Page 169 of Safe and Sound

“He didn’t want to look weak with daughters while trying for a son.”

“I knew he was a monster to murder his own brother, but to do that to your mother…” I shuddered. “He is truly evil.”

“I’d say he comes in a close second with your late father-in-law.”

My brows shot up in surprise. “You knew him?”

“I did. His cruelty was legendary and surpassed Ireland and America.”

“I never had the misfortune to meet him. However, from what I’ve heard from my husband and his brothers, Hugh Kavanaugh was evil incarnate.”

“While you never got a chance to meet Hugh, you’re about to meet my father.”

I swallowed hard. “I am.”

He motioned to the mansion in front of us. “He’s waiting for us.”

After what Ares told me, I didn’t look to my uncle to show me any mercy or compassion. When the SUV pulled to a stop in a circular drive, Ares got out. He then motioned for me to follow him.

When I started up the stairs, an older version of Ares stood at the top. “Hello, Ava,” he said.

“Hello,” I answered cautiously.

“I assume by your presence here you are forsaking your birthright and handing over the key.”

“I am.”

“I’m glad to hear it.”

He motioned for me to go ahead of him into the house. As I started inside, I wondered if I would ever see outside of it again.

Chapter Forty-Five: Dare

As the helicopter took off with Ava inside, I sprung into action. Without a word to the others, I began racing back through the woods with Piper in my arms. Once we reached the crowd at the cemetery, I searched for Mam.

Once I found her standing with Tobias and Helena, I sprinted over to them. “Mam, I want you to take Piper and Tobias and Helena to your house. You’ll be safe there.”

“I’m coming with you,” Tobias pronounced.

At Helena’s horrified gasp, I placed a hand on his shoulder. “I know you want to help, but you have to sit this one out.”

“No. I have to find her.”

“You can help me by watching over my daughter and my mother.”

Although he didn’t like it, Tobias finally nodded. “No, Daddy! Don’t go!” Piper had screamed, wrapping her arms tight around my neck.

“I have to, Pipes. I have to get Mommy back.”

“Let me come.”

“No, baby. You need to stay with Grammy. She’ll take you to her house. You can play with Julesy and the twins and Dario and Matteo. I bet auntie Isla will let you play mommy to Rian.”

Tears streaked down Mam’s face. “Anything you want,mo stor,” she said, as she rubbed Piper’s back.

Piper continued to howl and grasp my neck. Although it killed me to do it, I nodded to Eamon With a face, he pulled Piper from my arms. Her screams would haunt me for years to come.

Her arms frantically reached for me as her feet kicked against Eamon. “No, Daddy, Please! Don’t go!” she screamed as Eamon took her to Mam’s SUV.

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