Page 94 of Bozo

"I've got you, Grá," he murmurs. "Brendan and Ruairí are dying to see you."

I nod, but I feel worried sick. What if they hate me for getting them hurt?

Connor helps me out of the car, keeping a protective arm around me as we approach the front door. Before we can knock, it swings open, revealing Jerry's worried face.

"Ah, loveen," he says, pulling me into a gentle hug. "I’m glad you’re home. Are you okay? Let’s get you inside."

I return the hug, feeling tears prick at my eyes. "I'm okay," I assure him, though my voice wavers slightly.

Jerry ushers us inside, leading us to the living room. I’m shocked to see both Brendan and Ruairí sitting down. My heart clenches at the sight of them. Brendan's arm is in a sling, and Ruairí has a nasty cut above his eye. His face is pale and he’s leaning heavily on his left side, but they're alive.

"Grá," Brendan says, standing up carefully. "Thank God you're alright."

I move to hug him, mindful of his injury. "I'm so sorry," I whisper, feeling guilty for the pain they endured because of me.

Brendan shakes his head. "Don't you dare apologize. We're just glad you're safe."

Ruairí nods in agreement. "That bastard shouldn’t have hurt you," he says, his voice gruff with emotion. "He’s gone now."

Connor's hand on my lower back grounds me, reminding me that I'm safe. "How are you both healing?" I ask, trying to change the subject, the doctor in me coming out. I need to do something.

As Brendan and Ruairí fill me in on their recoveries, I feel some of the tension leave my body. They're okay. We're all okay. It’ll take some time before they’re fully healed but they will heal.

As Connor talks with Brendan and Ruairí, I move to Jerry, who’s watching me with so much concern that I want to cry. Instead, I reach him and lean against his side.

“I was so worried,” he admits. “When you went missing, I wanted to lose it, but I knew I had to find you. Bozo and I wouldn’t have stopped looking for you.”

I feel tears welling up in my eyes at Jerry's words. The love and concern radiating from him is overwhelming. "Thank you," I whisper, my voice choking with emotion. "I don't know what I'd do without you all."

Jerry wraps an arm around me, pulling me closer. "You're family, loveen. We take care of our own."

I nod against his shoulder, letting his words sink in. Family. It's been so long since I've truly felt like I belonged somewhere, with people who would do anything to protect me.

"How are you really doing?" Jerry asks quietly, his eyes searching my face.

I take a deep breath, considering my answer. "I'm coping," I say finally. "It's hard. He was my friend. But I'm trying to focus on the fact that it's over now."

Jerry nods, his expression serious. "It is over, Grá. And we'll make damn sure nothing like this ever happens again."

There's a steely determination in his voice that both comforts and unnerves me. I know these men are capable of violence, of doing terrible things to protect their own. Part of me is grateful for that protection, while another part worries about the cost.

"I just want to move forward," I admit. "To feel normal again."

Jerry squeezes my shoulder gently. "It'll take time, loveen. But you're strong. You'll get there."

I give him a small smile, feeling a surge of affection for this man who's become like a father to me. "Thanks, Jer."

Our conversation is interrupted by Connor, who approaches us with a concerned look. "Everything okay?" he asks, his eyes flicking between Jerry and me.

I nod, reaching out to take his hand. "Yeah, we're good. Just talking."

Connor relaxes slightly, but I can see the protective instinct still simmering beneath the surface. I know it'll be a while before he truly lets his guard down with me not being around him.

"We should probably head back soon," Connor says, his thumb rubbing circles on the back of my hand. "You need to rest."

I want to protest, to insist that I'm fine, but the truth is I am tired. The emotional toll of the past few days is catching up with me.

"Okay," I agree, turning back to Jerry. "Thanks for everything, Jer. And please, let me know if there's anything I can do to help Brendan and Ruairí."

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