Chapter 2

Keith O’Connor rolled his eyes as he propped himself up against the bar. They were at a wedding, and Aaron was acting as if he was at a dance club. The youngest of the O’Connor Brothers was rubbing himself against a poor young woman. Granted, she was his date, but their parents and grandmother could see him grinding the poor girl. Even though the girl didn’t seem to mind.

“Does he ever think with the head on his shoulders?” Ian chuckled as he loosened his tie.

“A.J. only has that brain hanging between his legs.” John laughed. Nobody ever called his youngest brother Aaron, it had always been A.J. since the day he came home from the hospital.

“You’re just jealous big brother because you got that ball and chain hanging off your leg.” Nick pushed his way between John and Keith to grab one of the dozens of shots lined up on the bar.

John being jealous was probably the funniest thing Nick could say. His older brother was married to the love of his life, and Keith had no doubt there wasn’t any other woman in the hall, or on the earth for that matter who could ever turn John’s head.

“I’ll let Stephanie know what you called her.” James raised an eyebrow at Nick.

“I’ll tell Marina you let Colin have chocolate yesterday.” Nick grinned. The narrowing of James' eyes told Keith, John’s twin would be in trouble with his wife if that little secret got out.

Keith shook his head. It was the same thing everytime he and his brothers got together. Constant teasing, insults, and threats but even with all that, the seven brothers were thick as thieves.

It had been hard for everyone over the last few months. Especially, Ian’s new wife, Sandy. Not only did she find one of her dearest friends, Ruby, had betrayed her, but she found out that same friend was also her half-sister. Then to top that off, Sandy learned the child she thought she’d lost all those years ago hadn’t died.

It was difficult for Keith too. Ruby had killed his wife. Tessa was also Ruby’s half-sister. It was difficult to get his head around that, and it tore at his heart. Of course, he couldn’t let anyone around him know this. Since almost nobody in his family knew he’d been married. His family wouldn’t understand why he married Tessa. Probably because they were big on only marrying for love.

Keith did love Tessa, but not the way a man should love his wife. Certainly not the way his brothers loved their wives. He’d married her because she was alone and pregnant. The day he’d asked her, it had just come out. Her brother worked for Keith, and she’d come to see him. Lane was out on a job, so Keith felt obligated to help. When she burst into tears in his office, he told her he’d marry her. He didn’t know why, but he followed through.

Keith was raised to keep promises, and mostly he did. Although, he’d pledged to keep Tessa safe, and that was the one he couldn’t keep. She’d been murdered, and he didn’t know if he could ever forgive himself for letting it happen.

The people that did know about his life in Yellowknife, like his employees, Sandy, and Ian, didn’t even know how he felt about it. Keith kept his emotions inside most of the time. It was a character flaw.  

Keith had been that way his whole life. He was the peacekeeper in the family and played referee between the brothers when they butted heads. He’d learned to keep his own emotions under control and be the mediator. His father called it middle child syndrome.

There was always bantering between the three oldest brothers, and the three youngest because of the way Mike, Nick, and Aaron liked to play the field. Keith was really not that different. If his siblings knew what Keith did when he wasn’t with his family, they’d never let him live it down. The only differences were, he avoided St. John’s and he didn’t broadcast it.

When Keith got that itch, he’d jump in his jeep and head far enough away so there wouldn’t be any chance of running into his younger brothers or cousins. It wasn’t that he felt ashamed, but it was something he wanted to keep to himself.

The only person that knew was his best friend and partner Dean Nash, otherwise known as Bull. There were times they would take a weekend and go ‘fishing,’ as they called it. Although, over the last couple of years, Bull seemed to have stopped ‘fishing.’ So mostly Keith would go on his own.

“You seem to be a million miles away.” Keith felt a familiar hand rest on his shoulder. He turned to a set of eyes similar to his own. His father gave him that look of concern Keith knew so well.

Dr. Sean O’Connor was in his late fifties, but he could still turn the ladies heads. Keith heard someone once describe his father as a combination between Mark Harmon and Liam Neeson, but his father only had eyes for one woman. Kathleen O’Connor was the love of his dad’s life, and it could be embarrassing the way they acted sometimes.

“Just a little tired.” Keith raised two fingers to the bartender.

