Page 15 of Desired

“Where was your mama through this?”

I wave. “Oh, mama left years ago. When I was a wee bairn. I barely remember her, and da never remarried. I stayed close with my granny though.”

“So, what happened with your da?”

“Well, his interests got darker, and he was helping Richard, his assistant, until one time when he asked Richard to do something that he didn’t really want to do.”

“Murder someone?” Declan guesses.

“No. Hire someone to murder someone.”

He’s confused. “Tell me...how did you find out about all this? I assume that you were still estranged from your da?”

“Richard and I have a mutual friend. She and I went to medical school together. Layla’s the one that kept me in touch with Richard.”

“Why would you keep in touch?”

“Because I’m an idiot. I was worried about my da. He’d call me here and there, asking how I was doing, but he always steered the conversation towards money. And I almost caved a couple of times. I wanted him to get out of doing the deeds that he was doing, and I figured maybe if I’d helped him, that he may come clean.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“Well, I didn’t tell you that my granny is still alive, Declan. I keep her in good care. The best money can buy, and right here, in North Carolina. She’s the one that brings me back down to earth. And as much as I want to help, I know it isn’t the right thing, especially where money is concerned. My granddad left me with more money than I’ll need in six lifetimes. There’s no telling what da would do with that kind of money.”

“And, so, why isn’t your da locked up for murder? Why is it so difficult to get him convicted?”

“Because he didn’t actually do it, and the man that did is dead, and the man that he’s claiming set the whole thing up is Richard. Da found out that I’m still in touch with him, and he wants me to take the stand against him. I know that Richard wouldn’t do a thing like that. He stopped working for da long before the murder, but because he was paying him under the table, it’s difficult to prove. And da is pissed at me now fortwothings. That’s why I fled Scotland. The further away from him that I am, the better.”

“I can’t say that I disagree there, Moira. That was a smart move.”

“I just don’t know how long it’ll be before da’s case gets resolved. That’s why I don’t want to get close with anyone.”

“And your da doesn’t go after your granny? Or even your cousin Stephanie?”

“He’s tried Stephanie. And he doesn’t know where me or my granny are, so until he figures that out, he’s shit out of luck.”

“Do you keep in contact with any of your brothers?”

I shake my head no. “It’s not safe, Declan. Besides, they were just as upset when granddad left me all his money and left nothing for them. It didn’t matter to them that I was the only one that ever paid any attention to him. Sure, I wasn’t as close to him as I am with granny, but we adored each other. And none of my brothers bothered with either of them.”

“Are they in cahoots with your da?”

I shrug. “I don’t know. I haven’t spoken with them since I left Scotland.”

Then he hits me with the one question that I absolutely hate answering. “When was the last time you spoke with your da?”

I stare at my fingers. “Before I answer that, Declan, I need you to understand something important.”

He waits. His jaw muscles are working. I’ve already said too much. I never dreamed that I’d unload like this so fast, and I feel like a fool for it. This is how come I got into trouble before. I’m too nice, too open, and I say too much. So, I decide to do something equally stupid...

Chapter 6

Declan

She’ssobeautiful,lyinghere beside me, hair all out in loose curls, mussed up slightly from our lovemaking. I can’t believe she’s telling me everything. And it all makes sense to me. The hairs on my arms aren’t standing up, so I know that she’s telling me the truth. Us Harris boys have been around long enough to know the difference. We’ve seen it all. Heard it all. And I thought we’d experienced it all, until a few moments ago, when Moira started telling me her story. “What do I need to hear first, bonnie?” I ask, draping a loose tendril of hair over her ear.

“I’m a sucker. Full on sucker.” She says simply, with an indignant scoff. “I get pulled in easily and it’s just thank God for my granny, or I would have lost it all to my da. I haven’t spoken to him since I came here, but before that, I’d talk to him whenever he called me. Stupidly. Even my youngest brother, Daniel. I kept in touch with him, up until I moved. Then I severed all ties. But who knows how long that will last. Like I said, I’m a sucker.”

“Well, there’s nothing wrong with being kind, lass. He’s your da.” I’m matter of fact. “Many people think that my da is a ball busting son of a bitch, but I still love him to bits.”

---