Page 64 of Trouble Comes in Threes

“What?” he spat.

“Who did you call this morning? Who told you to come to me?”

He shook his head. “I can’t tell you.”

“Then we can’t help you,” I bluffed, not surprised when Neely Kate gasped in surprise.

“What?” Austin screeched.

“Give me a name, and you and Dermot can head to whatever safe house he has lined up.”

He slowly shook his head.

In the past, I might have accepted his answer in the hope that he’d tell me more once I’d proven he could trust me. But I wasn’t the only one in danger now, and I’d do whatever I needed to do to protect my kids. Even if it meant sending Austin to his death. It made me nauseous to admit that, but I had no choice. I only hoped he wouldn’t be stubborn enough to run.

“It’s the only way we’ll help you,” I said. “I need a name.”

Tears flooded his eyes. “I ain’t no snitch.”

“The person who told you might be in trouble too,” I said insistently. “Dermot and his men can make sure your friend is okay.” I shot Dermot a pointed stare, and he nodded.

“You think they might go after him?” the kid asked in alarm.

“Did you tell anyone else you were comin’ to see me?”

“No, just Justin.” His eyes widened when he realized he’d just blurted his friend’s name.

“Justin who?” Dermot asked in a neutral tone.

“Don’t hurt ‘im,” Austin pleaded.

“Let’s get one thing straight, kid,” Dermot said, his voice tight. “I’m not a bullshitter. My word is my bond. I won’t hurt a kid. We just need to talk to him.”

“Justin Purcell. He lives down the street from me.”

Dermot nodded. “He at school today?”

“I guess so.”

“Good,” he said gruffly.

If Justin was at school, he was probably safe from whoever was after Austin.

“Need anything else, Lady?” Dermot asked, his gaze boring into mine.

I tried not to cringe at the title. “No, but I need a moment alone with Austin.”

He turned to face Austin. “You better be minding your manners.” Then he opened the door and got out, Neely Kate following suit.

Once they’d closed their doors, I gave Austin a reassuring smile. “You can trust Dermot. I promise.”

His eyes turned glassy. “I’m scared. What if they go after my sister?”

“Dermot will protect her.” I paused. “I would trust him to protect my own children and actually have. He’s your—and your sister’s—safest option.”

“Okay,” he choked out.

He’d looked so tough when I’d found him sitting in the grass, but now he looked like a scared kid. I wrapped my arms around him and pulled him into a hug. His body went stiff, then softened.

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