aIf the house is gone and there werenat any other structures on the land, what the h.e.l.l could he be using it for?a I asked.

aItas a pretty big piece of property. Thereas a lot of draws to it. Waterway access is the biggest thing. He could have used it for just about anything. Smuggling in drugs, people, weapons. Thereas really no limit on what he could have been doing all these years since no oneas been out there,a Grant said, ticking the laundry list of illegal activities off on his fingers.

aItas the perfect set up,a Ace agreed with a shake of his head. aWhich means that heas had plenty of time to come up with escape routes and places to hide.a aThat means we need to be extremely careful when we go in,a Grant added.

With that said, everyone settled back into their seats. I leaned towards the window, looking out over the patchwork-covered ground of the Emerald Isle.

It took everything in me to keep focused on the mission and not what was happening back at the church with Airen.

No matter how hard I tried, her face kept coming back, haunting me with the look she gave me when I told her I had to go.

I felt like a complete a.s.shole. Like a user. She deserved more than someone worming their way into her life and using her for their own purposes. Iad done that under Grantas orders.

When she learned the entire truth, shead hate me. Maybe that was a good thing. Her anger would make it easier to walk away and force me to forget her.

I mentally shook my head to clear it. It wasnat the time to think about Airen, not when I needed my head clear for the mission.

Robert de Fleur had a sizable list of transgressions, starting with the fact that he was the one responsible for Jaredas kidnapping. Not to mention his disreputable child trafficking history. He was the lowest form of evil, and I needed to remember that.

Shifting my thoughts, I recalled the map Grant had spread out earlier. There werenat any noticeable places where he might have set up his operation.

That didnat mean he hadnat done something underground or even somewhere on the cliffside. Although, if there were something on the cliffside, it would make things more difficult, especially with the change of tides. Getting to him might not be easy at all.

I broke the silence over our headsets, asking Grant, aWhat are the chances we could get our hands on a boat?a aWhat are you thinking, Aiden?a Oliver asked as Grant looked at me like he was lining up my request.

aWell, for starters, the mapa itas an aerial map that shows us everything laid out from above. What it doesnat show us is the cliffs. What if thereas a cave or something in the cliffside? Itas a perfect hiding spot. The only downfall would be where it might be located and then wead be at the mercy of the tide, butaa I said, shrugging as they listened to my idea.

aItas definitely a possibility. I hope thatas not the case though, because if heas hiding in the cliffas face and we can only get to it by water, head know we were coming,a Grant answered, digging the map back out. aAnd it would put us at a severe disadvantage with sniper rifles.a aYeah, too bad tech hasnat come up with corner-rounding bullets yet,a Ace said, grinning at his joke.

aI donat like this, but the only thing we can do is scout the location. Once we know what weare up against, weall make the call. Oliver, pull up the tide report,a Grant said, grabbing his phone out of his pocket. aAnd Iall see if thereas a halfway decent 3D map of the coast.a Grantas fingers moved over his phone, pulling up the first map he came across as Oliver rattled off, aLow tide right now, but high tide will start in about forty-five minutes. Does anyone know how fast the tide comes in here or how drastic it is?a aHow drastic? Itas water and Ireland is an island. How d.a.m.n drastic can it be?a Ace asked.

Oliver shot him a dirty look. aHave you ever seen the tides change in New England?a Ace rolled his eyes at him, pointing at his chest. aAlabama.a he said as if that explained everything.

Oliver snorted. aWell, let me put it to you this way, the wharfs in Maine are built to pivot like thisaa His held his hand at a forty-five degree angle. aWhen the tide comes in, theyare like thisaa He held his hand flat, fingers extended straight out.

aNo way, if the tide was that drastic, it would cover the whole d.a.m.n island,a Ace answered, shaking his head as if Oliver were pulling his leg.

aI donat think the tide here is as drastic, but I havenat ever really had to look into it. Letas just remember what Oliver said and be ready for anything. If there is a cave and itas set up high on the cliffside, wead have to wait for the tide to get to its highest before we could investigate it.a aMakes sense though, doesnat it, Grant? If heas got something going on there, and knowing his reputation, he wouldnat want something easily accessible. Something like that would detour anyone nosy enough to go poking around. Less chances of him, and his activities, to be discovered. Unless, of course, someone else had possession over the land. Theyad start noticing a boat coming in only at high tide, especially if whoever bought the land was using the same point of entry,a Oliver said, sliding his finger over the map.

