Page 16 of Cowboy
I quicken my pace, ducking into the crowded station. I weave through the throng of people, trying to lose myself in the crowd. But I can feel eyes on me. They're here.
I make a split-second decision and veer away from the platforms, heading instead for the back exit. As I push through the door, I break into a run. I hear footsteps behind me, gaining fast.
Suddenly, a hand grabs my arm, yanking me into a narrow alley. I'm about to scream when a familiar voice hisses, "Caoimhe, it's me!"
I spin around, my eyes wide with shock. "Ciarán?"
He looks different, older, somehow. “Christ, I’ve been looking for you for six months. You’ve hidden yourself well."
Before I can respond, he's pulling me along, weaving through back streets and alleyways. My mind is reeling. After all this time… How did he find me?
Finally, we duck into a small, rundown building. Only when the door is locked behind us does Ciarán turn to face me.
"What the hell were you thinking?" he demands, his voice a mixture of anger and relief. "Do you have any idea how dangerous it's been for you out here alone?"
I straighten up, defiance flaring despite my exhaustion. "I've managed just fine," I retort, even as a part of me wants to collapse into his arms, to feel safe for the first time in months.
Ciarán runs a hand through his hair, frustration evident in every line of his body. "Caoimhe, they've been right behind you this whole time."
I understand that he’s been worried about me, but I’ve been doing fine. I’m alive. I taught myself how to survive. I’ve had no other choice.
"How did you find me?" I ask, needing to know so I don’t make the same mistake again.
“Lucky coincidence,” he mutters. “I was in the city for work, and imagine my surprise when I see you skulking around.”
I smile, glad I was able to keep myself hidden. He only found me due to being in the same vicinity. It’s time to move again, maybe this time to mainland Europe.
I can see the determination in Ciarán's eyes, and I know he's not going to let me go easily. But I've come too far to give up now.
"Ciarán," I say, trying to keep my voice steady, "I appreciate that you've been worried about me. But I can't go back to hiding. I've come too far."
His expression softens slightly. "Caoimhe, do you think Dylan would want you to be alone?"
I hesitate, knowing he’s right, but at the same time I need to do this. “No, he wouldn’t."
"All the more reason for you to come back with me," he argues. "We can protect you."
I shake my head. "No. I'm not going to put you and Travis in danger. This is my fight now."
Ciarán steps closer, his eyes intense. "It's our fight, Caoimhe. Dylan was my best friend. I'm not letting you do this alone."
For a moment, I'm tempted. The thought of not being alone anymore, of having someone to share this burden with, is almost overwhelming. But then I think of all the close calls I've had, all the danger I've faced. I can't risk Ciarán's life too.
"I'm sorry," I say, backing toward the street. "But I have to do this on my own."
Before he can react, I turn and bolt away from him. I hear him calling my name as I run, but I don't look back. My heart is pounding as I weave through the streets, trying to lose him in the crowd.
As I run, I can't help but think about how much has changed over the past six months. I'm not the same scared girl who left that safe house in the middle of the night. I'm stronger now, more determined. And I want to uncover the truth about Dylan's death.
I duck into a busy shopping center, blending in with the crowd. As I catch my breath, I make a decision. It's time to leave Ireland. I've gathered all the information I can here. My next lead points to London.
With one last look over my shoulder, I head toward the bus station. A new city, a new identity, and hopefully, one step closer to justice for Dylan.
As I board the bus that will take me to the ferry, I can't help but feel a pang of regret. Ciarán was only trying to help. But I know in my heart that this is the right decision. I have to see this through, no matter the cost.
The bus pulls away from the station, and I watch the city fade into the distance. Somewhere out there, Ciarán is probably still looking for me. But I'm beyond his reach now.
I close my eyes, letting the gentle motion of the bus lull me into a light doze. Tomorrow, I'll be in a new country, and hopefully one step closer to uncovering who killed my brother.
