Episode 75: Devoured

Genre: Supernatural/Drama
Characters: Kaya, Caleb, Connor, Charlie, Vaughn, Amanda, Karri, Finn, Emmett, Eoghan, Xander
Word Count: 5,140
Rating: R
Type: Series
Summary: Eoghan MacGrath makes it to town and gets to the truth of the matter...one way or the other. Meanwhile, Vaughn finally opens up to Kaya and explains his strange behavior.
Warnings: Language, suggestive material, violence, strong sexual content, adult content, adult situations, nudity

“Not today, please,” Kaya remarked as she smelled Vaughn approaching. “My nerves are already frayed, I have a meeting today with another Alpha and I’m hoping it’s not the start of some new battle since we have enough of that already. Caleb is consumed with looking for new leads on who attacked us and why. I have two prisoners chained up in concrete cells beneath my feet. On top of that, my manager, Ulrick, called and told me he set up a photoshoot with a music magazine for the band later on this week and I have been struggling to keep my hormones in check at home. I can’t imagine being in public right now. I’m trying to decide if this nursery should be pink, blue or neutral all while I have a couple of overactive pups playing ping-pong in my belly. Today is not the day to mess with my head.”

“My apologies, Luna, I was only coming to inform you that I’ve heard from Roberta and she would be thrilled to join us. She’s catching the next flight back to the country and should be here by the end of the week.”

“Thank you,” she replied without turning to face him. “Was there something else?”

“Yes, there is as a matter-of-fact. Kaya, I thought we’d moved past this. Has something changed with our show of cordiality?”

“That’s all it was with you wasn’t it, Vaughn? A show?” she turned angrily, pacing back and forth inside the small room. “You were never being genuine with me. And, for the life of me, I can’t understand why. Why are you always acting so…shady? What are you hoping to gain by it? And why is it that I’m the only one you show your true face to? What do you want from me?”

“As I’ve told you before, Kaya, I want us to be friends. And you are the only one who knows about me because I needed to be honest with at least one person I care about.”

“But why me? Why not one of your sons? Or even Rosette or Alex? Or one of your other friends back when you were Alpha here? They are all mostly still around. And I’m sure have way more in common with you than a tamed wolf with which you have a complicated history.”

“Kaya…”

“What, Vaughn? What do you want? Tell me something, anything that has any meaning whatsoever. I’m so tired of these games.” Vaughn sighed and turned towards the door. “Just what I thought.”

He shut it and moved back to the center of the room. “Kaya, I know coming here couldn’t have been easy for you. My family and yours haven’t always been on amicable terms. And what my sons did…it’s inexcusable and I am deeply sorry for the pain it caused. Charlie and Caleb have always been their own person. And I respect that. I raised them to be individual thinkers and strong, dependable men. I’ve made mistakes, I know that. But I’ve always believed a man can never truly call himself that if he doesn’t live honorably. My daughter died when she was rather young. 26, mid-transition. She was afflicted by Gray Plague and that combined with her first shift…it wasn’t a pretty sight.”

“After that, I…changed. I started internalizing a lot of my emotions. I kept people at arm’s length. I became known as the ‘Wolf Killer’. I was an unruly, unkind, unforgiving shell of a man. There were very few people who had the slightest bit of influence over me then. You were one of them. Little infant Kaya. So small and squirmy. A little, wrinkly bundle of giggles. This, of course, was a few years before the fallout. Before the war and before the tragedy that would tear our families apart. Armand had asked me to be your godfather. Those very few, precious moments I got to spend with you, watching you grow, listening to your first words, sharing in the festive birthday celebrations…those brief instances of pure joy made the loss of Clarissa a little less painful and slightly bearable. You were the first person I approached when I returned because I was hoping to get a little of that back. Just a small piece of the man I once was.”

“Wow,” Kaya expressed in sheer astonishment. “Why couldn’t you have just told me that from the beginning?”

“Because, believe it or not, I was afraid. I wasn’t sure if you’d remember me or if you’d treat me with disdain over what our families went through. I didn’t want those memories tainted by your rejection.”

“You Savages…you never pick the easy route,” she sighed and dropped to the bench beneath the window.

“I guess it’s not in our nature.” Vaughn replied, taking a seat on the bench beside her. “Kaya, I need to ask a favor of you. In the coming weeks, things are going to change and much of it will be rather unpleasant. I will need your help keeping Caleb on track.”