Grantas teeth raked over his lip as his eyes roamed over the map again. aThat has to be it. Thereas nothing else here, no place for him to set up an operation. No abandoned buildings. Nothing but open landaa aSo whoas ready to go rock climbing?a Oliver asked, wiggling his eyebrows.

aWith those rocks? We might as well just toss ourselves into the ocean and call it a d.a.m.n day,a Grant said, groaning.

Our headsets crackled to life, the pilotas voice coming over. aFive minutes to drop point,a he said.

Those last five minutes dragged out forever, but seemed to be over in the blink of an eye.

Once the pilot set the helicopter down, we disembarked, jogging out from underneath the rotating blades. The pilot gave us a short wave and lifted back into the air.

aWell, there goes our ride,a Oliver said, slapping Ace on the back.

aGood riddance,a Ace replied, turning his back on the helicopter.

aLetas get moving before we draw attention,a Grant said, moving ahead of us.

The walk wasnat a long one, and it wasnat exactly flat either. The ground underneath my feet seemed to change with every step. One second my boots would sink into the soft gra.s.s, and then Iad end up catching my toe on a small cl.u.s.ter of rocks. If I had to run, Iad probably break my d.a.m.n neck. But I kept myself upright and moved along with everyone at a rapid pace until we made it to the land originally owned by Brendaas family.

Grant came to a stop and pulled out the map again, taking a knee. We followed suit, putting us behind a crumbling stone wall, keeping us hidden. aWeall split here. Oliver, you and Ace head over to the positions we talked about earlier. Get set up and then hit us up on the coms.a Ace nodded, pulling a dangling wire out from under his shirt and slipping it into his ear. I slipped mine in place, and then we did a quick com check to make sure we were able to hear one another.

aIf, for whatever reason, com communication goes down, find the closest shelter and wait for one of us to come to you,a Grant said.

Oliver lowered the bag he carried over his shoulder to the ground, placing it by his feet. It amazed me, knowing inside that bag was a weapon that could pick someone off at well over a thousand-yard distance.

aI think we need to rethink this a little,a he said, looking at Grant.

Grant folded the map back up, stuffing it inside his back pocket. aWhat are your thoughts?a aI think you should take my position. Before you say no, hear me out,a Oliver said, holding up a hand to keep from being interrupted. aIave done a bit of rock climbing, and I know how the cliff face will be. I know you have to, Grant, but if something were to happen on the cliffside, at least youad be able to work your magic and make whatever calls necessary to keep the situation under control. None of us have your contacts. If something happened to you, wead be flying blind.a aI agree,a Ace added. aIf something happens, youare the only one who has the resources available to get us what we need. aCause if that b.a.s.t.a.r.d takes off in a boat, Iam d.a.m.n sure not jumping into the ocean to swim after him. Iam good, but Iam not that good.a Grant nodded sharply, and Oliver slid the bag over in front of him.

aOnce Ace and I are set up, make your way down the hill over there,a Grant said, pointing at what looked like a cutaway just down the hillside on our left. aThat will take you down to the beach. From there, you might be able to use binoculars to see if thereas anything worth checking out on the cliffside. I know I donat have to remind you how dangerous those rocks can be. If it doesnat look like you can scale the rocks, weall just have to come back with the right gear.a aAnd take the chance he gets away again?a Oliver asked, shaking his head as Grant opened his mouth to say something. aDonat worry about us, Grant. We got this. If thereas something in the cliffside, and itas too dangerous to free climb, Iall let you know.a Satisfied with Oliveras response, Grant lifted the bag and slung it over his shoulder. aWeall both check in once weare set up.a He looked over at Ace with a nod, and then back at us. He didnat have to say the words abe careful,a they were etched along the lines of his face and dancing in his eyes.

