Page 139 of Dirty Padraig: Dirty Dusters

“But…”

“Send it, Dylan!”

I realize I may be digging my own grave, but Jaine should have the right to choose between us. I don’t want her to live the rest of her life filled with regret.

I stare once more at the bleak sky and try to consider a future without her in it.

I can’t.

CHAPTERFORTY-FIVE

JAINE

Jones & Associates Legal, Upper East Side, New York

It’s late,and I’m exhausted. I rub my tired eyes as I continue to trawl through the data when my phone starts ringing.

“Are you still at the office, partner?”

“I am.”

“It’s almost midnight.”

“Thank you for stating the obvious. I’m going through Molly’s phone.”

“Found anything of interest?”

“Not really, but I’m only halfway.”

“Is the data on the office server?”

“It is now.”

“Well, sorry, but I’m going to have to stop you right there. Someone’s trying to hack in. I need to update the security and run a few checks. I’ve let everyone know via email that the system will be down overnight. They’ve all acknowledged. I thought I’d call you direct just to let you know.”

“Thanks, Jessie.” I yawn as I close the lid on my laptop.

“How are you feeling about... you know?”

“About the fact that my hog is currently a garden ornament at Chez O’Connell? I feel goddamn great.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I know you are.”

“If I had one, I’d let you have it.” Her gesture brings tears to my eyes because I know she would.

“That’s kind of you, but you don’t.”

“Will you have Ace’s ship….”

“No, I won’t,” I interject. “Ace’s hog will never leave Rising.”

“What will you do?”

“I’ll speak to Delaney and see if he can find me another Softail. It won’t be the same, but then nothing ever is the second time around.”

“How are things between you and Eoin?”

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