“With?” she asked, not swayed by the sincere look in his eyes. “Does this have anything to do with your constantly dodgy behavior?”

“It has everything to do with the reason you’ve felt you couldn’t trust me.”

“Go on.”

“Since my return, I  have been working on locating Chandria, Caleb’s mother.”

“The First Witch.”

“Yes. I think I’ve finally pinpointed her or at least the area where her energy is strongest.”

“I’m not going to like what you say next, am I?”

“She’s being held prisoner somewhere in Barnacle Bay by your Aunt Lexi, the same woman who aided in my capture and release.”

“That…woman is no kin to me. After everything she’s put me through…”

“Ah so your father told you.”

“Told me what?” Vaughn’s head fell as he realized he spoke too soon. “Told me what?” He sighed and began recounting Lexi’s role in the death of Kaelani and his imprisonment. When he was finished, he noticed the sheer look of horror on Kaya’s face and her desperation to keep her tears at bay. “What do you need from me?”

“Lexi is keeping herself shielded by powerful magics. She’s guarded and surrounded by her coven at all times. I need to draw her out. Get her to an area where her magic won’t have as much strength.”

“Draw her out? What do you mean draw her out? She’s a seer. She’ll know you’re coming.”

“No. I have ways around that. Mind control was not the only skill I picked up in my travels,” he smiled, and instantly Kaya felt the woozy effect of his charms. She shook it off and he apologized for the demonstration. “I can get close to her, but I will need your help bringing her in.”

“Wait, what you’re saying…you want me to help you kill Lexi?”

“I know it’s asking a lot…”

“I’ll do it. Just tell me what you need.” Vaughn smiled hearing Kaya’s compliance. The last piece to his plan had finally fallen into place.

A knock on the door pulled Kaya away from her next question and they both looked up towards Amanda as she entered the room. “I’m sorry to interrupt. Caleb is looking for you. You have a visitor.”

“Who is it?”

“He said his name is Eoghan Macgrath.” Kaya glanced at Vaughn and back towards Amanda before pulling up from the bench and following the blonde out of the room.

The moment she opened the door to the office, Eoghan’s bright blue eyes moved to her. “Ye must be the Luna I’ve been hearin’ about,” he stated matter-of-factly with a scowl, denoting his displeasure with having been summoned. The man was dressed in a nice, gray silk suit that could easily have cost upwards of a few grand. His mustard yellow vest was ironed and fastened to the top, as was his pressed white shirt. A stern expression was etched in his slightly wrinkled face as he addressed Kaya and she got the impression he was very used to getting his way. The seasoned Alpha also had a scar, similar to ones she’d seen on Luther’s face a time or two. He’d seen his share of combat and from the looks of things, they were hard fought.

“I am.”

“And where is me daughter?”

Kaya motioned for Amanda, who still stood at the door, to retrieve Karri as she moved further into the room towards Caleb. Vaughn circled around behind the elder Macgrath, moving around the two brothers to take a spot closer to their guests. “I know you’re a busy man,” Kaya started as they waited for Karri’s arrival. “But you must understand my position. Karri is happy here and well cared for. I could not allow her to leave under questionable circumstances. But she is no more a prisoner than you are right now.”

“If it is as ye say, then ye have nuthin’ tae worry about. ” The door opened and immediately all eyes turned as Karri, followed by Connor, entered the room. “Saints preserve us!” Eoghan exclaimed and moved towards his daughter. He quickly pulled her closer and began examining her for injuries. “What got into ye, girl? Have ye no concern for yer Ma’s well-bein’?”

“It’s nice to see you too, Dad.”

“Don’t get me wrong, cheeky, I’ve missed ye. But jaysus, Karri. Ye’ll put the heart crossways in ye Ma with all this malarkey!”

Karri sighed, and wiggled free of Eoghan’s grip. “I’m sorry, Dad. But I did what I thought needed to be done.”

“What’s that now? Ye didn’t go an’ get yerself knocked up, did ye?”

“Dad! I wasn’t pregnant and I haven’t…Xander and I…”

Eoghan waved his hand, cutting Karri off before she could complete the thought. “Let’s don’t carry on about ye virtue. I’m just tryin’ tae understand, darlin’.”

“I…I got myself into some trouble and I knew you wouldn’t understand. I didn’t want anything bad to fall on the pack and so I ran. It was the only thing I could think of. And at the time, it was the only way to make sure of it.”

