Page 52 of Blindsided
“I’ll just grab my inhaler and a few things,” I tell him, heading for the stairs.
“Take your time,” he calls after me. “Declan can wait.”
In my bedroom, I quickly locate my inhaler and toss it into my purse. Then I stand there, uncertain. What do I pack for a trip to an abandoned castle that may or may not involve Russians and long-lost siblings? I settle for practical items—a changeof clothes, my toothbrush, a warm sweater, and a flashlight from the bedside table. I hesitate, then add the metal detector to my pile. Who knows? It might come in handy again.
As I stuff everything into a small duffel bag I found in the closet, I catch sight of my reflection in the mirror. I pull my hair from the clip and notice it’s not so frizzy and looks almost intentionally so, and there’s color in my cheeks that wasn’t there when I arrived in Ireland. I look... different. Not healed, not yet, but perhaps on my way there.
The decision took shape in my mind. I’m going with them to the castle. Not just for Kane, though his need for an ally in this family maelstrom is clear. But for myself too. Because staying here alone with my thoughts and Mark’s incessant texts sounds far worse than facing whatever mystery awaits at Dragon Castle.
I zip up the bag and head back downstairs to find Kane pacing in the living room, phone pressed to his ear. His expression is tense, his free hand clenched at his side.
“When?” he demands of whoever is on the other end. “Are you sure?” A pause. “No, don’t do anything. We’re on our way.” He ends the call and looks up, noticing me on the stairs.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, alarm rising at his expression.
“That was Rory,” he says, his voice tight. “He’sbeen monitoring some channels—don’t ask, I don’t fully understand it either—but apparently there’s been activity near the castle. People are asking questions in the nearby village.”
“Russians?” I guess the word feels surreal as it leaves my lips.
“Maybe. Or someone else who knows about Tomas and what he took.” He runs a hand through his hair again, a gesture I’m beginning to recognize as a sign of his agitation. “We need to move faster than we thought.”
I take a deep breath, testing my lungs. They feel clear and strong. “Then let’s go.”
Kane looks surprised. “You’re coming? I thought you were undecided.”
“I was,” I admit. “But I’ve made up my mind. I’m in.”
A smile breaks across his face, transforming his features. “Really?”
“Really,” I confirm. “Someone needs to keep you out of trouble.”
“That’s a full-time job, Airplane Girl.”
“I’m between careers at the moment,” I say lightly. “I can fit it into my schedule.”
He laughs, the sound warming something in my chest. “Then let’s not keep the family waiting. They get cranky when the schedule’s disrupted.”
I follow him outside where the others are gathered by the cars, looking impatient.
“About time,” Declan mutters. “We need to—”
“I know,” Kane interrupts. “Rory called me. Russians, activity, danger, blah blah blah.”
Declan’s jaw tightens. “This isn’t a joke, Kane.”
“Never said it was,” Kane replies, all traces of humor gone from his voice. “But panicking won’t help either.”
“We need to split up,” Rory suggests. “Take different routes to the castle. Less conspicuous that way.”
Declan nods. “Good idea. Wren and I will go with Kat. Rory, you take Kane and...” He glances at me. “She’s coming?”
“She has a name,” Kane says sharply. “And yes, Kori’s coming with us.”
I can’t read the look that passes between them, but Declan eventually nods. “Fine. But you’re responsible for her safety.”
“I can take care of myself,” I interject, irritated at being discussed as if I’m not present.
“Of course you can,” Wren says soothingly. “But where we’re going... It’s difficult.”
