Page 57 of Cowboy
I take a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. "I was protecting her. She's been through hell, Travis. She needed time to feel safe before facing everyone."
Travis' expression softens slightly, but the anger is still there. "And you didn't think I deserved to know? After everything we've been through trying to find her?"
Guilt washes over me. He's right, of course. Travis has been there every step of the way, never giving up on finding Caoimhe. "You're right," I admit. "I should have told you. I'm sorry."
Travis studies me for a long moment, then nods. "Alright. Now, tell me everything. And I mean everything, Cowboy. No more secrets."
So I do. I tell him about finding Caoimhe, about Saoirse, about the horrors they endured. I tell him about Dylan's involvement and the lead in Vienna. By the time I finish, Travis' face is a storm of emotions, anger, pain, determination.
"We're going to Vienna," he says, his voice leaving no room for argument. "And when we find that bastard, he's going to wish he'd never been born."
I nod, relief and gratitude washing over me. "Thank you, Travis. For everything."
He stands, coming around the table to clasp my shoulder. "We're family, Cowboy. All of us. And that includes Caoimhe. We'll get her through this."
I nod, grateful for his understanding and support. "There's one more thing," I say hesitantly. "Caoimhe wants to come with us to Vienna."
Travis' eyebrows shoot up. "Are you sure that's a good idea?"
"Probably not," I admit. "But she needs this, Travis. She needs to face Dylan, to understand why he did this to her. I don't think she'll be able to move on otherwise."
Travis is quiet for a moment, considering. "And Saoirse?"
"We're arranging for her to stay with Grá and Bozo. She'll be safe there."
Travis nods slowly. "Alright. But she stays back when we make our move. I don't want her anywhere near the action when we take Dylan down."
"Agreed," I say, relief washing over me.
"Just make sure she's prepared for what might happen. Facing Dylan... it won't be easy."
I nod, knowing he's right. As I stand to leave, Travis speaks again.
"Cowboy," he says, his voice serious. "When this is over, when we've dealt with Dylan and brought down this trafficking ring... what then? For you and Caoimhe?"
The question catches me off guard. In the chaos of the past few days, I haven't allowed myself to think that far ahead. "I don't know," I admit. "But I know I want her in my life. Her and Saoirse both."
Travis nods, a small smile touching his lips. "Good. They're going to need you. Just... be careful. Caoimhe's been through a lot. She's not the same person she was before."
"I know," I say softly. "But neither am I."
As I leave the chapel, I feel a weight lift from my shoulders. We have a plan, we have support, and most importantly, we have hope. Now, all that's left is to bring Dylan to justice and help Caoimhe find the closure she needs.
I head back to my bike, my mind already racing with preparations for the trip to Vienna. It's time to end this, once and for all.
18
CAOIMHE
As I watch Ciarán ride away, a mixture of emotions swirl inside me. Fear, anticipation, determination. I know the road ahead won't be easy, but for the first time in a long time, I feel a sense of purpose.
"Caoimhe?" Saoirse's small voice pulls me from my thoughts. "Where did Ciarán go?"
I turn to her, forcing a smile. "He had to go see his friends for a little while. He'll be back soon."
Saoirse nods, but I can see the worry in her eyes. She's become so attached to Ciarán, finding safety in his presence, just as I have.
"Come on," I say, holding out my hand. "Let's go inside and make some hot chocolate. How does that sound?"