“Make sure of what? Yer not tellin’ me anythin’! Why did ye run off like that?”

“Dad!” Karri again sighed and leaned further away from him with her arms folded against her. “You were too busy with the business and there was all this pressure to marry Xander. Tradition, strengthening alliances, handling the pack as the Alpha’s daughter. I had to keep up appearances. Reputation is everything, remember? I felt like I couldn’t be who I wanted because I didn’t want to disappoint you or Mom. And, I don’t know, I just…I couldn’t breathe and I needed to get away from it all; from everything.”

“Bleedin’ hell, Karri, yer the only daughter I’ve got! Did ye really think so little of me ye couldn’t speak ye heart? Yes. Marryin’ Xander would help the pack and ensure us allies in the time o’ need. But, ye really think I’d choose that over me little one’s happiness?”

“It felt that way.”

“Darlin’, haven’t ye learned anythin’? Nuthin’s more important than family.” Karri’s face broke into a smile and she rushed forward, pulling Eoghan into her arms. He held her close, nearly smothering her against his chest.

“So…now that that’s all settled, does this mean you’re coming home?” Finn asked optimistically. He smiled at his baby sister and she moved closer and wrapped her arms around him as well. “As much as I enjoy your bear hugs, Karri, I get the sense that this is goodbye.”

“It is…sorta.” Glancing at Connor and then to her father, Karri took a breath before speaking. “I’m not coming home.”

“What?” Finn exclaimed, following her gaze to Connor. “You can’t be serious, Kar-bear.”

“I’ve made a life here. I have friends, a job; something that makes me feel important. And they treat me like family.”

“But they’re not ye family, we are,” Emmett replied, drawing closer, “Think about Ma. Jaysus, Karri. Ye go an do what ye want but ye don’t seem to care about our feelings at all.”

“That’s not true, Em, I do care. And I didn’t say it was forever. Just right now. Besides, it’s not like I won’t visit. I still have a key.”

“Aye,” Eoghan smiled. “Karri has made her decision and we will respect it. As long as me little girl is happy and safe, I can’t ask for anythin’ more.”

“Fine. I’ll respect it. But I don’t gotta like it,” Finn again gave his sister a hug, ending it with a playful tap on her jaw. “So, during all this mushy stuff I noticed that Xander is nowhere to be found,” he remarked looking around the room. “Where is he?”

“Am curious meself. He has a lot tae answer for,” Eoghan glanced towards Caleb. “Ye wouldn’t happen tae know where one might find the lad, would ye?”

“The last time I saw him, he was heading towards town. There are very few hotels. If he’s still in Mystic Springs, it won’t take long to find where he’s holed up.”

“I’ll get the scouts on it,” Charlie added before exiting the room.

“I appreciate yer hospitality. If yer ever in Chicago, I’d gladly extend the kindness.” The Macgraths turned to leave and Eoghan paused at the door beside Connor. “Connor is it? Hair as red as fire, eyes as green as the Éire, ye got a wee bit of Irish in ye, lad?” Eoghan asked, giving him the once over.

“No, Sir, I’m French.”

“Oy. We can’t all of us be so lucky.”

“Are you ok?” Connor asked, following Karri into the hallway after her family had retreated to the guest quarters.

“I will be,” she smiled, stopping just outside of her room. “I…um…I don’t know. There are still some things left unsaid but for the most part, I think I’m ok.” She opened the door and stood beside her bed as Connor again moved in behind her, shutting the door as he entered.

“That wasn’t so bad…well, not as bad as I expected anyway. Eoghan was pretty cordial considering. You should meet my dad.”

“Oh? Is that an invitation?” Karri asked, taking a step closer to where he stood.

“I wish. Truth is, I have no idea where my father is. He ran out on me and my mom when I was 10,” Connor replied, dragging a hand across the back of his neck. “So…anyway…I just wanted to make sure you were alright.”

“I appreciate that, Connor.” They stood for a moment in silence, neither quite knowing what to say. Finally, it was Karri who spoke first. “Was there something else?”

“Uh,” he cleared his throat, “Yeah. I was—well I was wondering if what you said to your father was um…brought on by anything in particular?”

“What do you mean? What did I say?” Karri asked, hiding a sly grin as she again moved forward.

“You know, the bit about not wanting to leave.”

“Maybe it was.” Slowly sliding her hand up his chest, Karri stood toe-to-toe with Connor, so close he could smell the green apple in her shampoo. “Maybe I found a reason to stay.”

