Page 86 of Dirty Dylan: Dirty Dusters

“She’s looking well, though, Paddy. She has the pregnancy glow. The climate in California obviously suits her complexion, but she’s not the same girl she once was. It’s like she’s lost her spark. It’s like part of her soul is missing. Sarah says it’s because, deep down, she belongs in New York, but truthfully, I think she needs both in her life. She needs California as much as she needs Manhattan.”

I can read between the lines, even if the others can’t. Cillian’s right. Jaine does need both. But it’s not Manhattan she’s missing. It’s my little brother.

“Maybe she’s off-kilter due to all the unrest in Nevada.” Eoin changes the subject. He’s worked out what Cill meant. He won’t want to hear that Jaine’s pining over Paddy and not him.

“It could be that, I guess. Apparently, this new MC, the Ghost Whisperers I think they’re calling themselves, want to have a meeting with both La eMe and the Dusters to see if they can be brought in on the alliance. Maybe by transporting into currently untapped areas.”

“I’m sure that could be arranged if all parties are willing to consider it.” Eoin leans back on his chair, a smile on his face. More money. More power. Talk of either is right up his street. “What about the trafficking?”

“They’re still insisting they’re not involved, but who knows? The gun business is pin money compared to what can be made trading women and children.”

Eoin frowns and nods. “Let’s wait until you get back, Cill, and then we can make the necessary arrangements and set up a meeting. Please don’t mention anything to Jaine. There’s no need to worry her unnecessarily. At least not until after the baby’s born.”

“Agreed. Well, we’ll be back within the month, and Jaine will be back in six.”

“What do you mean?” Eoin sits upright in his chair.

“She’ll be returning to Manhattan within six months. It’s what she told Sarah.”

“That soon?” Paddy is beaming from ear to ear. I’m not sure why. He’ll be married by then, and there’s no way Sophia will let him speak to Jaine, let alone see her.

“Aye. You know what women are like. There was a lot of hushed whispers going on between her and Sarah. Heated at times. But Sarah insists it’s time now. That she’s been gone long enough. Anyway, what’s this about Jessie being Bailey’s older sister.”

“Ah, yes.” Eoin smirks at me.

“I have to say, I wasn’t happy with my wife for keeping that from me. We’ve always agreed to have no secrets. But I can understand her reasoning. She’ll be wanting to have a word with you, though, Dyl, over your treatment of her soon-to-be sister-in-law.”

“I can hardly wait.” I huff, running my hand down my face.

“I’m sure you can’t. Anyway, I need to head off, fellas. Sarah and wee Caoimhe will be waking soon.”

“We’ll see you when you get back, brother, unless we hear from you beforehand. And mind you keep practicing for baby number two. Might I suggest you go commando for a few days to see if that helps your firing blanks situation any.”

“Fuck off, Paddy, you eejit. Anyway, later.”

With the call ended, Eoin unfortunately turns his attention back to my situation.

“The paperwork for Grace’s da, Paddy?”

Out of the corner of my eye, I can see my younger brother shuffling uncomfortably in his seat. My heart sinks. I know exactly what that means.

That it’s official. That my life is over.

“It’s in place,” he replies hesitantly.

Eoin nods at him then turns his attention back to me.

“I meant what I said, Dylan. You’re a Duster. You do what you have to do the same as the rest of us. You can’t continue to appear disinterested in the girl. Now that everything is in place, you tell Grace you need some help setting up something or other at your apartment tonight, and you move things forward with her.”

He’s right. I can’t change anything with Jessie without divine intervention, and for that, I need a miracle.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-SIX

JAINE

Jaine’s House, Rising, California

Jaine:Dyl?

---