Page 15 of Cowboy
I stand up, anger flaring. "So what, I'm just supposed to sit here like a good little girl while you two try to figure out who’s after me? This is my life we're talking about!"
"Exactly," Travis says, his voice calm but firm. "It's your life. And we're trying to make sure you keep it."
I open my mouth to argue further, but Ciarán cuts me off. "Caoimhe, please. I promised Dylan I'd keep you safe. Don't make that harder than it already is."
The mention of Dylan's name hits me like a punch to the gut. I sink back onto the couch, all the fight draining out of me. "I just... I feel so useless," I whisper.
Ciarán sits next to me, putting an arm around my shoulders. "You're not useless," he says softly. "You're surviving. That's the most important thing you can do right now."
I lean into him, feeling tears start to well up again. "I miss him so much," I choke out.
"I know," Ciarán says, his own voice thick with emotion. "I miss him too."
We sit there in silence for a moment, the weight of our loss hanging heavy in the air. Finally, Travis clears his throat.
"We should all try to get some rest," he says. "Tomorrow, we'll start making plans."
I nod, suddenly feeling exhausted. As I stand to head upstairs, I turn to Ciarán and Travis. "Thank you," I say quietly. "For everything you're doing. I know I'm not making it easy."
Ciarán gives me a small smile. "You're family, Caoimhe. We're in this together."
As I climb the stairs to my room, I can't help but feel a mixture of emotions. Fear, anger, grief, and desperation bubble up inside of me. I don’t want to be in this position. I don’t want to be the reason Ciarán and Travis put their lives on hold to try to protect me. I don’t want them to be in danger because of me.
There’s only one thing for me to do. I need to leave. If they’re coming for me, they’ll come regardless. I’d rather be alone than have people get hurt to protect me.
Quietly, I gather my backpack. I didn’t unpack yet as I was unsure of what was going to happen. It was ready for me to go at a moment's notice.
I quickly write a note. I know they’ll be mad, but I need to do this.
Ciarán and Travis,
I'm sorry, but I can't let you risk your lives for me. You've already done so much, and I'm grateful, but this is my fight too. I need to find answers on my own. Please don't try to find me. I'll be careful. I promise.
Thank you for everything.
Caoimhe x
I fold the note and leave it on the pillow. Then, with one last look around the room, I slowly open the window. The night air is cool on my face as I assess the distance to the ground. It's not too far, I can make it.
As I lower myself out of the window, I say a silent prayer. For Dylan, for Ciarán and Travis, and for myself. I don't know what lies ahead, but I know I have to face it. For Dylan's memory, for justice, and for my own survival.
My feet touch the ground, and I take a deep breath. Then, without looking back, I slip into the darkness of the night, leaving behind the safety of the safe house and stepping into the unknown.
I have no idea where I'm going or what I'm going to do, but I know one thing for certain: I'm going to find out who killed my brother, and I'm going to make them pay. No matter what it takes.
As I walk down the quiet street, my heart pounding in my chest, I can't help but wonder if I'm making a huge mistake. But then I think of Dylan, of the life he lost, and I know I have to do this. For him, for me, and for all the other victims of this horrible trafficking ring.
I pull my hoodie tighter around me and pick up my pace. I don't know where this path will lead me, but I'm determined to see it through. Whatever comes next, I'll face it head-on. Because that's what Dylan would have done. And I owe it to him to be just as brave.
Six Months Later
I keep my head down as I hurry down the street toward the train station. These past six months have been hard. I've lost a lot of weight and I'm at the lowest place mentally I think I've ever been.
Living on the run, constantly looking over my shoulder, has taken its toll. I've moved from city to city, never staying in one place for too long. I've slept in hostels, on park benches, and once even in an abandoned building. Every day is a struggle to find food, to stay warm, to avoid detection.
But I haven't given up. I've been gathering information, piecing together bits and pieces of the puzzle. It's slow going, and dangerous. I've had a few close calls, moments where I was sure I'd been found. But somehow, I've managed to stay one step ahead.
As I approach the station, I scan the area, a habit I've developed over these long months. That's when I see him. A man in a dark coat, his eyes fixed on me. My heart rate spikes. Is this it? Have they finally caught up with me?
