Page 107 of Dirty Padraig: Dirty Dusters

“I sent her away.”

“Over a kiss that meant nothing.”

“It must have meant something.”

“Paddy described it as a peck and that it was a farewell kiss rather than a hello kiss.”

“He wanted to kiss her, and she him.”

“They love each other and share a past, so maybe that’s true, but they didn’t act on it out of respect for both you and Sophia.”

He pauses, but I know exactly what he’s going to say.

“You need to tell him that you deliberately pursued her.”

“I know.”

“I’m not sure how he’ll react.”

We both know exactly how he’ll react. He’ll never forgive me. He’ll also want bloodshed for my blatant disrespect. Both are quite understandable.

“We can worry about that when we find them.” Because we will find them, and it won’t be too late. I refuse to even consider that outcome, let alone discuss it.

“You should get some rest.”

“It’s easier said than done, Dylan.”

We sit in silence, my head playing every conversation I’ve ever had with Jaine on repeat.

“And we’ve checked the boating lake?”

“Twice.”

I rub my hand down the stubble on my face once more.

“And what did Paddy say again?”

“I’ve told you several times already.”

“So, humor me once more!” I hiss.

“He said, ‘First, I’ll pray to The Almighty, and then I’ll scour the streets.’”

I stare at him as it finally falls into place.

“I know where they are,” I whisper.

“Where?”

“St. Peter’s.”

* * *

It’sdark when we arrive, but the church lights are on. Is that a sign, or have the workers accidentally left them on?

Apparently, the renovations have been delayed due to the wrong type of wood having been received, so there’s been no one on site for over a week now.

I don’t stop to take in my surroundings. Dec drove us. Behind us is a black private ambulance being chauffeured by Liam and currently occupied by both Dr. Kelly and Tim.

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