Task Force Three and the Irish Jewel [The Men of Five-O #3] (Siren Publishing LoveXtreme Forever) (6 page)

“So this Fenly inherited everything?” William asked.

“No. Sounds to me like he took it over. I spoke with Mick and updated him on our info. He was doing some research on the missing daughter and the O’Brian family.”

They heard the garage door open and knew Mick had arrived. A few seconds later, he entered the kitchen.

“What did you find out?”

“The O’Brian family has were blood,” Mick stated.

“What?” Pat asked, sounding surprised.

“Yeah, and get this, when I tried calling in a few favors to find out more information on O’Brian, I got a call from Perkins.”

“Perkins from the Order?” Willy asked, and Mick nodded.

“What the fuck?” Pat asked.

“Yeah, I was asked why I was looking into the O’Brian family of County Clare, Ireland, and what that had to do with the drug bust the other night,” Mick replied as he looked at Willy.

Willy crossed his arms in front of his chest and squinted his eyes. He felt concerned but also suspicious. He wasn’t going to let Duggy Doolin, Simon, or this new piece of shit Fenly O’Leary get away with selling and importing illegal guns and drugs.

“Did he suggest staying away from investigating Fenly?” Willy asked.

“No,” Mick replied with a smirk and an expression that said he knew what Willy was thinking.

“I say we continue this investigation and see where it leads us. We’ll do what we can to investigate on the down low through the department. I have a feeling this is going to turn into something bigger than just drugs and guns being imported from Ireland. After all, our first allegiance is to pack law. O’Leary, Doolin, and Simon are breaking pack laws in many ways. We may have to put our law-enforcement work on hold and take care of were business,” Will stated.

“I think you’re right. I also think that O’Brian’s missing daughter is key,” Mick stated then tossed another folder onto the counter.

Willy looked at him sideways. “You found a picture of her?”

“It suddenly appeared in the front seat of the SUV while I happened to be at the department getting info on Fenly,” Mick replied.

Willy glanced at Sean, who looked just as shocked and equally concerned. They didn’t like being watched. William picked up the picture, immediately noting the mask she wore over her eyes. From the scene behind her, she was at some sort of masquerade, but despite the mask he was mesmerized by the beauty of her eyes.

“Wow. How old is she in this shot?” William asked, half listening as his brother Mick stated she was eighteen. All Willy could do was stare at the gorgeous young woman with big shamrock-green eyes. Her long brown hair sat in waves upon her shoulders. She stood wearing some sort of ballroom evening gown that accentuated her large breasts. Despite the mask, he could tell that the woman was gorgeous.

“So she would be how old now?” Sean asked, looking over Willy’s shoulder.

“Hey, she looks kind of familiar,” Sean stated as he stared at the picture. Willy gave his younger brother a light smack to the back of his head.

“Yeah, sure, you know her.”

“Hey, I didn’t say that I know her. I said she looks familiar.”

“There’s no way you ever met her. She lives in Ireland, right, Mick?” Willy asked.

“No one knows where she disappeared to. Maybe we’ll get another surprise envelope with her new address here in the US. Wouldn’t that be something else?” Mick stated sarcastically as he pulled the picture from Sean’s hand.

“Let’s get moving on this. A quick trip to Ireland may be in order,” Willy replied as he walked out of the kitchen.

* * * *

Ava looked around the gala at all the impressive artwork. She felt jittery and intimidated by all the professional artists. She was an amateur and self-taught. In the months after her escape from Ireland, she had submerged herself initially in emotional turmoil and unrest of her predicament. Then she got angry, and revenge became her focus. While pursuing her computer-hacking skills, she took an art class with the local college and found therapy in painting. She had painted all the time at home in Ireland, but it had reminded her so much of her father she had stopped. When revenge became her focus, she decided to paint again. While taking the class, her so-called natural abilities were discovered by her art teacher. He insisted she do a show or two, which she fought tooth and nail. However, she had the feeling that her art instructor wanted others to know about her work which, obviously, led her to being showcased this evening. Of course she had him sign a contract for her to remain anonymous. She simply signed her work with the initials AO.

