“He did this, didn't he? Don’t lie to me,” Shane said, holding her shoulders.
“Shane, stop shouting. That’s not going to solve anything.” Kathleen pulled her brother away from Angel. Turning to the girl, she pulled her sleeve down and drew her to sit on the sofa beside her. “Angel, you can’t let your brother treat you like this. We can keep you safe, if you come with us now.”
“I can’t,” Angel repeated. “They’re my family.”
“That’s about to change, Angel,” Shane interrupted, but Angel didn’t acknowledge him. Kathleen hid her surprise, as she had to convince Angel to leave with them. The bruises on her arms were more proof her brother wasn’t going to keep her safe.
“Did Kenny tell you about his family?” Kathleen asked her, softly.
“He said he’d lost them and was going to ask Santa to find them. He said the cops told him his sister was dead, but she wasn’t.”
“His sister Mary was fourteen-years-old, just slightly younger than you are now. She died at the hands of Kenny’s mother, her mother. Some families don’t treat their loved ones the way they should be treated. You know Lucky is going to get worse. You can’t stay here, not if you want to live.”
Angel didn’t reply, the look of shock on her face speaking volumes. She obviously had believed Kenny’s sister was going to be found. It amazed Kathleen that the girl could be so innocent, yet seem so tough at the same time.
“Listen to her, Angel. I've been trying to get you away for the last year. You can’t keep livin’ like this. If they don’t kill ya, they will sell you to Monk. You know that. Don’t be stupid,” Shane said sharply.
Kathleen saw Angel’s eyes widen, as the girl retaliated.
“Who are you callin’ names. I live in a house. What are you offerin' me? A bed on the street? Until someone better comes along? My brothers told me about men like you.”
Kathleen couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Shane was even more involved with this girl than just fancying her. A Jew? Not to mention the sister of some heavy-hitting gang members. How had they even met, never mind gotten to know each other so well?
“Angel, you know that isn’t what I want. I want us to be together. For always, but you aren’t old enough yet. I want you to come to Riverside Springs with me. You will be safe there. I told you before that’s what I want. I ain't leaving New York without you. But I won’t let you live here anymore. You’re comin’ with us, whether you like it or not.”
Angel scrambled away from Shane, as he moved nearer. Kathleen stood, too, the girl coming to stand behind her, as if Kathleen would protect her. Kathleen knew her brother wouldn't hurt Angel. No matter what else he had done, he was always wonderful with children and wasn’t going to lift his hand to a woman. Especially the woman he claimed to love.
“Shane you can’t kidnap her. That’s a crime,” Kathleen chided her brother.
“I don’t care. I ain't leavin’ her here,” Shane protested, his facial expression telling Kathleen it was pointless trying to argue with him. She glanced at Tommy.
“We got to go. Won’t be long until one of your brothers shows up,” Tommy said.
“Too late. They’re here now,” Shane said, glancing out the window, his face a hard mask.