Page 54 of Fatal Thrill
It stillsucked.
“Here’s the thing. My grandmother wasGypsy.”
“I know. You told me when you brought me that charm bag when I was in the hospital last fall. Your dad’s mom,right?”
She’d brought Jon a combo putsi and shaman’s healing pouch. The spirits probably didn’t like her crossing up cultures and traditions, but tough shit. In her world, it never hurt to err on the side of caution. “My grandmother was a Fleming and some of them might be part of the group traveling in these parts. Dad didn’t talk about her much. He liked talking about his father’s side of the family more, with all the castles and hidden treasures. Gypsies didn’t interest him and his mother was outcast because she married a non-Gypsy, so from what he always said, she never talked about that life. She died right after I was born and Grandpa O’Sullivan was long gone beforethen.”
“There’s no guarantee they would talk to you, J.” Jon stared at her as if he could will her into understanding and accepting his need to protect her. “And when we start asking questions, we might scare up whoever tried to run us off the cliffs the othernight.”
Fun times. Fisting her hands, she swallowed the fear tightening her throat. “I’m done sitting back and doing nothing, so save your breath. My entire life has been full of risk and taking chances. I promise I will do everything possible to keep our baby safe, but I also have to do whatever I can to find my baby brother. He’s my responsibilitytoo.”
Jon leaned against the counter, his fingers picking at a piece of peeling trim. “The only way you’re going is if you’re willing to follow my orders to the letter, just like Colton and the others on thisteam.”
“Are you pulling the boss card onme?”
“You’re damn right Iam.”
She knew he still suspected the B&B owners had a hand in this somehow. “I want to see the Gypsies, the ones who are in this area. They might be family and this is probably the only chance I’ll ever have. If Charlotte is going, so am I. I’ll hang back and do what you want, but I’m not staying here withKieran.”
Yes, it was a risk, but it was also an opportunity, and she wasn’t passing it up. All she’d ever wanted was to feel connected to her family, and one by one, they were disappearing on her faster than she could keepup.
“I’ll bring you back to Ireland,” Jon said. “Once the baby comes and you’ve got your business expansion taken care of, we can come back,Jaya.”
“This is me we’re talking about, Jon. My plans tend to go awry, so while I appreciate the offer, I can’t let this opportunity go by. I want to see the castle where my ancestors lived, and if we run across the Gypsies, I want to see them, meet them if possible. You said Charlotte knows how to talk to them and get them to open up. She can help me.Us.”
She saw the war going on behind his eyes. He sighed deeply. “I love you, youknow.”
She nodded, sliding closer. His arms went around her. “I do know, and I realize I’m asking the world of you to let me dothis.”
The tea kettle whistled and they broke apart, Jon prepping the grounds and pouring the hot water over them while Jaya grabbed two mugs. As the coffee steeped, she found crackers and a tea bag from their supply. Jon quirked a brow at her and she shrugged. “Changed my mind about thetea.”
“Good.” He poured hot water into her mug. “You need to keep your strengthup.”
A few minutes later, from somewhere inside the castle, Eamon barked. Jon swiveled to look out the window. “They’rehere.”
Jaya moved so she stood next to him, watching Miles and Charlotte drive up the lane in Kieran’s pickup truck. Jon slipped an arm around her waist and nuzzled her ear. “You’re amazing, you knowthat?”
For the first time that day, she smiled, leaning her head on his shoulder. “I’m batshit crazy, but amazing soundsnicer.”
They shared a chuckle and Jon kissed her temple. “You sure your stomach can handle the bumpyroads?”
“I’ll bring abucket.”
“If you’re going with us, you need more thanthat.”
“Oh, yeah? Likewhat?”
Outside, in the early morning light, Miles parked the truck, then hustled to Charlotte’s side to help her out. She was beaming, her arm in a sling. She caught Miles with her good hand and kissed him square on thelips.
Jaya liked herinstantly.
Jon pulled her away from the window and pushed her toward the stairs. “If you’re going with us, you, Miss Jaya Hotti O’Sullivan, need adisguise.”