As Grant and Ace moved off to take up their positions, I pulled my binoculars out of my bag and found a spot along the stacked rocks that offered a good spot to lean, but still kept me, for the most part, out of sight. There was no telling where Robert de Fleur could be hidden, and the last thing I wanted was for Ace and Grant to be spotted.

Oliver moved over to the far side of the wall, binoculars in hand as he took a minute to look out over the landscape below us. aIall keep an eye on this side for Ace.a It wouldnat take Ace long to get to his position on the hillside. Once he was set up there, wead have three sets of eyes scanning the property as Grant trekked his way to his set-up point.

At our vantage point, binoculars werenat exactly necessary since everything besides where the construction trailer was set was visible. But there were areas where rocks jutted up from the ground, making excellent hiding spots, like the one I hid behind.

To the naked eye, someone crouched behind them would be hard to see, but not with the binocularas ability to zoom in and get a closer look for any telltale sign of movement.

From my peripheral, I saw a truck making its way towards the construction trailer. aGrant, you got an inbound truck at two oaclock. Stand by for the all clear.a aCopy that,a he replied.

I brought the binoculars up, watching as he slipped down to the ground, using a small swell in the hill for cover.

The truck was moving at a fast clip, the driveras course never wavering from the direction of the construction trailer.

Aceas voice came over the com. aIam in position, setting up now.a aCopy that,a Oliver answered.

aReport your visual on the driver as soon as you can,a Grantas m.u.f.fled voice said.

aCopy that,a Ace replied.

aWhatas the plan if itas him?a Oliver asked.

aLetas see what the b.a.s.t.a.r.d is up to before we drop him,a Grant answered.

aDo you really want to give him the chance to escape?a Ace questioned.

aFour to one says he doesnat,a Oliver said.

aI still think we should drop him. Once heas down, we can comb over every d.a.m.n inch of this property. If heas hiding something, wead find it,a Ace said.

I could hear the weariness in his voice. He didnat want Robert de Fleur to do what he did best. Disappear. The guy was like a greased pig. A slippery b.a.s.t.a.r.d, even in tight situations. I couldnat help but agree with Aceas logic.

It didnat matter what any of us thought though. The decision was ultimately up to Grant, and we were to follow his direct orders.

aHeas not getting away this time, Ace. Taking him out would take care of the situation, but even if we did and then spent time going over this property, we could still miss something. I donat want to take that chance. I need to know what the h.e.l.l is driving him so hard about this property,a Grant answered.

aAce, howas the set up coming along?a Oliver asked.

aGetting my sights lined up now. Stand by,a Ace replied.

My stomach clenched as I took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

aItas him, Grant, and I have a clear shot,a Ace said. His tone was calma"deadlya"and it sent a rush of adrenaline through me.

aHold. Letas see what he does,a Grant answered firmly.

EVEN AFTER I ASKED HIM not to go, Aiden just walked away, leaving me in a wake of confusion.

I didnat even know what to think of that. I had no hold on him. No reason to think head stay only because I asked him to.

Even understanding my own reasoning, it hurt.

How the h.e.l.l had I allowed him to become such an integral part of my life? And with me unknowingly allowing it.

Where were all my wallsa my barriers that had been in place for so long? Had I really had any there to begin with? Had I only been playing myself for a fool all my life, thinking I kept myself guarded and untouched?

Iad made it as far as the hallway after head left, so overwhelmed by my feelings that I couldnat put one foot in front of the other even if I tried.

That was where Nadia found me, beating myself up over things I couldnat change. Selfish thoughts too, considering my aunt and mother were down the hall from me, fighting for their lives.

aAiren? Do you need some help getting to your room?a Nadia asked, putting her hand on my arm and watching me with eyes that missed nothing.

I knew Nadia wasnat one to be fooled, let alone cowed into telling me what I wanted to know. She wasnat by any means a weak-willed woman, but knowing that didnat help me figure out how to get the truth out of her.

