Page 26 of Praying Mantis

ME: Hey Sean’s dad died and I’m going to be over at his family’s house for a while.

MATTHEW: If you need anything let me know

ME: Thanks babe.

I set my phone down and go back to packing everything I need for a week. I know I can come back and forth but the less I leave Sean and Cara the better. Sean put his parent’s address into my GPS so I can make it back without him. Loading up my two suitcases and carry-on bag with my bathroom toiletries in it. I scan the area as something doesn’t feel right but so I hurry to get into my car. I keep watching my rearview mirror for someone following me. I noticed three cars back a black SUV. I take some side streets even though I don’t know where the fuck I’m going but I need to make sure I’m not leading someone to Sean and Cara. I dial Sean.

“Do you have someone following me?” Sean doesn’t even say hello before I speak.

“I sent a couple of men to watch over you, why?”

“God damn it, Sean! You could’ve warned me. I thought someone was following me trying to get to you.” I yell in the car.

“Baby, I’m sorry. I didn’t think you’d pick up on them, so I didn’t want to tell you.” Sean is talking to someone in the background, but I can’t tell who it is. “Just get here and we’ll talk okay? I’m sorry if I broke your trust on it.”

“I know why you did it and we were still on the same wavelength. I love you and I’ll be there in two minutes.” I hang up and continue driving. I relax my shoulders and roll my neck from the tension of being on guard the whole time. I sigh as I stop at the gate. I smile at the man who is asking my name and why I’m here. He takes a picture of my license plate number with a camera.

“What are you doing?” I’m curious as to why he’s doing all of this.

“Sean is updating things and it means there will be a computer sensor to read license plates so they can automatically open for you.”

“Smart move. How is everyone holding up with the news of Patrick?”

“It’s hard knowing the bossman is gone. Now the fight begins for leadership.” He leans closer to me. “I’m secretly hoping Sean will take over because he’s youngblood and won’t lead us down an even more dangerous road to get us killed.” He straightens quickly. “I’m sorry if i overstepped.”

“You didn’t overstep. This conversation stays between us. I asked the question as this is new to me and don’t understand the dynamics of it all. Thank you for your honesty.”

“Honesty is what I’m known for, and people hate it.” He laughs and I join him. “Well you better get going, the temporary Bossman is looking for you. He knows you’re here.” I shake my head with a smile on my face. The gates open and I say bye to the man guarding the gate and drive forward. Sean is standing in the driveway with a couple of men. He walks over to open the door for me. The SUV is pulling right behind me.

Sean grabs me and kisses me. He nuzzles my neck, breathing me in. I smile as I lean into his chest. This is home to me, in his arms feeling safe.

“I missed you,” he whispers. “I’m glad you’re here. Where is your luggage?”

“In the trunk. Matthew says he’s sorry for your loss. If you need anything let him know and he’ll be here.”

“Can you take those up to my room please?” One guy nods and starts unloading my suitcases. I stare at him. “What?” I shake my head with a smile on my face. “There’s a lot we need to talk about because I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing.”

“The first thing we need to do is make the arrangements. I remember doing it when my grandparents died. My parents did nothing but show up at the lawyer’s office to see what they won. Their words, not mine.” We walk hand in hand into the house. “How is Cara? Where is she?”

“She’s in the sitting room nibbling on cheese and crackers. Thank you for suggesting it.” I turn to see Sean’s face and he’s so different. I know the sudden death of a parent who you’re on the outs with can take a toll on a person from all the reading I’ve done but there is so much behind his eyes. It’s like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. “Let’s go see her.” I nod. We walked together and pointed out different hiding places when he was younger since I didn’t get to see this part of the house when we were here, was it just last night? I laugh at his stories and wish I could’ve known him as a young kid.

“Louisa!” Cara stands to hug me. “I’m so glad you’re here. Maybe you can get him to rest and eat.” I raise an eyebrow at him, and he blushes.

“Sit your ass down and nibble some damn food. When will dinner be served?”

“In about an hour or two. I spoke with Maeve about your favorite dinner after I asked Sean,” Cara answers the question I asked Sean. He sits down on a sofa and pulls me onto his lap. He holds me tight. Sean is going to be clinging to me and I need to be understanding about it even if all this touching is new to me. Cara is telling us stories about when she and Patrick were first married. We were laughing when Colin interrupted us.

“Sorry to interrupt ma’am but there’s some important business and I need in the office.” Colin doesn’t look at Cara but stares at Sean. I swallow hard as Sean places me on the couch and stands.

“What business?” He asks.

“It’s an O’Hannon family business, Fortin.” Colin’s disrespect in front of Cara blows my mind.

“Colin.” Cara stands running her hands down her black dress. “Patrick just died and Sean is helping me with everything including the family business. Anything you need will go through him until after the funeral. You know how this all goes.” Cara’s words do nothing to get Colin to step down. I sigh and stand slightly behind Sean. My hand is on his lower back letting him know he’s not alone. I think he wants to take over for his dad but is afraid to do it.

“Let’s go to my father’s office.” Sean walks out and Colin follows behind.

“This isn’t going to end well.” Cara’s voice makes me jump. “I hope you can convince Sean to take over this family and get rid of that rodent once and for all.”

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