“Ava, you look simply stunning as usual this evening. Have you noticed all the attention your pieces are receiving?” Martin, her teacher, asked in between kissing both of her cheeks and then holding her shoulders. His smile shined and took away some of her anxiety. She thought he was just being nice. After all, she wore a bit of a disguise to make her feel less conspicuous. Thick black frames covered her eyes, and she tied a large shawl around her shoulders.

“There are so many talented artists here,” she told him.

“Don’t fret. I just heard that your piece overlooking Central Park has been purchased.”

She grabbed Martin’s arm and whispered, “What? You can’t be serious?”

“Eight thousand, I believe, was the selling price,” he told her and smiled. She felt her mouth drop, and she was stunned.

“Remember, no one knows who the artist is. I think the mystery adds to the sale price. If they knew it was you I am certain they would be just as impressed. You look stunning this evening,” he stated, winked, then walked away.

Ava calmed her breathing and smiled wide inside. It had been so long since she felt alive and appreciated for something she accomplished. She would have never imagined making eight thousand dollars from one of her paintings. Not that money was a worry, but it felt good to make it herself. She ran her palms over the slim-fitting satin dress, feeling both nervous and proud. She wished she had family to share it with, or at minimum someone who cared about her. The thoughts took away her moment of happiness.
I miss you, Daddy.

Ava took a glass of champagne and continued to walk around the gala. She was getting used to the way men checked her out and winked at her. Ava was coming out of her shyness shell and flirting with the idea of having a fling or two. She couldn’t remain a virgin forever.

There had to be nearly a hundred people there. She noticed the politicians and some big Wall Street guys, too. She would have to make a point of chatting with them a bit. She found men in tuxedos to be quite appealing to the eyes. However as soon as many of those appealing men spoke, their arrogance came out and she was turned off. She didn’t need a man in her life, she just wanted a companion and perhaps, someday, someone who loved her. As she strolled, her focus was on the fine art around her.

* * * *

“I kind of like this punishment. Look at all the hot, classy women,” Sean stated to Kyle, who actually looked really good in a tuxedo.

“Yeah, yeah, well that’s what got us into this to begin with,” Kyle replied then stopped talking as he stared straight ahead.

“What? Who do you see?” Sean asked as he followed his brother’s line of sight.

He nearly choked on the hors d’oeuvre he popped into his mouth.

“I don’t believe it. It’s her. Come on,” Kyle blurted out, and Sean grabbed his arm.

“Wait, bro. This is a classy gathering and we need to keep cool. If we surround her, she might scream for help and cause a scene. Let’s just watch her, and when she’s alone, we’ll go find out precisely who she is,” Sean suggested, and Kyle agreed.

Sean continued to watch the attractive woman from a short distance away. He felt his insides burn with desire, and he knew she was special. His wolf was at complete attention. The sway of her hips, the way the black satin cascaded over her every curve was mouthwatering. He had to clench his fists at his side when he saw how other men took notice of her and even pretended to bump into her to get her attention. Alpha males did not need to pretend. They could take what they wanted and what was rightfully theirs to have. This goddess before him was most definitely going to belong to him and perhaps Kyle as well. He wondered what was with the glasses. She wasn’t wearing them the other night. Not that they did anything to take away from her beauty. In fact, he found the glasses kind of sexy and sophisticated, totally unlike any woman he’d ever found attractive. This was different. She was special.

The soft glow of golden light collided with her firm-looking, toned arms and shoulders, making them appear as if they glistened with sparkles. Her skin was creamy and supple looking from a distance. Sean could only imagine how it would feel to touch her skin, her neck, her everything. That shawl she clasped to her body was a sign of her fragility and delicateness. His wolf found that appealing and also a weakness it wanted to guard and eliminate. Clutching her shawl made her look as if she needed protection and she was on guard from danger. His wolf recognized it and wanted to protect her from whatever it was she feared. It was so strong of a sensation he knew that he would kill for her, to protect her and keep her safe. That realization struck him with a force that nearly took the breath out of him. Sean snapped out of his spell as Kyle gave him a nudge toward the direction the young woman had taken away from the crowd. Perhaps this was their chance.