Connor smirked and slipped his arm around her back. Pressing her tighter against his chest, he wallowed in the sensation of Karri’s warm body on his. The muscles in her shoulders instantly slacked as a contented sigh escaped through her nose. He needed this contact just as badly as she did and was grateful that not only did she seem to enjoy it, but she was hugging him back as well. Hearing her family’s desperation to return her home to an uncertain fate put things in perspective. His nerves frayed and his wolf was hanging just below the surface. The thought of losing her had become more real at that moment and the need to have her in his arms like this had never been so strong. Pulling back, he brushed their noses together before resting his forehead against hers and allowed her warm breath to caress his face. “I’m glad to hear that because…I’m not ready to let you go.”

“Wait, no,” Karri sighed, putting on the brakes as their mouths drew closer together. “I can’t do this. Not again. I can’t take another womanizing playboy. I need to think of myself first.” 

“Womanizing? Is that what you think of me? Karri, I am genuinely curious and interested in you and for you to even think I’m only after sex proves you don’t know me at all!”

“You’re right. I don’t know you. And you don’t know me.”

“That’s not from a lack of trying!” Connor shouted and took a deep breath to try and calm himself. “I try, but these games have got to stop!”

“Connor, I like you, I do. But, I don’t think I’m ready to jump into anything just yet, especially after what happened with Xander. I can’t and I won’t let that happen again.” 

“Are you fucking kidding me? You’d really compare the two of us? I am NOTHING like that shithead.” Their eyes locked as he moved towards her, intending to make her pay for those words. Connor was livid! But regardless of the anger now present in his gaze, Karri refused to back down. And as he finally stood toe-to-toe with her deciding his next move, all he could do was stare. Karri’s unrelenting glare had stopped him cold. Her eyes were so full of hurt and regret, he found himself powerless and lacking the desire to cause more. Slowly, he loosened the grip on her arms to the point he felt her sigh with relief. Yet one hand remained locked on her arm as the other slipped around her waist, keeping her small frame trapped so unbelievably close to his. 

Connor felt the rise and fall of Karri’s bosom pressed tightly against him. She looked up at him with rage burning bright in her azure eyes as he looked down at her with sorrow in his. Since the day he saw her, he’d imagined this moment about a million times. And now here they were and Connor was dead set on never letting go. Without another word and without hesitation, Connor made good on that silent vow, gazed into her haunting blue eyes one last time before locking his mouth against hers.

Shock gripped Karri to the point she froze briefly before her hands eased up his chest to push him away. The palms of her hands strained against his muscled pecs, causing a tingle in her spine. And almost as if he’d sensed the frailty in her defense, Connor ran his tongue along her bottom lip before gently using it to pry his way through. And in that moment, all sense of logic escaped her as she focused on the taste of his lips and how safe and protected she felt in his arms.

Before she realized it, Connor had her back against the door and her right leg hooked onto his hip. A deep moan of satisfaction rolled through them both as the kiss intensified and Connor’s already present erection pressed against her. Karri’s hand edged into Connor’s hair while his made its way under the hem of her shirt. The touch of his fingers alone making contact with the soft skin of her stomach was like lighting a fuse. Warm tingles rushed through her as his hand crept higher and higher, overwhelming her senses and prompting her to instinctively grind her hips while locking him in with her leg, wanting and needing to have more.

Connor dragged his lips down the sweet column of her neck, stopping at the base with a gently bite. He continued bathing her skin, lightly pressing his lips against her soft flesh until she moaned. That’s my spot! he smiled against her as his teeth grazed the junction between her neck and shoulder. The breathless sigh the simple motion forced from Karri’s lungs provoked a low growl from him and within seconds, Connor had both of her hands pinned above her head and their lips locked together for a second time in a deeper, more passionate kiss.

The pleasure of being that close to each other was too much yet not enough. Connor’s free hand slowly snaked up Karri’s hip and he slid his fingertips over the metal button blocking him from his ultimate prize. Nonetheless, instead of undoing her jeans, he slipped one finger into the top of the denim until he hooked the thin strap of her thong. Grazing her soft skin with his nails, he gave a gentle tug, making the lace material roughly rub against her sensitive clit. Karri growled and lifted her knee into his crotch, teasing the redhead with the same delicious pleasure. 

