Page 119 of Illicit Heir

I ignore him. "Why don't ya take a nap? We have a decent drive ahead of us."

"Of course we do," he gripes, pulling his hoodie over his head and leaning back. "Ya owe me big-time."

"I don't owe ya shit."

"We'll see about that," he warns.

I turn the radio up, feeling anxious but hopeful. It happens every time I go to find Lauren.

It's got to be her this time.

The description fits her, but there have been four other times that Samuel has called. I've been lucky so far. I've yet to encounter Caleb, but I want to get there before he does. So, I drive faster, cutting off cars.

A lorry blares its horn, and Tynan barks, "Jesus, that was close."

I swerve.

He grumbles, "Why don't ya get us there in one piece."

"Since when are ya a pussy?" I ask.

He grunts. "I'm not a pussy, but it would've been nice if ya let me finish with my lass before dragging me out here."

"She'll be waiting when ya get back," I assert, having no doubt that she will be.

"Bastard," he mutters.

I continue driving for another two hours, and the roads become more and more desolate until it's nothing but mountain roads. Then a small town comes into view. I slow down and pull over a few doors down from the pub. I nudge my brother.

He wakes up groggily, rubs his fists over his eyes, and looks out. "Not much happening in this town."

"Yea, it's a good place to hide," I acknowledge and glance around. I don't see Caleb or anyone anywhere. I would text Samuel, but it's too risky. I decide it's safe, grab my baseball cap, get out, and order, "Let's go." I lower the cap onto my head, and Tynan does the same. We walk down the street and enter the pub.

It's midday. The pub has who I assume are a few regulars drinking. They turn and stare at us as if we're aliens.

A redheaded woman beams, chirping, "Can I get ya anything?"

I glance around the pub again.

"Guinness and a shot of whiskey for both of us," Tynan states.

I give him a dirty look, and he gives me one back. The last thing I'm going to do is start drinking while I'm looking for Lauren.

The woman turns and grabs the bottle of whiskey.

Tynan whispers, "We're in a fucking pub. Act like it."

I take a breather. He's right. Still, I comment, "Ya didn't need to order shots."

He shrugs. "Got to have a little bit of fun. It is my day off after all."

"Go cry some more," I taunt.

He takes the barstool at the end of the counter, positioned so we can see the entire pub.

I grab the seat next to him.

The barmaid comes back and puts our drinks down. She pries, "Where are ya from?"

---