Page 41 of No Going Back
And while that sounded pathetic, it was the truth. The pub had been part of the family. They’d all loved it, all stayed there. Originally, the top floor had been storage, but when they were old enough, Seamus had helped her and Charlie fix it up. They’d made bedrooms, a shared living space, and even a small kitchen for the two of them. She’d never felt the need to move out as her parents respected her privacy. They’d been the best.
Sean squeezed her hand. “You’ve had an incredibly difficult few weeks.”
He rubbed his fingers over her thumb while they watched the dog play in the snow. Even in her gloomy mood, she had to laugh at his antics. “I wish this was real.”
Sean chuckled. “Pretty sure we’re not dreaming.”
She smiled. “I didn’t mean to say that out loud. I was just thinking that this is a good life. Working on a project we both enjoy, having friends to help, a dog to play with. I never thought about any other life than the pub, but this makes me happy.”
Sean lifted her hand to kiss it. “Me too. How about we go on a covert mission?”
“What kind of mission?”
He shook his head. “Always with the questions. Trust me?”
“Of course.”
“Good. Let me text Epic to see if I can set it up.”
The texts flew back and forth a few times before he grinned. “All set. Ready?”
Her mood had shifted from gloomy to happy. All because the man she loved was doing something to give her a boost. She didn’t have a clue what he was up to, but his desire to help her was all that mattered. “Ready.”
They locked the house and left Jabba with food and water. Then they hopped into the new truck Sean had bought. It still boggled her mind that he’d sold his truck and bought a new one in order to keep her safe. He’d told her repeatedly he’d wanted to upgrade for a while, but he wouldn’t have done it without the need to stay under Prince’s radar. “You’re a pretty special guy, Sean Falcone.”
He grinned at her but didn’t respond. Instead, he drove toward town and followed his GPS to a small bungalow. As they drove up, the garage door opened, and he drove in.
Troy was in the garage, grinning as he closed the door behind them. “Step One, complete. Let me check the surroundings.”
They got out of the truck and moved to the man-sized door of the garage. Troy waved them outside and to his car. He handed two sets of keys to Sean. “Have fun.”
Then he disappeared inside his house. Sean ushered her into the passenger seat and then got in.
“Where are we going?”
“Secret mission. Stay low.” But his voice was full of fun, not fear.
“Should we be wearing camo?”
He grinned at her. “Maybe next time.” He turned down a street and then another. This one was more like a wide alley, showing the backs of buildings on one side and a field with some trees on the other.
Sean backed in right behind one building, and pulled up to a door. The one to her left had a sign saying Doc’s on it, but this one had nothing to identify it.
He held up his key. “Ready?” When she nodded, he put his hand on the door handle. “Get set.” She placed her hand on her handle. “Go.”
Giggling, she hopped out of the truck and raced to the back of the vehicle. Sean already had the key in the lock. He turned it, ushered her inside, and then locked it quietly behind them.
She looked around curiously. The light from outside wasn’t bright, but she could see enough to know she was in a retail kitchen with several doors leading to other areas. But Piper had said there weren’t any restaurants in the town.
Branna walked closer and realized the appliances were old and the space wasn’t in use. Wait. Was this her pub? Her head whipped around to find Sean grinning at her.
“Is this the Saloon?”
He took her hand. “Why don’t we find out?”
Sean opened the flashlight app on his phone and moved it around the space. Definitely old, but the layout was logical, and there was plenty of room for a pub kitchen.
A set of stairs on the right led up, but they kept moving forward. They found an office, a storage room, and a bathroom before they finally opened the door to the main space.