Page 80 of Captive Audience

“Thank you,” Asha said quietly. “That’s extremely useful information for us.”

Everything Niall had done was for Catalina’s safety. If the Soul Collector found her alone and vulnerable, his efforts would be for nothing.

Asha slipped a hand into her pocket and drew something out beneath the table, angled so only I could see. It was a small velvet ring box. The one from Niall’s room.

My brow creased. “You carry that around with you?”

“Call me optimistic, but I was hoping our little field trip might uncover the rightful owner.” She aimed a puzzled look at me. “That never occurred to you?”

Maybe it should’ve. Torin had been right to insist on a third party to handle the investigation. Before finding that ring, I never would’ve imagined Niall had a woman he loved, let alone a child.

“Guess it’s a good thing I have you.”

“May I?” Asha glanced at the box, then flicked her gaze toward Catalina.

I gave a slight nod.

She slid it across the table. “We think Niall wanted you to have this.”

Catalina reached for the box and opened it. She blinked rapidly, more tears threatening as she stared at the ring.

“It’s a protection ring.” Asha held up her hand to show her own.

“And it’s a commitment,” I added. “It means the Beasts of Belfast claim you for life. No one touches or threatens what’s ours.”

The ring Asha wore meant more than she realized. More than I’d ever say out loud.

Catalina’s fingers curled around the box.

I exhaled slowly. “I think you should come with us. Let the Beasts keep you safe. Both of you.”

“Niall didn’t want that for us. That’s why he kept us away from your world.”

“Aye, but you’re exposed here.”

“We’re not safeanywhere.” She flattened her palms on the table. “You think I don’t know how dangerous your enemies are? I lived and breathed their mercilessness for years. Running won’t save me.”

“It won’t be forever,” Asha said. “I’m going to find out who had Niall killed”—her eyes met mine—“and Rook’s going to finish him.”

Catalina remained silent for a moment before she asked, “Where will we go?”

“Let me make a few calls.” I rose from my chair. “I know someone who can help.”

33

ASHA

While Catalina packed for herself and Niall, Rook called Torin.

The head of the Beasts of Belfast listened quietly as Rook explained how we’d found Catalina and Niall Jr., and the situation they now faced.

I hadn’t met Torin Lynch yet, but I’d read about him in news articles, seen him give interviews to the press, and even heard him deliver a speech as the guest of honor at the Children’s Hospital charity gala I’d attended several years back.

He was a poised man, witty, charming, generous with his time and money, and handsome in every sense of the word, with a smile that had surely broken the hearts of stadiums full of women.

In the dozen or so times I’d heard him speak, he’d never sounded like this.

Rook had a hand braced on the kitchen counter and the phone on speaker before him. “Los Cuervos is running women through Philly for the Soul Collector.”