Page 17 of Claimed By The Devil

“Anything. What do you need?”

“I need you to pack a bag or two. Take everything that you think you might need for at least a week because you can’t come back here,” I tell her.

“Do I need to pack any particular types of clothes?” she asks, confused about my intentions.

“Whatever you’re comfortable in. This isn’t a vacation. I’m gonna move you somewhere safe until my mutual business with your father is concluded,” I explain.

“And he’s okay with that? Why would I be in danger?” she questions me.

“It’s just a precaution. No need for you to worry. I told you that it’s my job to protect you, and after yesterday, I’m not going to take any chances. Now pack, please.”

She’s not convinced but she pulls a large suitcase and an overnight bag out of her closet and begins packing. I sit down on her tiny princess bed and text Jimmy.

“I’m taking something precious to that place outside of town. I need two for a twenty-four-hour door watch.”

My phone buzzes and I read the reply, “On it.”

Deirdre packs her clothes, toiletries, some books, and a laptop. She picks up a framed photo and looks at it for a moment before placing it on the top of the suitcase. It’s a photo of a beautiful dark-haired girl holding a tiny, red-faced baby.

“You and your mother?” I ask her.

“Yes. It’s all I have,” she replies, closing the suitcase.

I carry her bags downstairs and head for the door, but she stops and looks through the living room to the patio where her father is still seated.

“Did you want to say goodbye?”

“No,” her voice cracks as she fights to hold back her tears.

I take her hand and bring it up to my lips, kissing it softly. “It’s okay, baby. Let’s go.”

11

MY SAFE HOUSE

DEIRDRE

Danny drives me north of the suburbs and away from the city. The view from my window grows more scenic as the distance between houses expands.

“Can you tell me where we’re going?” I ask.

“There’s a motel out here. When I was young and coming up in the world, Jimmy and I got into some hot water and needed to go on the lamb for a while. We had no idea where we were headed, but we found this place and decided that it was as good a place as any. It’s clean and way out in the sticks. You’ll be bored, but you’ll be safe.”

“And you? Are you staying with me?”

He looks at me then tacks a sudden right turn onto a narrow dirt road. He drives up the winding road, kicking dust on the body of his black Mercedes, then pulls off in a thicket of lush, green pines. He kills the engine and turns in his seat to face me.

“Once I get you settled, I have to leave. If I don’t take care of this situation, you’ll never be safe and I want you back with me as quickly as possible. That means that I won’t be coming to see you for a while, either. I can’t run the risk of someone following me to your location. You’ll be guarded by some of my best guys, and they’ll be responsible for bringing you food, drinks, and anything else you need,” he tells me and my heart sinks in my chest.

“I don’t want you to leave me,” I cry.

“I don’t want to leave you but it’s what has to happen if I’m gonna protect you,” he pulls me toward him and kisses me passionately.

I know that he’s doing what he thinks is best for me, but that doesn’t prevent me from feeling abandoned. I put my head on his shoulder and sob while he strokes my hair.

“We need to get there before dark so I can have a look around. I know you’re upset but we need to get back on the road,” he says and I release my hold on his neck. “I need you to be strong, little girl. This will all be over soon, I promise.”

“How much farther is it?” I ask him, hoping that we’ll have more time together.

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