The next morning Inspector Griffin arrived, and, as Kathleen had guessed, he did want to speak to Angel. Shane refused to leave her side, so he joined the meeting, as did Carl. Lily and Bridget were at home resting.
“Thank you for seeing me,” Inspector Griffin began. “Angel, Lucky turned up in Bellevue last night.”
The color drained from Angel’s face. Kathleen could understand her shock. No matter what he had done, he was still her flesh and blood.
“Will he be alright?” Angel asked.
“He’ll live. He got beaten up pretty bad. You wouldn’t happen to know who hit him, would you?” Inspector Griffin asked, his gaze landing on Shane.
“Shane came back with us, when we brought Angel here, and he didn’t leave till late. He couldn’t have hurt Lucky,” Kathleen answered, then turned red as she realized she had made him sound guilty. Inspector Griffin hadn’t accused him of anything.
“I wanted to hurt Lucky, Inspector. After what he did to Kenny and to Angel, but I didn’t touch him. I swear.”
“But you know who did, don’t you, Shane?”
Shane didn’t answer. Angel took his hand and moved closer to him. They stood together, their expressions telling everyone in that room they would never talk.
Inspector Griffin turned to Kathleen. “I believe you were there when Lucky came back to their home.”
“Yes, Inspector, but he looked fine and healthy when I left.” Kathleen wasn’t about to speculate, although she was certain it was Axel who had beaten up his brother. As far as she was concerned, the sanctuary didn’t need to get involved in a war between gang members, whether they were related or not.
“So, nobody in this room can help with my investigation?”
“Sorry, Inspector, but it would appear not. What does Lucky say?” Kathleen asked.
“He says he didn’t see them,” Inspector Griffin said. “A group of men jumped him.”
“Well, I guess you got to take his word for that,” Shane replied, a little too smugly for Kathleen’s liking. She saw the Inspector felt the same.
“Can I get you tea and something to eat, Inspector?”
“No, thank you, Kathleen, I have to get on. It’s been a busy weekend.”
“Any sign of Kenny’s mother?” she asked.
“None. What will you do with him?”
“We think it would be better to get him out of New York. After the incident with Lucky, we feel he would be safer if he lived elsewhere. I guess you won’t have any objection to that?” she asked.
“None at all. It’s a wonderful idea. I best get off. Shane, I’m sure I will be seeing you around.”
Shane didn’t reply. Kathleen showed the inspector out and then came back into the room where Shane and Angel were arguing.
“I have to see if he is all right. He’s my brother.”
“You can’t. You know what will happen. You got to stay out of this and leave it to Axel,” Shane said, before turning to Kathleen. “Can you make sure she stays here? I got to go out for a while.”
“Where are you going?” Kathleen asked, although she guessed it was something to do with Angel.
“Out.”
Kathleen knew he wouldn’t give her any details. “Be careful and don’t be long.”
He smiled, but it was a tight smile and did nothing to mask the worry in his eyes. “I’ll do my best. Keep her here.”
And then he was gone.