Page 14 of Cowboy
"Travis won't like this," I warn her.
"I don't need Travis to like it," she says firmly. "Fiona has connections, people who can help us get this information out safely. We can expose these bastards and make them pay for what they did to Dylan."
I'm quiet for a long moment, weighing our options. Finally, I nod. "Okay. But we do this carefully. Together."
A small, dangerous smile spreads across Caoimhe's face. "I was hoping you'd say that."
As I head back downstairs, I realize that everything has shifted. Caoimhe isn't just someone to protect anymore, she's become a key player in this dangerous game. And for the first time since Dylan's death, I feel like we might actually have a chance of winning.
4
CAOIMHE
I stare at Ciarán and Travis, my mind reeling from everything that’s happened. I appreciate that they’ve explained things in detail to me, but I’m still angry. I’m beyond that.
“So, what you’re telling me is that you have no idea who killed my brother, you have no idea who’s after me, and yet you expect me to believe that you’ll keep me safe?”
"We may not know exactly who's behind this," Ciarán says, his gaze firmly on me. "But we do know they're dangerous, and they're after anyone who might have information about their operation. That includes you, Caoimhe."
I shake my head, trying to process it all. "But I don't know anything aside from what we found on Dylan’s laptop. He never told me about any of this."
"It doesn't matter," Travis interjects. "They don't know that. To them, you're a loose end that needs to be tied up."
A chill runs down my spine at his words. I wrap my arms around myself, suddenly feeling very small and vulnerable. "So what happens now? Do I just... disappear? Leave my whole life behind?"
Ciarán and Travis exchange a look that does nothing to ease my anxiety.
"For now, yes," Ciarán says softly. "It's the only way to keep you safe while we figure out our next move."
I feel tears welling up in my eyes. "But what about school? My friends? Auntie Trish? They'll all be worried sick."
"We'll figure out a way to let them know you're safe without revealing where you are," Travis assures me. "But for now, the less anyone knows, the better."
I nod, wiping away a stray tear. "I just... I can't believe this is happening. A week ago, my biggest worry was my history exam. And now..."
Ciarán moves to sit beside me on the couch, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "I know it's a lot to take in. But I promise you, Caoimhe, we're going to figure this out. We're going to keep you safe and we're going to make sure the people responsible for Dylan's death pay for what they've done."
I look into his eyes, seeing the determination there. Despite everything, I feel a small spark of hope. "Okay," I say quietly. "So what happens now?"
Travis clears his throat. "We need to start gathering evidence. Concrete proof of who's involved in this trafficking ring. It's the only way to bring them down and ensure your safety in the long run."
I nod, feeling a sudden surge of determination. "I want to help," I say firmly. "This isn't just about keeping me safe anymore. It's about justice for Dylan, and for all the other victims of these monsters."
Ciarán and Travis exchange another look. “You can’t,” Travis tells me. “Our job is to keep you safe.”
Pain and disappointment hit me. I’m so confused. I have no idea what the hell I’m going to do. I hate that I’m stuck here and I feel so alone. I don’t want to put Ciarán in danger. He and Travis are willing to give up their lives to protect me and that’s not something I ever want.
I take a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions raging inside me. "Look, I understand you want to protect me. But I can't just sit here and do nothing while you risk your lives. Dylan was my brother. This is my fight too."
Ciarán's expression softens. "Caoimhe, I get it. I really do. But you have to understand how dangerous this is. These people won't hesitate to kill you if they get the chance."
"They killed Dylan," I say, my voice breaking slightly. "They've already taken so much from me. I can't just hide away and let them win."
Travis steps forward, his face serious. "It's not about winning or losing, Caoimhe. It's about survival. And right now, keeping you safe is our top priority."
I feel frustration building inside me. "But I'm not helpless! I can do something, anything. Even if it's just helping with research or?—"
"No," Ciarán interrupts firmly. "Absolutely not. We're not involving you in this any more than you already are."
