Page 58 of Dirty Dylan: Dirty Dusters

Jaine:I saidI don’t want to talk about it. We agreed not to remember?

Padraig:I should never have said anything.

Jaine:No, you should have. It’s better late than never. But you should have told Jessie, not me. If you even suspected this was on the cards for you, you owed it to her to say something before she became involved. Who is this girl anyway?

Padraig:A friend of the family. Someone already known to us.

Jaine:And what about your cliché blonde?

Padraig:It’s her. That’s exactly who is it.

Jaine:Seriously? I’m not sure if that makes things better or worse.

Padraig:Listen, Jaine, darlin’…

Jaine:Don’t ‘listen, Jaine, darlin’ me. I’m sorry, Dyl. I have to go. Someone has to do the right thing and tell Jessie.

Padraig.You can’t.

Jaine:What? And you think it’s fair she finds out after it’s been announced today?I can tell her. And I goddamn will.

Padraig:Jaine!

I ignore him and toss the phone to the side.

* * *

My other phonerings the instant I stop messaging. I lean my head back on the old leather sofa and roll my eyes. Does he think by calling me he can get me to change my mind?

“Listen, Dyl…”

“Is that Jaine Jones?” It’s not Dylan. The accent is broad Irish, and the owner of the voice is female. I know exactly who this is.

“Molly McGrath.”

“That’s correct.” She sounds smug. She’s no doubt up herself because I recognized who she was without introduction, but it’s not like I know any other females with an accent like hers, more so any who have my direct number.

“Jessie told me to expect your call.” I take the wind out of her sails. “It’s about the alliance with La eMe, am I correct?”

“Yes. I want you to tell me what’s involved and where things stand.”

My back is immediately up at her commanding tone.

“I’m sure Eoin can explain the terms of the agreement to you.”

I’m well aware I’m coming across as unaccommodating, but she really isn’t enticing me to be anything else.

“I’d much prefer it if you did.”

“Communication problems this early on? That doesn’t bode well for your future relationship.”

“We have no problems communicating.”

“So, I’m not sure why you can’t ask him what forms the basis of the alliance and where things currently stand.”

“That’s not in any way helpful.”

“Well, I’m sorry you feel that way, Molly, but you’re a lawyer. It’s part of the job to find out whatever’s necessary. Our interpretations may vary. We all also interact with others differently. I’ve known the people involved for a long time. You haven’t. You need to form your own connections with them, and not just rely on my opinions.”

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