Kieran didn’t say anything, biting the inside of his cheek as he realized he’d be missing the gala tomorrow. He’d be missing the night he planned with Fiona, ironically the time he’d planned to tell her about everything she’d just found out. Groaning internally, he nodded as his parole officer grabbed his cuffs and walked him around the building.
He briefly looked up to see his mother. The look on her face shattered him; he knew he was disappointing her yet again. He couldn’t even look at Fiona, terrified of what he’d see. The truth was he probably deserved this—karma for holding back the truth from the woman he loved.
Loved? He was surprised the word so easily flowed through him again. He pushed it away, refusing to let himself feel that. To feel anything for a relationship that had once meant so much to him, to his future, but was now doomed.
Officer Huppert pushed him into the backseat of his car. Kieran stared forward at the bars separating them, a sight he was going to have to get used to seeing again.
Chapter 18
“You knew?” Fiona whirled on Dee and Nora, who were both trying to avoid her gaze. “Everyone knew, and no one told me.”
The pieces started falling together quickly, and suddenly she was surprised that she hadn’t figured it out already.
“I swear I thought you knew, Fiona. I mean, I haven’t spent that much time around the two of you together, and Kieran never hid his past around here.” Nora put her hands up, looking conflicted. “I just assumed you knew.”
“I don’t understand. How could any of this even be happening? Kieran is so…he’s so perfect. I can’t even picture him behind bars, let alone committing a crime. He’s the kindest, sweetest person I know. He’s the last person I’d expect to be a criminal!”
“Kieran isn’t a criminal.” Dee dropped her chin to her chest, looking as miserable as Fiona felt as she talked about her son. “He’s just had a little trouble in his past.”
Shame crept over Fiona’s cheeks. “I’m sorry, Dee. I didn’t mean to call him that. I simply can’t get my mind around what just happened.”
Dee sighed and then squeezed her shoulder gently. “I know, honey. He should have told you. I really wish he had, we all did. This was a terrible way for you to find out, I get it. Although, I honestly had no idea he was still playing around with substances.”
“Um, I don’t really get a druggy vibe from him.” Nora chewed on the edge of her fingernail. “I’m sure it was a misunderstanding.”
“I hope so.” Fiona pushed tears off her cheeks with her palm. “Damn it, I don’t even know what to think or feel right now.”
Nora nodded. “Let’s not jump to conclusions. I’m gonna go check on the kids. I’ll, uh, see you guys tomorrow for the gala.”
“The gala!” Fiona moaned, remembering the beautiful dress she’d been so excited to show Kieran.
Dee waved off Nora, who was more than eager to leave the women alone. Fiona clutched Shea’s hand and walked back around the building toward the car, with Dee beside them. “Listen,” Dee said, “it’s too late to worry about anything tonight. He’s going to be processed, so there’s nothing we’ll be able to do until morning. Let’s just get Shea home, get everyone fed, and tackle this tomorrow.”
“You’re right.” Fiona sighed, knowing that what Dee said made sense. As they neared the car, Fiona’s heart broke for the older woman. “I’m so sorry this is happening, Dee.”
“It’s okay, honey. We’ll figure this out.” Dee’s voice caught slightly, and Fiona couldn’t miss the quick swipe as she tried to wipe away the evidence of any tears.
Fiona didn’t know what to say to make Dee feel better, mainly because she didn’t know how to make herself feel better about this situation, either. Shea climbed into the car and Fiona followed her, letting Dee get in the driver’s seat.
Ten minutes later, they were pulling up in front of the Kavanagh house. Seamus was standing on the front stoop, seeming to be waiting for them.
“Hi, girls, dinner’s on the table.” He nodded to Fiona as she and Shea climbed out of the car. She just nodded back as he walked right past her to the driver’s side of the car and opened the door for Dee. They huddled together, arms wrapped around each other as they murmured between themselves. Their voices sounded both rushed and pained, and Fiona almost forgot how much she was hurting, too. Instead, she was feeling their pain, and it was unbearable.
Giving them privacy, she rushed Shea into the house. As always, the Kavanaghs had prepared everything for dinner just the way Shea liked it, and Fiona helped her through her meal. Fiona couldn’t stomach any food herself, instead hovering over Shea the entire time she ate.