But the motion caused Connor’s cock to twitch and acted as the cooling agent he needed to come to his senses. Placing his flattened palms on the door frame behind her, he slowly counted down from five and with all his strength pushed away until the kiss was broken. Her legs fell to the ground on either side of him and her mouth remained opened as she waited for more. The loss of warmth from her body was instant, leaving behind nothing but the tingling sensation her lips created. Karri seemed confused by the action and looked at Connor for an explanation. “I’m sorry. I can’t. Not like this,” he panted, out of breath and aroused. 

“Oh, right. We wouldn’t want to upset your new girlfriend,” Karri snapped, pushing off the wall and reaching for the doorknob.

“No. It’s not like that.”

“Then what is it? One second you’re hot and heavy and the next it’s like someone dumped a bucket of ice water on you. And you called me a tease!”

“I didn’t mean to tease you I just…can’t. Not like this. I want things with us…I want this—I need this to be perfect,” he replied, gazing at her as she considered what he said. 

“Oh.”

“Yeah. Oh,” he repeated with a smile. “I don’t want to push you against the door and tear your clothes off. I mean I do but…you deserve better than that.”

“And if I want it?” she smirked, reaching out to touch him.

“Then, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, I’d have to be the voice of reason and kindly refuse. I want to be wined and dined too.” Connor returned the smirk and lightly kissed her cheek.

“Connor?”

“No. I never slept with her,” he answered firmly, interrupting Karri’s next thought and she again looked at him confused.

“What?”

“Nicolette and I never had sex. Don’t get me wrong, I wanted to,” he sighed, dragging his hand off the back of his neck. “God help me I really wanted to. But I never let things go that far. Every time I came close…I kept seeing your face,” he paused, silently exhaling at that confession before meeting her eyes again. “I just thought you should know.”

“Wallet, wallet,” Xander pat his back pocket before eyeing the leather case on the dresser across the room. He slipped it into his jeans and continued packing up the rest of his belongings. “Keys…” After taking one last look around the room, he snatched up the suitcase from the bed and started for the door, but it swung open before he could reach out to turn the knob.

“Goin’ somewhere?” Emmett asked, stepping forward into the room. Finn pushed in and stood opposite side of his brother, both men eyed the suitcase in Xander’s hand.

“Emmett, Finn, hey, uh, yeah, you know. My Dad called. Says Mom is feeling pretty ill and that I should get back as soon as possible. I’d have stopped by and said hello but…he…sounded…urgent…” Xander’s words began to stutter as Eoghan moved in behind his sons. “M-M-Mr. Macgrath, s-s-sir. It-it…I didn’t know you were in town.”

“Oh is that right, boyo?”

“Had I known you were c-c-coming I’d have uh…y-y-you’ve s-s-seen uh…Karri?”

“Aye.”

“She-she’s um…is she going home then? I’d imagine if anyone could talk some sense into her it would be you…s-sir.” Xander swallowed hard as Eoghan continued staring him down. Rubbing his sweaty palms on his thighs, he took a step back and glanced between Emmett and Finn who had both inched closer to where he stood. “Did she um…did she tell you that they wouldn’t let her leave? It was like she was brainwashed or something. She wasn’t thinking clearly and refused to listen to reason.”

“Nay. But, I did learn quite a bit about ye.” 

“Mr. Macgrath, sir, whatever they told you was a lie, especially that redheaded one. Do you see what he did to me?” Xander replied, pointing to his black eye. “And the others just stood there and watched as he tried to rip my head off! These people aren’t like you and me. They don’t understand civility.” When the room again fell silent, Xander gave it another try. “Mr. Macgrath, sir, please. I would never…”

“Ye lied tae me, boyo, made me hunt ye down. So now, am gonna do ye a favor.”

“A…f-favor, s-sir?”

“Aye. Am gonna give ye 30 seconds tae settle up with yer maker.”

“Wait, no, please. I know I wasn’t completely honest with you, but I did it for Karri.” Xander tried, his pleas of mercy falling on deaf ears.

“Ye ever hear o’ the ‘wailin’ wolf’, Xander?”

“It’s a myth. Something my parents used to keep me and my brother in line, s-sir.”

“Aye. But not so much a myth as it is a warning. I’ve had the pleasure of speakin’ personally with the Wolf Killer. He has quite a bit o’ ways for how I could deal with ye. Then ye can tell me if it’s all a myth.”

“Please,” Xander whined. “Please. Don’t do this. I was only trying to help.”

