Page 77 of Highballs & Hexes

“Because you’re her family, and she loves you, boyo. And also because your mam wishes you to find an outlet for your aggression.”

Wry humor flared in Tadhg’s eyes. “She told me to make nice with Fi or not come home again.”

“Is that the only reason you’re here, then?”

“No. Rumor has it you’re doing good things. I’d a mind to see it for myself.”

Patrick surveyed all he’d built, feeling a vague sense of satisfaction. “There’s more to do, and I could use your help if you’d care to give it.”

“I would.”

“No more knives to the chest, though, yeah?”

The flush of embarrassment colored the younger man’s skin. “It’s sorry I am for me temper that day, and every day before it.”

“You had the right, Tadhg. Loman put us all through hell, and those who survived have come out stronger. Or at least, are working on becoming stronger.”

“If you’ll have me, I’ll be a member of your team and be glad for the work.”

“We’ll have ya. Have a look around the place and be thinking of what would fit best here.” He noticed Tadhg’s curious gaze stray to Reggie and Ronan, lingering longer on the former. “His cell was diagonal to mine.”

“Aye. I know who he is.”

“The O’Malley-O’Connor feud has ended, boyo. I’d not have it start up again if you’re looking to settle a score.”

Surprise caused Tadhg’s jaw to sag as he shifted to meet Patrick’s gaze. “No! It’s not like that. I know Ronan and Reggie were innocent of Loman’s wrongful acts. I’ve no need to seek revenge on them for something that gobshite did.”

“Then what’s your interest—Ah!” Patrick could be dull as a rock some days and had missed Tadhg’s curiosity for what it was. “Would ya like an introduction to Reggie?”

“He’s posh and too good for the likes of me.”

“So you’ve no desire to know him better?”

A wave of longing swept over him, and he recognized it as not his own.

Tadhg was lonely.

“Tell me, boyo, do you like to read?”

“Aye. Every chance I get.”

Patrick smiled. “Then I think you’ll have a lot in common with our Reggie, to be sure.”

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