Page 7 of Cowboy (Fury Vipers MC: Dublin Chapter #4)

CAOIMHE

I stare at Ciarán and Travis, my mind reeling from everything that’s happened. I appreciate that they’ve explained things in detail to me, but I’m still angry. I’m beyond that.

“So, what you’re telling me is that you have no idea who killed my brother, you have no idea who’s after me, and yet you expect me to believe that you’ll keep me safe?”

"We may not know exactly who's behind this," Ciarán says, his gaze firmly on me. "But we do know they're dangerous, and they're after anyone who might have information about their operation. That includes you, Caoimhe."

I shake my head, trying to process it all. "But I don't know anything aside from what we found on Dylan’s laptop. He never told me about any of this."

"It doesn't matter," Travis interjects. "They don't know that. To them, you're a loose end that needs to be tied up."

A chill runs down my spine at his words. I wrap my arms around myself, suddenly feeling very small and vulnerable. "So what happens now? Do I just... disappear? Leave my whole life behind?"

Ciarán and Travis exchange a look that does nothing to ease my anxiety.

"For now, yes," Ciarán says softly. "It's the only way to keep you safe while we figure out our next move."

I feel tears welling up in my eyes. "But what about school? My friends? Auntie Trish? They'll all be worried sick."

"We'll figure out a way to let them know you're safe without revealing where you are," Travis assures me. "But for now, the less anyone knows, the better."

I nod, wiping away a stray tear. "I just... I can't believe this is happening. A week ago, my biggest worry was my history exam. And now..."

Ciarán moves to sit beside me on the couch, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.

"I know it's a lot to take in. But I promise you, Caoimhe, we're going to figure this out.

We're going to keep you safe and we're going to make sure the people responsible for Dylan's death pay for what they've done. "

I look into his eyes, seeing the determination there. Despite everything, I feel a small spark of hope. "Okay," I say quietly. "So what happens now?"

Travis clears his throat. "We need to start gathering evidence. Concrete proof of who's involved in this trafficking ring. It's the only way to bring them down and ensure your safety in the long run."

I nod, feeling a sudden surge of determination. "I want to help," I say firmly. "This isn't just about keeping me safe anymore. It's about justice for Dylan, and for all the other victims of these monsters."

Ciarán and Travis exchange another look. “You can’t,” Travis tells me. “Our job is to keep you safe.”

Pain and disappointment hit me. I’m so confused. I have no idea what the hell I’m going to do. I hate that I’m stuck here and I feel so alone. I don’t want to put Ciarán in danger. He and Travis are willing to give up their lives to protect me and that’s not something I ever want.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions raging inside me. "Look, I understand you want to protect me. But I can't just sit here and do nothing while you risk your lives. Dylan was my brother. This is my fight too."

Ciarán's expression softens. "Caoimhe, I get it. I really do. But you have to understand how dangerous this is. These people won't hesitate to kill you if they get the chance."

"They killed Dylan," I say, my voice breaking slightly. "They've already taken so much from me. I can't just hide away and let them win."

Travis steps forward, his face serious. "It's not about winning or losing, Caoimhe. It's about survival. And right now, keeping you safe is our top priority."

I feel frustration building inside me. "But I'm not helpless! I can do something, anything. Even if it's just helping with research or?—"

"No," Ciarán interrupts firmly. "Absolutely not. We're not involving you in this any more than you already are."

I stand up, anger flaring. "So what, I'm just supposed to sit here like a good little girl while you two try to figure out who’s after me? This is my life we're talking about!"

"Exactly," Travis says, his voice calm but firm. "It's your life. And we're trying to make sure you keep it."

I open my mouth to argue further, but Ciarán cuts me off. "Caoimhe, please. I promised Dylan I'd keep you safe. Don't make that harder than it already is."

The mention of Dylan's name hits me like a punch to the gut. I sink back onto the couch, all the fight draining out of me. "I just... I feel so useless," I whisper.

Ciarán sits next to me, putting an arm around my shoulders. "You're not useless," he says softly. "You're surviving. That's the most important thing you can do right now."

I lean into him, feeling tears start to well up again. "I miss him so much," I choke out.

"I know," Ciarán says, his own voice thick with emotion. "I miss him too."

We sit there in silence for a moment, the weight of our loss hanging heavy in the air. Finally, Travis clears his throat.

"We should all try to get some rest," he says. "Tomorrow, we'll start making plans."

I nod, suddenly feeling exhausted. As I stand to head upstairs, I turn to Ciarán and Travis. "Thank you," I say quietly. "For everything you're doing. I know I'm not making it easy."

Ciarán gives me a small smile. "You're family, Caoimhe. We're in this together."

As I climb the stairs to my room, I can't help but feel a mixture of emotions. Fear, anger, grief, and desperation bubble up inside of me. I don’t want to be in this position.

I don’t want to be the reason Ciarán and Travis put their lives on hold to try to protect me.

I don’t want them to be in danger because of me.

There’s only one thing for me to do. I need to leave. If they’re coming for me, they’ll come regardless. I’d rather be alone than have people get hurt to protect me.

Quietly, I gather my backpack. I didn’t unpack yet as I was unsure of what was going to happen. It was ready for me to go at a moment's notice.

I quickly write a note. I know they’ll be mad, but I need to do this.

Ciarán and Travis,

I'm sorry, but I can't let you risk your lives for me. You've already done so much, and I'm grateful, but this is my fight too. I need to find answers on my own. Please don't try to find me. I'll be careful. I promise.

Thank you for everything.

Caoimhe x

I fold the note and leave it on the pillow. Then, with one last look around the room, I slowly open the window. The night air is cool on my face as I assess the distance to the ground. It's not too far, I can make it.

