Page 28 of Desired

“Aye. How are the investigations going?”

“Not a lot on the home front, I’m afraid.” Connor replies. “It sure made our lives easier when that old man shot Mike Wilson. Now we’ve just got to nail Nathan Mackenzie and we’re home free.”

“For now.” Da warns kindly. “There’s always going to be some trouble, lads. That’s why I keep you on the payroll.” He looks at me. “What have you got for me, son?”

“Ah, not so much trouble, just a hunch.”

He tips his chin upward. “What sort of hunch?”

I draw in a deep breath and let it out. “This isn’t part of any investigation, but I’d like someone to do some digging for me, if it isn’t too much to ask.”

“Tell me what you need, Declan.” Connor says, and I notice Cullen’s ears perk up.

“Moira McTavish, she’s an obstetrician/gynecologist here in North Carolina, and she’s emigrated from Scotland. Her da, James McTavish, he’s in custody in Scotland for a murder investigation.”

“Son, I told them about Moira.” Da says, bringing me up to speed.

“Right, right. I forgot that Maverick had the skinny on that.” I add, and I notice that I’m pacing nervously.

“What’s on your mind, Declan?” Da prompts, helping me to focus.

“Well, she got a letter from her da in the mail, and it’s...pretty upsetting to her. He says that his days are numbered. Cancer. And it’s tearing her up inside.”

“That’s a shame, Declan.” Da frowns, hearing the tension in my voice.

I clear my throat. “Anyway, as twisted as this sounds, the man isn’t exactly known for his honesty. I’d like someone to dig in. Find out if he speaks the truth, just to make sure that Moira’s not being taken for another ride. I’m not sure how much anyone can find out, given that the man is incarcerated, and it’s to do with his health records, so highly confidential, but I’d like someone to see what they can find out.”

Da looks at Connor, who nods, and then he looks at me. “Not a problem, Declan. I have people on the inside in Scotland, as I’m sure you’re well aware, and I can find out how many times a day an inmate shits if you need to know that.”

“That’s reassuring.” I nod. “But I can’t help but wonder what will make me feel better.”

Da catches on. “If he’s dying, it’ll tear her up, but if he’s lying, it’ll do the same.”

“Aye. Exactly.” I shake my head. “I’ll kill the bastard myself if he’s lying. That poor lass has been through enough because of that asshole.”

“Tell me, Declan.” Da says. “Why is it he wrote to her? Why wouldn’t he just call? Seems to me that if he found his estranged daughter, that he would just pick up the phone.”

“The letter originally went to her former business address. It was forwarded, so he probably didn’t have the means to call her.”

“Either that or it’s a tighter alibi, mate.” Connor states. “If he knows that she forwarded her mail, sending her a letter to the old address looks more convincing than just picking up a phone and claiming that you‘re on your death bed.”

Da lifts a finger at him. “That’s a good point.”

“She did say that he’s shrewd.” I agree.

“I’ll let you know what I find out ASAP.” Connor states.

“In the meantime, son, is she going to visit him?” Da asks me.

I shrug. “She hasn’t yet made up her mind, da. It’s not as simple as it may seem.”

Da frowns. “I like her. She’s not a spontaneous person. She thinks things through before reacting. Wise.”

I nod, listening.

“Either way, Declan, if you need the company jet, just say the word. We can get her to Scotland on a flight anytime she needs.”

“Thanks, da, I appreciate it.”

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