her eyes. Her blue dress is loose but still manages to catch on her curves, giving her an innocent look but when the material gathers in the right places all I want is her in my arms, in my bed.

“Are you ready?” I ask and she links her arm with mine. She takes a final glance at her home before we go to my car.

There’s an auction on in Kells. Usher’s auction. It’s where I pick for our second date. I hope I’m right but I think it will impress Margret.

“Where are we going?” I don’t answer as I open her car door and help her out, she takes my hand and the heat from her skin is instant.

“It’s an auction,” I say as I close the car door behind her.

“What kind of auction?” Her weary words make me smile and when I look at her she blushes.

“What kind of auction are you implying, Miss Hegarty?” Her cheeks deepen.

As we move closer and she can finally read the sign, she smiles up at me. “Furniture,” she says with a grin.

“Not just furniture. But treasures.”

Chapter Six

Michael O’Reagan

The area is full and no matter where my eyes go they always land back on Margret. She’s as fascinated as I knew she would be. Everything she touches I make a note of. Every pause. I’m not the only one watching her. Johnny is here writing down each lot piece, so it’s hers, it’s ours. She’s so gentle as she opens a book and flicks through it like the story might pour out around her feet.

“Mr O’Reagan.” Mr Usher the owner holds out his hand and I take it. “It’s fantastic to have you here.”

“It’s been too long.” I tell him. It had been, work took up everything but now with my business thriving, I had time to focus on all the other pieces that I had ignored.

“Don’t ever be a stranger.” He pats my shoulder gently before walking away. I find Margret easily, her hands skimming over more old books. Johnny is right behind her taking notes. She glances at him a few times and when he looks at me I give him a nod. He moves away a few paces giving Margret some room.

The O’Rourke’s arrive. All noise and overbearing words. They own a lot of Kells and their snobbery isn’t something I mingle with. We give each other a wide berth and stay with Margret. She must sense me watching. Looking up she inhales deeply and mouths “Hi.” I’m aware we are being watched.

“Hi.” I mouth back and she smiles. She doesn’t look away as I walk around to her. She continues flickering through the books, but it doesn’t hold her attention any longer.

“Did I tell you how beautiful you are?” I ask her over her shoulder. A small freckle behind her ear has me licking my lips wanting to kiss it.

But I wouldn’t dare have anyone talk about her. So I keep my lips to myself, reluctantly.

“Not tonight.” She glances at me over her shoulder.

I lean in closer deliberately letting my breath stroke her neck. “You are beautiful,” I tell her and reach around her taking a book from a stack in front of her. “You like to read?” I ask her neck.

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