The sweet looking girl seemed a little nervous with all the O’Connor boys and their friends hovering around the bar. It didn’t help that Nick was hitting on the woman. She placed two bottles of beer in front of Keith, and he winked as he tossed a twenty on the bar.

“Look at that, he does know how to flirt.” Mike chuckled.

“Of course he does, look who his father is.” His mom sidled up to his father’s side, and he wrapped his arm around her.

“Yep, you boys could learn a thing or two from the master,” his father dipped his wife and gave her a kiss that had Nick and Mike making gagging noises. Keith just shook his head

“Oh stop it you two. I think it’s so romantic how your parents act.” Marina smiled as she linked her arm into James’. “I hope we act just like that by the time we’re their age.”

“Sweetheart, I’m pretty sure we’ll be like that by the time we’re Nan’s age.” James wrapped his arms around her and whispered something into her ear that had her gasping.

What seemed like hours later, Keith stood at the corner of the bar staring into his glass of whiskey. He’d had his fill of dancing, drinking and watching all the couples wrapped around each other.

“Another one bites the dust.” Aaron plopped down on the stool next to Keith.

“Feeling a little jealous, little brother?” Keith teased, but he knew Aaron was nowhere near ready to follow in the footsteps of the latest O’Connor brother.

“Not in the fucking least.” He laughed. “You better watch out, though. The way things are going, you could be next.”

“I don’t see that happening anytime soon.” Keith rolled his eyes not because he never thought about getting married again. It was definitely possible, and that was evident when he glanced around the room at John and Stephanie, James and Marina, and Ian and Sandy. Even his parents looked at each other with nothing but pure love.

“Doncha worry Keithy, she’s out there. Closer than you think.” This was all he needed. Dear Aunt Cora and her freaky cupid power.

“Seeing the future now are you, Aunt Cora?” Keith chuckled.

“I’ve seen her, Keithy.” With that statement, she walked away.

He gaped after her until he heard the familiar snicker of Aaron next to him.

“Don’t laugh, A.J. She’s working on all of us.” Keith chuckled when Aaron nearly choked on the beer he was drinking. Of course, his statement was probably not far from the truth.

Once Ian and Sandy were gone, Keith could finally head home. It wouldn’t have looked really great for the best man to leave before the bride and groom. He was ready for a glass of wine and some soft mellow music. Nobody would ever believe by the gruff persona he portrayed that he ended his night like that. Especially, when he pulled out his Harley in the Spring. Pair that with his leather jacket and biker boots and most people expected beer and heavy metal to be his entertainment.

Keith was glad Ian and Sandy decided to get married at the Hopedale country club. He could have a few drinks and walk home. It was a beautiful night, considering it was mid-April. A little brisk, but nice for a walk. He loved Hopedale, and living in the small town he grew up in gave him peace. Even with all the shit that had gone down over the last few years with his brother’s wives, there was nowhere else he’d rather be.

He marched up to the security gate of his property or as his brothers called it, the compound. Keith bought the property when he was still living in Yellowknife. When he returned home, he had his construction company build his house. He’d also put up bunk houses for his employees to stay when they were in Newfoundland. Although, most of them seemed to be relocating to the quaint town.

He unlocked the gate and was headed inside when his phone buzzed. He pulled it out of his jacket and saw a number he didn’t recognize. It was after midnight which meant it was probably a job, and an urgent one. As much as he would’ve liked to send the call to voicemail, he couldn’t neglect someone that probably needed help.

“Keith O’Connor.” He closed the gate.

“Keith, I need your help. Someone is threatening my family. I need you to protect my daughter.”

Keith froze on the front step of his house. The man sounded completely panicked.

“Give me a minute to get into my house, and you can explain more to me. Can I get your name?” Keith pushed in the code to open his door and quickly ducked inside. After shutting off the alarm, he hurried to his office and dropped into his chair.

“Nelson Bradshaw. Your Aunt Cora told me to call you. You see, my wife’s been missing for the last two weeks. I went to school with Kurt as well, and Cora was a classmate of my wife.” Nelson rambled, and Keith shook his head as he tried to retain all the information he’d just received in less than a minute.

“I’m very sorry about your wife, Mr. Bradshaw. My company has been lending out resources to the Hopedale P.D. in the investigation.” His business had worked with the police for a few years and helped in a lot of investigations. Kurt didn’t hesitate to ask for help when Mrs. Bradshaw went missing.

