Chapter 6

My plans came to nothing. I was met at the Dublin Airport by Justine, Colin, Chelsea, Anne, and Claire. Before I could start Justine spoke. “She’s gone, Damon.”

“Where is she?”

“America,” said Chelsea. “She’s hoping to get her newest work published there. The exposure will be tremendous for her.”

“Did she know I was coming?”

Justine looked down, unable to meet my eye. “Yes. Please, Damon. This trip had been planned for a while, and she had contractual obligations. She couldn’t cancel, it would have ruined her career. Surely you understand?”

“Where’s Katie?”

“She’s with us. Do you want to see her?”

“No. I want to take her home with me. Pack her bags.”

Justine’s eyes went wide. “I can’t just...”

“Yes you can. I know she has a passport. Get her ready.”

Chelsea cut in. “It will be all right, dear. We’ll take her to my home. That way Damon can see her as much as he likes while he works out things with her mother. I’ll make sure Sissy knows.”

Chelsea gave me a stern look as she spoke. “Now listen to me, Damon. We promised we wouldn’t interfere, and we won’t. This way you can meet on neutral ground, in a calming atmosphere. I, we, are doing this for you. DO NOT screw this up! That child needs her father. Now, book your flight home, and I swear to you, we’ll be right behind you, a day, no more than two. I’ll call when we’re home. Say you understand.”

I just nodded and turned away. An hour later I was over the Atlantic, bound for home.