“Karri’s right,” Emmett remarked with a heavy sigh. “He is an awful feckin’ gobshite.”

“Karri! Yes! We’re engaged! Think about Karri!”

“I am,” Eoghan replied. “Grab ‘em!” He remained at the door as his two sons quickly rushed forward. With one on either side, they dragged him from the motel and threw him into the trunk of the awaiting car. 

“Wakey, wakey,” Finn nearly sang as he doused Xander with a bucketful of ice water. He shook and shouted as he came to, glancing nervously around the room before realizing where he was and how he got there. “Hey there, sleeping beauty. I was afraid you were gonna miss out on all the fun. I guess I was a little too heavy handed on that last punch, huh? Sorry about that,” he grinned and took a step back.

“Please…stop…”

“In the old country, when pack life was literally life or death, we had ways of dealin’ with yer kind.” Eoghan circled around the table, removing his suit jacket and rolling up his sleeves as he continued. “When it was learned that a wolf had betrayed his own, he was sent through a trial; a series o’ tests tae decide whether he should live or die. But, it didn’t matter really if he won or lost, the end result was usually the same. Death by consumption. But here’s the catch, the prey was still alive as the others fed.”

Xander’s eyes widened and he again took in the array of tools aligning the table to his right. “Please, Eoghan, Mr. Macgrath, sir, you don’t have to do this. I’ll…I’ll go away. I’ll go far, far away and you’ll never hear from me ever again. I’ll forget I even knew you or Karri. Please. Just let me go! I don’t want to die!”

“Oy, Xander, ye misunderstood, lad. It’s not a point o’ ‘necessity’. I do this, for me wee one.” Grabbing the sharpest knife from the table, Eoghan turned it a few times in his hand, allowing the blade to catch the light, sending another chill through Xander’s spine. 

The spring-loaded door opened once more and slammed shut violently. Xander looked up, hoping to find solace in the face of the newest arrival but again only finding damnation. “Da,” Emmett greeted the elder Macgrath as he took his place beside him.

“Karri?”

“She’s safe,” he answered. “The redhead…Connor, he’s with her back at the manor.”

“Good,” Eoghan sighed and adjusted the knife once more in his hand. “I don’t want me lil lass seein’ this.”

“And what about the others, Da? The Savages.”

“Where do ye think I be getting’ all o’ this then? I don’t travel with an arsenal on me, lad. Remind me tae thank them later for their hospitality. After all, we’ll be makin’ quite a mess o’ things.”

“Ye did a good job there, Finn. Got ‘em nice and tender first,” Emmett joked, poking Xander’s sides as he moved around him.

“I don’t know. He was pretty soft to begin with,” Finn teased.

“Aye,” Eoghan agreed. “O’righty, boyo, enough o’ this yammerin’ let’s get back tae work.”

“PLEASE! Eoghan…I can help you!”

“I know. Ye will be puttin’ an end tae this hankerin’ in me gut,” Eoghan joked, causing his sons to join him in laughter.

“No…no…I mean I can help you with Marcus O’Leary.” The three men drew silent immediately at the mention of the name and Xander, for the first time, took in a deep breath of relief.

“Go on, what’s this then?” 

“Karri didn’t tell you, did she?” Xander laughed, spitting out a mouthful of blood as he gawked at the Macgraths. “The reason she ran, the REAL reason she ran isn’t because she was afraid of you. It’s because she was afraid of what Marcus would do to her if he found out.”

“Found out what?” Finn asked, growing interested in where the conversation was headed.

“Found out that Cillian didn’t just disappear. He was murdered…by Karri.”

“Ye lie, boy!” Eoghan growled and jerked forward with his knife at the ready.

“NO! No…I can prove it. In my phone, there’s a picture. The fifth image in the gallery.” He waited for Emmett to thumb through the photographs before stopping on the shot of a necklace. “Recognize that? Do you? It’s the trinity knot Marcus O’Leary gave each of his five sons on the day of their transition. The initials C.T.O., Cillian Thomas O’Leary. I took it off his body AFTER I helped Karri dispose of him. Don’t believe me? Check out the next series of shots,” he amusingly remarked, smiling with a crimson sheen. “And I sent that, along with a note of where he could be found to a friend of mine in Chicago. So if I don’t get back there alive, well you and the rest of your family will have a lot more concerns than where your next meal is coming from.”

TO BE CONTINUED…

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