She reminded me a lot of Aunt Brenda. Canny at times, secretive at others. To get anything out of Nadia, Iad have to be politely blunt.

aThank you. Iad appreciate it,a I answered, allowing her to put her arm around me. Truth was that I really did need her to help me get back to my room.

aItas refreshing to hear someone admit they arenat invincible,a she said, a hint of laughter to her words.

aOh, aye, Iam no ashamed to admit my faults. Not that I have many of them,a I joked.

aWell, Iam impressed regardless. Not many people can take what youave been dished out today and still remain upright,a she answered.

I staggered a bit, cutting a look of confusion at her. aMeaning?a aPhysically, youave been through h.e.l.l today. Mentally as well,a she said, giving me a sad smile that spoke of compa.s.sion. aMaybe after you rest a bit, I can take you back to visit your mom and aunt. If youare up for it, that is.a I nodded. aIad like that.a As we neared my room, I swayed, legs threatening to buckle underneath me.

Nadia pulled me a little firmer against her side and kept us moving. aHeall be back before you know it.a I jerked in response. aWho, Aiden?a She didnat answer me until we pa.s.sed the threshold to my room and shead helped me into bed.

Fluffing the pillow and pulling the covers up to my chin, she reached out, tucking my hair behind my ear. aI can see how this situation has pulled the two of you together. I just want you to know that Aiden will be fine, and heall be back as soon as he can.a Hearing her say that flooded me with more questions than I could ask at once, so I settled for the one that confused me the most. aWho is Aiden? The real Aiden, I mean.a Her eyes fluttered closed for a brief second, and then she sat down on the bed beside me. aHeas the same Aiden you know.a I made a feeble attempt at a huff and said, aThatas no true. The Aiden I ken worked for my aunt at her coffee shop. Itas clear as day that itas way more than that. Itas also clear to me now that heas somehow a.s.sociated with you and Agent Jackson. What I want to know is, how?a She watched me for a moment, staring at me in thought as if weighing her decision on what she would say, or maybe how much she would say. aThere are things I canat tell you. Things for Aidenas sake, and those heas connected to, have to remain unknown for their safety. What I can tell you is that the Aiden youave come to know, character wise, is who he is and will always be.a Nadia squeezed my hand and stood in one move, retreating from further questions. She said, aIall be back later to check on you. Try to get some rest.a Nodding, I closed my eyes so she couldnat see the disappointment raging there. I waited until she closed the door behind her before I opened them again.

I didnat know which feeling to allow myself to fall into. Grief or anger? Both emotions pulled at me. Hard.

There was a soft knock on my door before it opened slowly, revealing Father McKinnon. aMay I come in?a he asked.

aPlease,a I answered, gesturing to the chair beside my bed as I pushed myself to sit up.

aI thought maybe ye could use something to eat,a he said, setting a small, insulated lunch bag down on the bed beside me.

My stomach rumbled in response as the realization hit me that I hadnat eaten a thing all day. aThanks.a He smiled, turning his eyes up at the corners as they twinkled. aIs there any word on Brenda and Mina?a My fingers stilled on the zipper of the lunch box as my stomach formed into one solid ball of ice.

Seeing me turn statue like, Father McKinnon took the bag from me and opened it up, pulling out a bottle of water and handing it over. aOne must keep the body strong in order to continue on. No matter the outcome.a Curling my hand around the cold, plastic bottle, I made no move to open it.

aIave been doing a lot of praying since they brought ye in, Airen. Words lifted to His ears for Brenda, Mina, and yerself. And Iave come to an understanding,a he said, giving me a half smile.

aWe appreciate it, Father. But you and I both know that faith can only get ye so far sometimes.a After the words left my mouth, I wanted to recall them all back. It was right awful of me to throw his beliefs in his face when head gone out of his way to seek me out and bring me food.

aOh, aye. Thatas the understanding I came to as well,a he said, watching me intently with his wizened, blue-grey eyes set under twin peaks of salt-and-pepper eyebrows.

