Page 34 of Cowboy
SIX MONTHS AGO
“Any word?” I ask Travis the second I answer his call. It’s been the same question I’ve asked every day since Caoimhe was taken and it’s always the same answer I get in return.
“No, nothing,” he tells me, his voice soft and filled with guilt. “We’ll find her.”
We both feel responsible for what happened to Caoimhe. It’s been six months since she was taken and there’s no trace of her. We tracked the cargo container to Holyhead, UK, and from there, it disappeared.
"I know," I sigh, running a hand through my hair in frustration. "It's like she vanished into thin air."
"We're not giving up," Travis assures me. "I've got contacts all over Europe and Asia still looking. Someone, somewhere, must know something."
I nod, even though he can't see me. "I appreciate it, Travis. I just... I can't help feeling like we're running out of time."
"I know, son. But we can't lose hope. Caoimhe's a fighter. Wherever she is, I'm sure she's doing everything she can to stay alive and find a way back to us."
His words are meant to be comforting, but they only serve to intensify the ache in my chest. The image of Caoimhe, scared and alone, possibly being abused or worse, haunts me day and night.
Over the past three months, the club has been dealing with trying to uncover The Revenant, a European faction that has been trying to take over parts of Europe. There’s not much known about who runs the organization, but they’re good, damn good at what they’re doing. They’re sneaky as hell; come in silently and take what they want. Being part of the Fury Vipers means my time is pulled between the club and trying to find Caoimhe.
“The thing with The Revenant is heating up. It’s only a matter of time before it comes to a head,” I sigh, knowing that when it does, it means my focus will be on that and ensuring my brothers are safe.
"I understand," Travis says. "But don't lose sight of finding Caoimhe. She needs you, Ciarán."
I clench my jaw, guilt and frustration warring inside me. "I know. I won't give up on her, Travis. No matter what." I take a deep breath. “Any word on Dylan?”
That fucker is working for the traffickers. That much we do know. The evidence Caoimhe gave us was more than enough proof that he’s working for them. Hell, by the looks of things, he’s very much one of the higher ups within the organization. I have no fucking idea what happened to him. One minute, he was my best friend, someone I trusted with everything; the guy who doted on and protected his sister. Now, he’s someone I don’t recognize.
There's silence on the other end of the line for a moment before Travis speaks. "Nothing concrete yet. But we've got a lead on a possible location where he might be operating from. It's in Eastern Europe, possibly Romania or Bulgaria."
I straighten up, my interest piqued. "That's more than we've had in months. What's the source?"
"One of Jer's contacts," Travis explains. "A low-level runner who claims to have delivered messages to a man matching Dylan's description. It's not much, but it's something."
"It's enough," I say, determination filling my voice. "I want to check it out."
"Ciarán," Travis says, his tone cautionary. "I know you want to find him, but we can't just rush in. We need more intel and a solid plan."
I clench my fist, frustration bubbling up. "And how long will that take? Every day we wait is another day Caoimhe could be suffering."
"I know," Travis says softly. "But going in half-cocked could get you killed. And then who would save Caoimhe?"
I know he's right, but it doesn't make it any easier to hear. "Fine," I concede. "But I want to be kept in the loop. The second we have enough to move on, I'm going."
"Agreed," Travis says. "In the meantime, focus on The Revenant situation. The sooner we deal with that, the sooner we can put all our resources into finding Caoimhe and bringing down this trafficking ring."
I nod, even though he can't see me. "Alright. Thanks for the update, Travis."
As I end the call, I can't help but feel a mixture of hope and dread. We might be closer to finding Dylan, but what will we find when we do? And more importantly, will it lead us to Caoimhe?
I shake off these thoughts as I hear the rumble of a motorcycle approaching. It's time to focus on club business. The Revenant isn't going to wait while I sort out my personal issues.
As I step outside, I silently vow to myself that I won't give up. No matter how long it takes, I'll find Caoimhe. And when I do, God help anyone who's hurt her.
The roar of an engine fills the air as Pyro pulls up in front of the clubhouse. I stand taller when I see him striding toward me.
"What's happened?" I ask. I’m on edge.
Pyro shakes his head. “Nothin’. Bozo’s going to Spain. He’s got a poker tournament he’s going to. We’re hopin’ it’ll give us more intel on The Revenant. I don’t want him goin’ alone, so he’ll have Lorcan and Jer, but I want you and Tank goin’ with him too.”
