King Maker (King Maker 3)

“Are you leaving?”

With innocence only a child can have, I believed the disappointment on his face.

I approached and knelt so we could be eye to eye.

“I am.”

“Because of me? Did I do something wrong?” he asked.

I brushed at the hair falling in his face.

“No, sweetheart. You did nothing wrong.”

“Are you angry with Da?”

The idea of lying to this child was unthinkable. I did the only thing I could do, deflect.

“It’s just time for me to go. But I’m so happy to have met you.”

He smiled. “I didn’t get to show you my car collection.”

I stood and held out my hand. “Show me.”

We passed Turner who glanced into my room and noticed the bags. I mouthed, “We’re leaving.”

Then I was sitting on Gabe’s floor as he brought out one car, then a plane, all while explaining where and how he’d gotten each one.

“And this is the one you got me. It’s like Da’s car. It’s my favorite.”

My heart ached as I listened to this beautiful boy. I could have loved him as my own.

“Don’t cry,” he said, stroking a finger across my cheek. Then he wrapped his tiny arms around me in a hug. “You can always stay,” he whispered.

Oh, how I wanted to just for him. But there was no way I could face Kalen without wanting to kill him.

When I pulled back, he asked, “Will I see you again?”

“I-I—” I stuttered.

“Gabe, don’t pester the lass.” I looked up to find Isla. “I’m sure we’ll see her again if time permits.”

“Do you think I could call for a cab?”

She waved me off. “Jonas is on his way. He’ll take you wherever you need to go.”

“But he’s been busy.”

“He’s got it taken care of. If I can’t convince you to stay, I’ll get you to wherever you need to go.”

I stood and went to her. I embraced her in a way that spoke all the words I couldn’t say.

“Isla,” came a voice downstairs.

“That’d be Jonas.”

Had it only been this morning when she’d said the same thing?

When I followed her into the hall, Turner stood with bags in hand. Neither of us had brought much. I gave him a half-smile as I went to grab my bags.

We walked downstairs to see two concerned faces. It was almost like looking at my parents.

“There is an inn nearby. It’s located near the private airport you flew into,” Jonas said.

“No inn, but the airport would be great,” I said.

He nodded like he’d expected that answer.

I hugged Isla and Gabe one last time. Turner said his goodbyes as well before we hustled into Jonas’ car.

As much as I felt bad about taking Jonas away from his bar, I was grateful for the ride. Once we arrived, Jonas pulled me aside before I went in.

“I don’t know what the lad said, but don’t believe it.”

I smiled at him. “Trust me when I say he meant every word.”

“And I know how a man looks at a woman he’s in love with.”

“Are we going inside?” Turner called while standing next to the door.

“Yes,” I replied. Then I said to Jonas, “I know you mean well, but you’re wrong.”

He pursed his lips but rushed forward to hold the door open for me, shooing Turner inside.

The tiny building was the only one and had to be the brains of the operation. I barely remembered the place from arriving a day or so ago. My head had been so messed up, I’d barely paid any attention to my surroundings. The darkness that filled the spaces now didn’t help my memory.

An older man with a wisp of brown hair was talking to another man with a crop of red hair on his head.

Both men turned in our direction when the jingle above the door alerted them of our presence.

“Jonas,” the man behind the counter began.

“Fergus, this is the young lass that needs a plane,” Jonas said.

“To fly?” Fergus said, nodding in my direction.

“No, I need a ticket to—” I hadn’t really thought much before fleeing Kalen’s house. “Ireland,” I said.

It was close and couldn’t cost that much. Since I was likely still in danger, I didn’t want to get on a flight to America just yet.

The two men switched into what I thought was more Gaelic. The other man gave me a smile before he was drawn into the conversation. I think they’d switched to English, but their brogue was so thick I still didn’t understand. I knew they were talking about me when they all looked at me.

Fergus finally said, “There aren’t any planes coming tonight. You’ll have to wait until the morning. But there is an inn nearby.”

Jonas had mentioned that earlier and I sagged in defeat. “Okay.”

Then Jonas turned toward me. “I guess I’ll be on my way. But call if you need anything.”

I thanked him for everything and took the paper he’d written a few numbers on before I sent more thanks to Isla as he left. When I turned back from the closing door, Fergus said, “I’ll only be a few more minutes.”