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of the fey globe. Aoife told me that, and I thought she was just messing with me. Saoirse has a way of making me see her as an ally.”
    Aodhan snorted. “That she does.”
    “Have you ever asked Saoirse why she would let Aoife out?” Ethan said.
    I looked at the floor. “Well, no. Like I said she has a way of making me forget when I’m near her.”
    “Aoife may have lied, Allison,” Aodhan said, his boots thumping as he walked across the room to lean on the back of one of the arm chairs.
    “What does Niamh expect to find out, Aodhan?” I asked. “I mean, she seems to be under her mother’s influence as much as anyone.”
    “I think Niamh is starting to question her mother, just as you are.”
    I was surprised, but I had to use this to my advantage. “Sometimes I wonder if they’re all laughing at us, the stupid humans. How we slide into position so easily on their little game board.”
    Aodhan’s jaw hardened. “It’s impossible to tell, though I find it difficult to believe Saoirse would condone Aoife harming you,” he said shaking his head.
    “Why? What am I to Saoirse?”
    He didn’t answer for a long time. “Damn it,” he muttered. “Maybe I’ve become just as influenced by them as I’ve warned you against.”
    I had to be careful. His emotions were dangerously on the edge and could go either way.
    I smoothed my face into a concerned expression. “I know the history between you and Niamh makes it especially hard for you.”
    I hated doing this to him. It made me sick to work against what I felt was a real bond between him and Niamh. I could only hope that even if he ended up hating me for the rest of my life, at least he’d understand I had no choice.
    Aodhan looked as though what I said distressed him. I could almost hear Aoife’s merry chuckle. You have him right where we want him.
    “Possibly,” he said, his expression closed off.
    “I remember Niamh’s father saying he thought it was Saoirse who let Aoife go,” Ethan said. “Maybe he really did it and now he’s just messing with you. Wouldn’t be the first time.”
    I sat back and let Ethan’s words settle. If I was to do my job, I needed to be subtle. Convincing Aodhan was not what I wanted. He needed only a nudge to be pushed away from Niamh.
    Aodhan began pacing again. “Deaghlan was with us when Aoife’s guards were set free. Unless he let them go before he joined us.”
    “We won’t figure this out tonight. We’re just making guesses,” I said, closing my eyes as a throbbing pain started up between my temples.
    “You’ve had a hell of a day,” Ethan said, eyes searching mine. “Why don’t we just try to take it easy tonight, and you can look at everything with fresh eyes tomorrow?”
    Aodhan nodded. “He’s right. I will keep watch overnight, please try to get some rest.”
    “Okay, I can’t argue with that. Aoife will still be up to no good tomorrow.”
    As Ethan and I walked back to my house, I glanced over my shoulder. Aodhan stood in the doorway, hands fisted by his sides, glaring into the woods. I sensed his mind was turning over the things I’d said. Relief that Aoife might not punish her prisoners because of me was shadowed by my self-disgust.
     

     
    Joanne sat on the couch when we got back. She stood immediately, smiling sadly at me and pulling me into her arms.
    “Oh honey, it’s been such a long day for you.”
    “Yeah,” I said, hugging her back. “But I really appreciate you being here for us.”
    “Of course. I’ll do whatever I can. I only wish I could do more.”
    I pulled back and kissed her cheek. “Don’t be silly. Thank you for everything.”
    “You’re very welcome. Your mom and grandmother are both tucked into their beds. I’m going to head home, unless there is anything else you can think of?”
    “Go,” I said, waving her off. “I’m just going to watch a movie and go back to bed.”
    “Okay,” she said, smoothing her hand down my cheek. “I love you all so