My mouth worked open and closed a few times before I could come up with some sort of response. aAre ye losing yer faitha yer belief?a aIn him? Never. What I am saying is that sometimes ye need more than just faitha ye need medicine and doctors. For some, thatas the case. For youa food,a he said, pulling out a sandwich and a small container with apple slices.

aEven those two things can be faulty, Father,a I answered past the lump in my throat.

aFaith and medicine? I suppose yer right. Nothing is one hundred percent, but still we have to keep believing in something. Otherwiseaa he said, leaving the rest of his thoughts unspoken.

aAye, but how are ye supposed to feel when both fail ye?a I asked, gripping the water bottle until the plastic creaked from the pressure.

Father McKinnon took the bottle from my hand, opened the top, and handed it back to me. aDrink some of that, aye?a He waited until I put the water to my lips and took a small sip before continuing. aThings fail us all the time, Airen. Whether it be people, medicine oraa He tipped his head, smiling as his face lit up before launching into a story. Iad seen it many a time and knew what was coming. aWhen I was a boy, I wanted a dog more than anything in the world. I begged and begged for one. Even went as far as building a doghouse out of sc.r.a.ps of wood from an old barn my neighbors tore down. Mum would always tell me each time I asked her that shead love to get me one, we just couldnat afford it. See, it was just her and I for the longest time.

aI prayed, Airen. Night and day for two solid years, but the answer was still the same. We couldnat afford it. So, I stopped praying for a dog and instead, I started praying that things would be easier for us. Easier for Mum. And ye know what? Not six months later, my mother met a man, who married her and became my father one year later.

aThe next Christmas, that same man took my mother and me to meet the rest of his family in Ayr. We stayed with his brother for three magical days. And guess what? It just so happened that his brotheras dog had recently had puppies. A litter of five, head said, but there was only the one left.

aWell, my stepfather saw the instant connection between me and that puppy, so we brought it home. Ye see, things happen in the way theyare supposed to. Not from wants, but from needs. My mother could have never given me that dog, without making huge sacrifices for both of us.a I understood what he meant with his story, but it didnat help that my faith wavered over the fact that the only thing keeping both Aunt Brenda and Mum alive were machines and medicine.

The damage done to them was so extensive that something like praying had no chance of fixing it. Maybe he understood that too, and he was trying his best to justify the situation in the best way possible.

aSometimes, Airen, we have to let it all go. Give it up to Him and wait it out. Miracles are called just that for a reason.

aThat same dog? He was a right terror in the beginning. Chewing everything he could sink his teeth into. It took a long time to break him of that habit, but with a little time and a whole lot of patience, I worked with him and he ended up being more than a dog. He was family. Thatas not to say he didn't have his moments though.

aThe point is, and this is in my case, I selfishly wanted a dog, prayed for it, not knowing the cost it would have been to my mother. But when I turned my prayers to her and asked something not of myself, thingsa"good thingsa"happened.a It was a heartwarming story, but unfortunately, it didnat quite strike the right meaning for me. My aunt and mother were clinging to life by the help of machines. My crazy uncle was running amok somewhere in Scotland, and Aiden had me twisted in knots.

aYer still troubled, la.s.s. What can I do te help ye find a bit of peace?a he asked, sliding forward in his seat.

My chin dropped to my chest as I answered, aI donat know. Iam angry and hurt. Scared, even. Thereas so much in here,a I said, tapping my fingers against my chest, athat I donat know how to sort it out. What to think of it.a aWould ye like to talk about it? It might make you feel better,a he asked, plucking up an apple slice and crunching it between his teeth. aHave one; youall need the energy, aye?a I picked one and brought it to my lips, taking a small bite. An explosion of flavor hit my tongue as I chewed. My stomach rumbled in response as I finished off the slice.

Father McKinnon gestured for me to take another as he said, aAye, anger. Itas understandable yer angry at the situation, but what fuels that anger?a I swallowed the bite of apple as I thought about what he asked. aWell, for starters, I guess ye could say Iam angry with Uncle Robert.a aAnd well, ye should be. Iam angry at him too,a he said.

I looked over at him, noticing the flush of color that rose to his cheeks. It drove me to ask him, aWhat makes people think itas okay to hurt others? What would make a man shoot his own flesh and blood?a aAre ye asking me as a man? Or as a man of the cloth? Because, Iave thought of this on both levels and theyare warring with each other, even now,a he said, sighing.