Page 30 of An Irish Kiss
Huh.“I didn’t know others knew.”
“Word travels fast in these parts.No secrets lay unturned forever.”
“Exactly.Like the secret about the Quinn family’s claims to the castle.”
Their expressions, bland until now, tightened.
Uh oh.Were these two ladies part of Team Griffin?“It’s part of my family history that I’m investigating,” he said carefully.
“Hmm.I don’t think it’s something that will help the town.The Griffins and Fairalls have done a lot of good for the community.”
Dorie nodded.“In fact, it was old Mrs.Griffin, God rest her soul, who suggested we start our woollen store, said it would give the older folk extra income and help keep local handcrafts alive.”
“That’s admirable.”
“It is, especially when they purchased this very store for us, and we only have to pay a nominal rent each year.”
“It’s good to see the family’s philanthropic arm.”
Dorie pshawed.“It’s not charity they’re doing, but benefitting the town.You can have no idea of the kinds of friendships that have been fostered because of this place, people who used to be by themselves who now feel valued and contributing members of society.Did you know the funds we raise here have helped build the local playground?”
“I did not, no.”
“And even if it’s just for a wee chat, this place is important to many people.It’s just one of the many good things the Griffin family has done over the years.We need them.”
“I’m not talking about sending them bankrupt.Just seeking compensation for what has been stolen.”
“Stolen?”Their eyes widened.
“I didn’t mean to say it like that.”Especially when it was apparent people talked in this town.Who knew how long it would take for Rory to hear he thought her family were thieves?He winced.
“I cannot believe ill of that family,” Dorie said, her pale skin flushed.
“And if by some chance you were right,” her crony said, “just how much do you think you might receive?That castle has been a ruin for over a hundred years.If all the possible descendants throughout the world made a claim then that would be perhaps half a euro each.And that’s only for the land.”
“I’m simply investigating, that’s all.It was never my intention to cause upset in the village.”
Dorie huffed.“Then what did you think you were doing coming here?”
Okay.That sounded like his cue to leave.“I’m sorry for upsetting you.”
“It’s upsetting the Fairall ladies that I’m most concerned about.A nicer Christian family you cannot meet.”
He had to go.Now.“Well, thank you.I hope you have a nice day.”
He left the shop with its tea-towels pronouncing Irish blessings of roads rising to meet people, and stood outside for a moment, catching a few rays from the weak sun.Whew.That had been a mistake.He glanced at his paper bag of purchases and headed to his car.He had a few hours to kill until his visit to the lawyers, and he wanted to make the most of his visit to the village before word spread that he was the bad guy, out to rip off the Griffin family legacy.
A visit to the bakery was followed by one to Callinan’s record store, and after a few vintage finds he realised it was nearing lunch time, and time for his appointment in Killarney.He got in the car and passed the church then the bridge, slowing as he waited at a stop sign.Only to recognise the redhead driving the red hatchback coming the other way.
His heart tensed.He knew Rory saw him from the way their gazes met then she scowled and glanced away, nearly running over a family of ducks, who hastily squawked their protest as she gunned the car and drove away.
He hated this tension between them.Hated it, because he actually wanted to like her.Heck, he actually already did like her.Even if he wasn’t a huge fan of how she treated him sometimes.But that passion intrigued him, as it was clear she loved her family and wanted to do all she could to protect them, just like he did his.
And from what he’d gathered from the old ladies, her family were trying to do all they could to bless the community.Just like he did too.And she was a Christian, too, huh?
Perhaps they had more in common than he’d first thought, after all.
CHAPTEREIGHT