* * * *

Ava walked down the long corridor to the more abstract artwork and rather creepy displays. There weren’t many people down the hallway, but she was curious.

As she walked between the burgundy curtains, a couple came out looking unimpressed.

“I wouldn’t bother unless you like the wilderness,” the woman stated, and they disappeared.

Curious, Ava parted the curtain and entered what appeared to be a makeshift forest. They had a complete display with water running along a stream and small creatures climbing trees and sound effects. Apparently there was some kind of sensor because suddenly the sun disappeared and moonlight illuminated the once-well-lit forest display. All she could see were eyes glowing from the animals, and instinctively she stepped back.

The sound of growling made her jump, and suddenly, right before her eyes, two wolves appeared and attacked one another. The ferocious growls echoed around her, and she panicked as she covered her mouth and stopped the scream. In her mind she recalled the wolves back in Ireland and Fenly. She looked around, unable to see where she was in the darkness. Her instincts warned her that perhaps this was some kind of inside joke by wolves living secretly among humans. It scared her almost as much as finding that she was no longer alone.

“How lame is this?” a voice stated behind her, and she gasped then quickly turned. The curtain opened, revealing two large men in tuxedos illuminated by the hallway lights.

“What do you want?” she asked, stepping back toward the display, but the one man gently clasped her elbow. From the feel of it, his hand was significantly larger.

“Let’s get out of here,” he whispered, and she thought she recognized the voice. As they headed out into the hallway, the sounds of roars and cries from the display continued behind the curtain. She wondered what kind of sick artist came up with that.

As she looked at the two men, she realized who they were and pulled away from them.

Both men held her gaze, and they appeared as if they were sniffing her. She instinctively clutched her purse to her stomach, causing her shawl to fall off her shoulders. She knew that she had two syringes filled with sedative in her purse. She always tried to be prepared for the unexpected. It was precaution if she were ever attacked by wolves.

“Who are you?” the one big guy with shoulder-length brown hair asked. He was breathtakingly handsome, especially with the ocean-blue eyes.

“Yeah, we need to know who you are,” the other one asked, and when she looked at him she saw he had the same blue eyes, similar features, but short, wavy hair.

She swallowed hard.

“I’m sorry but I need to get back.”

She began to move, but the one man blocked her way.

* * * *

Kyle and Sean were communicating telepathically as they realized at the exact same time that this woman was their mate. They were shocked nearly speechless until she attempted to leave. That was not going to happen.

“You left a crime scene last night when we told you to stay put,” Kyle stated, and she flinched. She was gorgeous, with long, wavy brown hair and spectacular green eyes. With the three-inch heels she stood nearly to his chest. Kyle figured her to be about five foot seven, if that, without the heels. The slim-fitting black dress she wore accentuated every curve. She was a knockout.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t even know you,” she replied with attitude but turned away so she wouldn’t have to look him in the eye. Why was she lying? He hoped that she wasn’t involved criminally with their case.

“Don’t even try it, sweetheart. We’re investigators and we know it was you last night,” Sean added.

“Listen, I don’t want any trouble. I didn’t see anything really. All I heard were the gunshots and some growling sounds from some dogs nearby. I was leaving a friend’s apartment down the block.”

“What’s your friend’s address and name?” Kyle asked.

Her cheeks turned a shade of pink, and she lowered her eyes, causing her eyeglasses to fall forward. She removed them as she fidgeted with her bag. Her nonthreatening demeanor made Kyle ease his attitude and the way he treated her. As much as he wanted to find out who she was and keep her in his sight, he didn’t want to scare her. Talking to his brother, they both felt that she was timid.

“I’d rather not say. I left his place abruptly,” she stated, putting emphasis on the word “his.” Instantly Kyle felt jealous.

“Tell us your name.”

“Ava! Ava, I’ve been looking for you.” Kyle and Sean turned to see some tall, thin man hurrying down the hallway looking rather concerned. He brushed right by Sean and Kyle and took Ava’s hand.