Newfoundland Security Services had two of the best computer analysts in the province. Probably in the country. His new sister-in-law was probably the best one he had hired, but Gage Hodder, otherwise known as Smash, was a very close second.

Like almost all of the employees at N.S.S, everyone was referred to by their nicknames. He didn’t like his own but didn’t make a big deal about it. After all, he did have red hair, so Rusty worked.

“Thank you for that, but right now I’m scared for my children. Well, more for my oldest daughter. She refuses to stay here at the house where we have security, and she’s living over her salon by herself. You may know her.” Nelson said.

“I don’t think so.” Keith tried to remember being introduced to any of the Bradshaws. They lived in SummerBrook, and it was one of the places he didn’t go ‘fishing’ since it was too close to Hopedale and he knew that his cousins had friends there.

“She owns the salon there in Hopedale.” Nelson sighed.

“I knew Kim had a partner, but I’ve never met her. Kim is my sister-in-law’s sister.”

“Yes, Kim Newman,” Nelson said Kim’s name with what seemed like destain.

“Mr. Bradshaw it’s late right now, but I can set up a time to meet with you and your daughter on Monday.” Keith pulled up his schedule on the laptop.

“No!” Nelson shouted. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to yell. I need you on this immediately.”

Keith began to get a little annoyed. The Bradshaws were one of the wealthiest families in SummerBrook, but he didn’t care how much money the man had. Keith was tired, and a little drunk. Trying to work out the details after having such a long day wasn’t going to work for him.

“Mr. Bradshaw, I understand you’re worried, but I really can’t do anything about it at this moment. My brother got married tonight, and I’m just getting home from that. Also, most of my employees are on other jobs or off. I’m sure….”

“I don’t want anyone but you, Keith. Cora said you were the best and I want the best.” Nelson was starting to get on his last nerve. Keith had enough on his plate with the security company and his construction company. Not to mention he’d promised to help with Ian and Sandy’s daughters while the couple was on their honeymoon.

“My guys are the best, I assure you.” Keith clenched his teeth when Nelson refused again.

Keith knew what the girls from SummerBrook were like. He’d gone to school with some of them. Most were snobby bitches who thought their own shit didn’t stink. The last thing he wanted was to be dealing with some spoiled rich girl who was slumming it by opening her own salon. Although, Kim had never had a bad word to say about her business partner.

“I’ll pay double your fee, but only if you’re the one that does this.” Nelson blurted out, and it only pissed Keith off more.

He wasn’t going to be bought, and he didn’t care how much the man was willing to pay. Nothing was worth the hassle of working with people like Nelson Bradshaw.

“Mr. Bradshaw, the money isn’t the issue. As I told you, I’m not prepared to set this up at the moment, but if we can set up a meeting for Monday, we can discuss the terms.” Hopefully, the man would fuck off, and Keith could relax.

“I apologize for being an ass, but I received a letter today….” Nelson’s voice was just above a whisper.

“A letter about what?” That got Keith’s attention.

“It said Emily was next.” Nelson’s voice cracked. “I think it’s the same person that took my wife.”

“Mr. Bradshaw you need to let my uncle know this.” Kurt would be pissed if Keith overstepped.

“I just got off the phone with him. He told me to call you right away.” Nelson said.

Keith clenched his jaw. Kurt and Cora really needed to give him a heads up about things. Particularly as he was about ready to tell the man to fly to fuck.

“I’ll meet with you in the morning, but I do suggest you speak to your daughter about this as well.”

“I’ve told her, but you’ve got to understand. Emily’s very stubborn and independent. She doesn't like being told what to do, or that she can’t take care of herself.” Nelson sighed.

“I’ve dealt with people like that in the past. I’m sure I can handle her.” Keith chuckled.

“I hope so, but you’d probably be the first.” Nelson sounded a little more relaxed.

“Text me your address, and I’ll be there by seven in the morning,” Keith said. “And Mr. Nelson, for your piece of mind I’ll send someone to watch your daughter's salon as soon as I hang up from you.” Keith was beginning to feel like a jerk for thinking the worst of the man on the phone. Nelson just wanted to make sure his daughter was safe, and from what Keith could tell she wasn’t going to make it easy.

Just fucking great.