Page 66 of Bozo

I’m beyond pissed that he didn’t inform me the moment he got word that she was hurt. I should have been there when she was in the hospital. Instead, I’m finding out when it’s too late.

Jer: We'll find these bastards, I promise you that.

Me: We’d better. Because if we don't, I'm going to tear this city apart until I do.

I put my phone down, careful not to wake Gráinne. My mind is racing, trying to piece together everything we know. The Revenant, Dragomir, the two men from the card game. There has to be a connection, something we're missing.

As I'm lost in thought, I feel Gráinne stir beside me. She mumbles something in her sleep, her face contorting in distress. A nightmare.

"Shh, Sunshine," I whisper, gently stroking her hair. "You're safe. I'm here."

She settles at the sound of my voice, her body relaxing against mine once more. I press a soft kiss to her forehead. I won’t let this lie. No fucking way. The moment I have a lead I’m running it down no matter what.

Grá is mine. She always has been. No one gets to harm her and get away with it. I’ll not have her living in fear, constantly watching over her shoulder. She had enough of that shit when she was a teenager living with that motherfucking cunt of a father of hers. I won’t allow it to happen again.

I’ve fucked around and fought against what I’ve been feeling for years. Now I’m finally giving in to what I want, what I’ve always wanted, I’m not going to lose the only person I’ve ever loved.

As I watch Gráinne sleep, I make a silent vow. No more running from my feelings. No more pushing her away to try to protect her. She's safest by my side, and that's where she'll stay.

I think back to all the times I've pushed her away, all the moments I've denied what I feel for her. It was all for nothing.She still ended up in danger, and I wasn't there to protect her. Never again.

My phone buzzes with another message from Jerry.

Jer: Got a lead. One of Wrath's contacts spotted one of the men from the card game. He's at a bar in Leopardstown.

My body tenses, every muscle coiled and ready for action. This is it. Our first real lead.

Me: I'm on it.

Jer: Bozo, wait. We need a plan.

But I'm already carefully extricating myself from Gráinne's embrace. I can't wait. Not when we finally have something concrete to go on.

I gently lay Gráinne back on the pillows, making sure she's comfortable. She stirs slightly but doesn't wake. I press a soft kiss to her forehead.

"I'll be back soon, Sunshine," I whisper. "I promise."

I grab my cut and pull it on, then I reach for my gun, checking to make sure it's loaded. As I head for the door, I take one last look at Gráinne. The sight of her bruised face hardens my resolve. These bastards are going to pay for what they've done.

I quietly slip out of the room, careful not to wake Gráinne. As I make my way down the hallway, I run into Pyro.

"Where are you going?" he asks, eyeing my gun.

"Got a lead on one of the fuckers who hurt Gráinne," I growl. "He's at a bar in Leopardstown."

Pyro's eyes narrow. "You're not going alone," he says, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I want to protest, to tell him this is something I need to do myself, but I know he's right. Going in alone would be stupid, and I can't afford to be stupid right now. Not when Gráinne's safety is on the line.

"Fine," I concede, knowing there’s no point in arguing. What the prez says goes. "Gear up. We leave in five."

Pyro nods and disappears down the hallway. I head to the clubhouse, finding Wrath, Preacher, Cowboy, and Tank gathered around the bar.

"Bozo," Wrath calls out. "Jerry filled me in. Are you going after that bastard?"

I nod grimly. "Yeah. Are you coming?"

Wrath stands, cracking his knuckles. "Wouldn't miss it for the world."

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