As I lower myself out of the window, I say a silent prayer. For Dylan, for Ciarán and Travis, and for myself. I don't know what lies ahead, but I know I have to face it. For Dylan's memory, for justice, and for my own survival.

My feet touch the ground, and I take a deep breath. Then, without looking back, I slip into the darkness of the night, leaving behind the safety of the safe house and stepping into the unknown.

I have no idea where I'm going or what I'm going to do, but I know one thing for certain: I'm going to find out who killed my brother, and I'm going to make them pay. No matter what it takes.

As I walk down the quiet street, my heart pounding in my chest, I can't help but wonder if I'm making a huge mistake. But then I think of Dylan, of the life he lost, and I know I have to do this. For him, for me, and for all the other victims of this horrible trafficking ring.

I pull my hoodie tighter around me and pick up my pace. I don't know where this path will lead me, but I'm determined to see it through. Whatever comes next, I'll face it head-on. Because that's what Dylan would have done. And I owe it to him to be just as brave.

* * *

Six Months Later

I keep my head down as I hurry down the street toward the train station. These past six months have been hard. I've lost a lot of weight and I'm at the lowest place mentally I think I've ever been.

Living on the run, constantly looking over my shoulder, has taken its toll. I've moved from city to city, never staying in one place for too long. I've slept in hostels, on park benches, and once even in an abandoned building. Every day is a struggle to find food, to stay warm, to avoid detection.

But I haven't given up. I've been gathering information, piecing together bits and pieces of the puzzle. It's slow going, and dangerous. I've had a few close calls, moments where I was sure I'd been found. But somehow, I've managed to stay one step ahead.

As I approach the station, I scan the area, a habit I've developed over these long months. That's when I see him. A man in a dark coat, his eyes fixed on me. My heart rate spikes. Is this it? Have they finally caught up with me?

I quicken my pace, ducking into the crowded station. I weave through the throng of people, trying to lose myself in the crowd. But I can feel eyes on me. They're here.

I make a split-second decision and veer away from the platforms, heading instead for the back exit. As I push through the door, I break into a run. I hear footsteps behind me, gaining fast.

Suddenly, a hand grabs my arm, yanking me into a narrow alley. I'm about to scream when a familiar voice hisses, "Caoimhe, it's me!"

I spin around, my eyes wide with shock. "Ciarán?"

He looks different, older, somehow. “Christ, I’ve been looking for you for six months. You’ve hidden yourself well."

Before I can respond, he's pulling me along, weaving through back streets and alleyways. My mind is reeling. After all this time… How did he find me?

Finally, we duck into a small, rundown building. Only when the door is locked behind us does Ciarán turn to face me.

"What the hell were you thinking?" he demands, his voice a mixture of anger and relief. "Do you have any idea how dangerous it's been for you out here alone?"

I straighten up, defiance flaring despite my exhaustion. "I've managed just fine," I retort, even as a part of me wants to collapse into his arms, to feel safe for the first time in months.

Ciarán runs a hand through his hair, frustration evident in every line of his body. "Caoimhe, they've been right behind you this whole time."

I understand that he’s been worried about me, but I’ve been doing fine. I’m alive. I taught myself how to survive. I’ve had no other choice.

"How did you find me?" I ask, needing to know so I don’t make the same mistake again.

“Lucky coincidence,” he mutters. “I was in the city for work, and imagine my surprise when I see you skulking around.”

I smile, glad I was able to keep myself hidden. He only found me due to being in the same vicinity. It’s time to move again, maybe this time to mainland Europe.

I can see the determination in Ciarán's eyes, and I know he's not going to let me go easily. But I've come too far to give up now.

"Ciarán," I say, trying to keep my voice steady, "I appreciate that you've been worried about me. But I can't go back to hiding. I've come too far."

His expression softens slightly. "Caoimhe, do you think Dylan would want you to be alone?"

I hesitate, knowing he’s right, but at the same time I need to do this. “No, he wouldn’t."

"All the more reason for you to come back with me," he argues. "We can protect you."

I shake my head. "No. I'm not going to put you and Travis in danger. This is my fight now."

Ciarán steps closer, his eyes intense. "It's our fight, Caoimhe. Dylan was my best friend. I'm not letting you do this alone."

For a moment, I'm tempted. The thought of not being alone anymore, of having someone to share this burden with, is almost overwhelming. But then I think of all the close calls I've had, all the danger I've faced. I can't risk Ciarán's life too.

"I'm sorry," I say, backing toward the street. "But I have to do this on my own."

Before he can react, I turn and bolt away from him. I hear him calling my name as I run, but I don't look back. My heart is pounding as I weave through the streets, trying to lose him in the crowd.

As I run, I can't help but think about how much has changed over the past six months. I'm not the same scared girl who left that safe house in the middle of the night. I'm stronger now, more determined. And I want to uncover the truth about Dylan's death.

I duck into a busy shopping center, blending in with the crowd. As I catch my breath, I make a decision. It's time to leave Ireland. I've gathered all the information I can here. My next lead points to London.

With one last look over my shoulder, I head toward the bus station. A new city, a new identity, and hopefully, one step closer to justice for Dylan.

As I board the bus that will take me to the ferry, I can't help but feel a pang of regret. Ciarán was only trying to help. But I know in my heart that this is the right decision. I have to see this through, no matter the cost.

The bus pulls away from the station, and I watch the city fade into the distance. Somewhere out there, Ciarán is probably still looking for me. But I'm beyond his reach now.

I close my eyes, letting the gentle motion of the bus lull me into a light doze. Tomorrow, I'll be in a new country, and hopefully one step closer to uncovering who killed my brother.