Thy Kingdom Come

This is the first time I’ve spoken those words aloud to him. I’ve made it clear that I’m disgusted with my dad’s inaction, but I’ve never hinted I’m about to change that.

“Answer me, lad.”

“I hate this secrecy,” I reveal angrily. “I don’t even know who my ma’s family are. Why not?”

“’Cause they’re not worth knowin’,” he bitterly spits, but I’ve heard it all before. “That’s the truth, so it is.”

“How about ya let me decide that. I’m not a wee chile anymore.”

“I don’t care how aul’ y’are, y’ll always be my cub.”

I appreciate his concern, but he can’t protect me forever.

“I’ll never forgive myself for what happened with ya. I should have done more,” he says with regret, ru

“What more could ya have done? You didn’t know where we were.”

“Naw, I didn’t, and I’ll never forgive Cara for that. She was so stubborn. And that got her killed. She had no business being in Movil—”

He pauses, but it’s too late because I heard him—loud and clear. I never knew where the bungalow was…until now.

Moville.

That’s what Uncle Sean was going to say before he realized he shared more than he should. I can either continue to pump him for information, or I can pretend it never happened.

I decide on the latter…for now.

“That didn’t get her killed; the Doyles did that,” I correct because I won’t stand by and allow her to be blamed for something that wasn’t her fault.

“Aye, those fuckers,” he spits with contempt, appearing thankful I didn’t probe.

“Why didn’t Dad fight for her?” I question for the hundredth time.

Uncle Sean’s cheeks billow as he weighs over his response like he always does. “Some things are better left alone, Punky. Please trust me. I’m doin’ this for yer own good.”

There’s no point arguing. I face this answer every single time.

“My own good leaves my head melted.”

“And what do ya plan on doin’ to change that?” Uncle Sean asks, his blue eyes narrowing.

“Nothin’,” I reply, not because I’m scared, but because I know Uncle Sean will stop me from pursuing this. I need to approach this carefully, not just with the Doyles, but with the Kellys, as well.

But he knows me better than I know myself at times. “If yer thinkin’ of doing somethin’ stupid, please don’t. I love ya like my own son. Ya know that?”

I don’t know why Uncle Sean never married. He’s not short of admirers. When I asked him why not, he said it was because he hadn’t found the right woman.

“Ach, yer such a big softie these days, aul’ lad,” I tease, wanting to change the subject because Uncle Sean is the only person who, if he dug deep enough, could unravel my plan. And I can’t have that happening.

No matter what he tells me, and no matter how many times he warns me to let it go, I will not. It only enforces what I need to do.

“Ack, yer a smart-arse. Away now, I’ll take care of this.”

I’m suddenly reminded there is a cooling corpse behind me.

Taking one last look at Nolen, I push aside the guilt at seeing his lifeless body slumped in a chair because I could have helped him. I’ll never know what he was going to share with me, but that’s the least of my worries when I think of Orla.

He’ll never share anything with her ever again.

Swallowing down my regret, I slap Uncle Sean on the back and make my way out the door. I don’t know what’s going to happen to Nolen, but I do know his body will never be found.

When I’m far enough away from Uncle Sean, I dig into my back pocket for my phone and call Rory.

“What’s the craic with Babydoll?” I ask when he answers.

“Ack, nothin’ excitin’. I’ll keep lookin’ and askin’ around.”

“Grand, I need ya to look into somethin’ else for me.”

“What is it then?”

Ensuring no one is within earshot, I reply, “Real estate. My ma’s bungalow is in Moville.”

Rory’s silence hints that he’s shook. This is one question which has baffled me for years, but now that I have the answer, it almost doesn’t feel real. I never knew her bungalow was located in the Republic.

I just assumed it was here in the North. But this changes everything.

“Are ye all right?” he asks with concern.

“Aye, I’m fine. But I’d be even better if you can find me an address.” When the silence continues, I add, “Out with it, Rory.”

Rory isn’t one to sugarcoat anything, so his silence leaves me awful restless.

“Yer not go

Digging into my pocket for my car keys, I reply, “Who’s that then?”

“Patrick Duffy.”

I freeze from unlocking my car, needing a minute. “Yer right, but how do I manage that? I can’t exactly ask him to show me what I need.”

When Rory sighs, I clue in that he wasn’t suggesting I ask Patrick.

“Oh, fuck,” I mutter under my breath. “I’m sorry, Rory, I know ya like Darcy, but I gotta—”

He doesn’t let me finish. “It would fit ya better if ya did this with Darcy. I understand that.”

Just because he understands, doesn’t mean he likes the idea, but this shows what a true mate he is.

“I promise no fu

But we both know it doesn’t matter how many words are said, Darcy isn’t interested in him.

“I’ll call ya if I find anythin’ on Babydoll.”

“Thanks. I really appreciate everythin’ youse are doing for me.”

“We’re family. Ya don’t have to thank me.”

I don’t know where I would be without these lads. They are more of a family to me than my own flesh and blood. We understand one another and what it means to be who we are. I would die for these boys and I know the feeling is mutual.

“I’ll talk to ya later.” Hanging up, I take a moment to process what I need to do.

Every part of my body is rebelling at the thought, but Rory is right. Patrick Duffy is my way in and I’m prepared to do what I must to get what I want; which is why I scroll through my contacts and stop on the letter D.

As I dial Darcy’s number, I peer into the starless sky—there’s no hope of ever making a wish and it coming true.

Luckily, however, I don’t believe in fairy tales.