Page 83 of Crush (Deadly Hearts 1)

“I know. But that’s what they’re all thinking about right now and IRA or not, you’ll be igniting a fire that’s already raging.”

He hunches his shoulders, knowing I’m right. I don’t want to be, and maybe I’m not, but better safe than sorry.

We pull up and after another ten minutes of simmering silence, we reach the front of the queue, and he opens the window.

The Constable leans down and gives us both a thorough looking-at.

“What’s your business in the city?” he barks out.

“I’m Ruby Bellingham. A business owner,” I say quickly but calmly. “Black Widows Bar & Club, amongst others.”

He nods in recognition. “And you?” he growls at Declan.

“He’s my driver,” I say.

“Name?”

“Paddy McGuiness,” he says shortly.

I bite my lip to stop myself from laughing. There is no way this Constable is going to let that go, especially around here. He’s going to want to know if Declan is the real deal comedian whose name he’s borrowed.

The Constable leans down even further and scrutinizes Declan’s face.

“Hahah,” he laughs suddenly. “You’re not him!”

“No,” Declan says and reaches over to pick up his wallet. He pulls out an obviously fake driver’s license and shows it to the Copper. “It’s the bane of my life,” he adds with a sincere chuckle.

“I bet,” he says and pats the roof of the car. “On your way.”

Declan nods and raises the window. I giggle. “Paddy McGuiness?” It occurs to me in that moment, this is the name he gave to my sister. I know exactly why he chose this name as his alias and why he chose to give it out now. I have no doubt he has half a dozen but disarming a policeman who is looking for trouble by distracting him with a laugh, is pretty savvy.

He shrugs.

“I get it,” I say.

“Knew you would,” he replies and then we are back to silence, but this time it’s less uncomfortable.

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