Blood Deep

Prologue

Rita and Christopher Mulroney's Home

Dublin, Ireland

7:45 PM Tuesday, December 5

Maggie smiled as she placed another family ornament on the Christmas tree. The snow was coming down in gentle flurries and Maggie bundled into herself as she looked upon the tree. The tree took up most of the space in the small family room, but her uncle loved big trees, and it drove her Aunt Rita crazy.

Rita was a rather short woman of average weight, and she had short, dark brown hair and green eyes. Christopher had wavy hair and a pot belly that came with age, but he was a nice man and always cared for his family. They loved Maggie and she loved them deeply.

She sighed and turned on the television.

"Aunt, Uncle, the special's on," she called. "Nothing else on this damned thing anyway."

Rita came out of the kitchen, drying her hands off on a dishtowel.

"Turn it up will you?" Rita requested.

Maggie giggled. "It's ain't like you're gonna miss anythin'," she said. "We watch it every year."

"Oh, nothing wrong with a little tradition," Christopher said as he came in with his cider and sat on the couch.

Maggie went into the kitchen. "How's the soup comin' along?"

"Just fine," Rita smiled. "It should be ready within the hour."

Maggie cut a piece of bread and stuffed it into her mouth as she opened up the fridge. "Do we have any more dipping broth?"

"Your uncle went and ate it," Rita huffed. "I promise you I will make some more."

"Please," Maggie said as she wrapped her arms around her Aunt. "You know it's me favorite."

Rita placed her hands on Maggie's arms. "Of that, I am well aware, and I'll get to work on it right away."

Maggie kissed her Aunt's cheek before she went over to the stove to stir the soup. Rita took out the necessary materials for the dipping sauce that Maggie liked with the bread. Maggie had been living with them since the age of four after her mother died, and she was more like a daughter to them than just a niece…she had all the drama of a teenaged daughter, and it was a pleasant time too. Now she was mostly grown up, but still a bit naïve.

At twenty seven, she was ready for the world, but was hesitant to venture out into it.

"Aunt," Maggie began. "Do you think it's possible that I can go to America?"

Rita turned and looked at Maggie.

"Niece, I don't think it's a good idea," Rita said hesitantly.

"Please Aunt," Maggie implored. "I'm ready. I'm fine."

"Your uncle will not hear of it," Rita said hesitantly. "Alright, you are going to have to convince him yourself that you are truly ready to go to America."

"Alright," Maggie said. "But during dinner."

Rita nodded conspiratorially.

After about an hour, dinner was ready.

"Uncle, I've set your place for you," Maggie called.

"I'm still watchin' the special," he called. "Let me finish me cider, then I'll be ready."

"Uncle, you've gone half the day withewt anythin' to eat," Maggie insisted.

"My dear, please come and eat and spare us all the symphony of your hunger flatulence," Rita called and Maggie giggled.

"Do you have to be so mean?" Maggie asked.

The phone rang and Rita went into the kitchen to pick up.

"Hello, Mulroney residence," Rita answered.

Maggie came into the kitchen laughing and she stopped when she saw her aunt's face fall.

"What?" Rita asked. "My darling, it's been so long…well are you alright? Okay, okay, calm down. We'll send her, don't worry about a thing."

Rita hung up the phone and leaned against the counter.

"Aunt?" Maggie inquired.

Rita sighed and pulled her niece into a tight hug and kissed her forehead.

"You just got your ticket to America," Rita said.

Casey Novak's Townhouse

Upper West Side

8:00 PM Thursday, December 7

Casey woke up with a start, and she looked around her dark bedroom and she sighed. She threw her legs over the side of her bed and put her hands on her belly. She felt a little bump, and it made her smile because now the baby was real to her. She was into her third month of pregnancy, and it was exciting.

She rubbed her belly and closed her eyes.

She hurt.

She hurt physically and mentally, and she couldn't bring herself to tell anyone. She wished that John was with her tonight because now she craved his touch. Since Thanksgiving, things had been unpleasant between them, and she hated that they were in a cold war right now.

She heard the doorbell ring and she got up and headed downstairs.

She looked through the peephole and she gasped as she quickly opened up the door.

"Oh my God," Casey gasped as she pulled Maggie into a tight hug.

Maggie felt tears fall down her face as she placed her hands on Casey's cheeks and kissed her several times before pulling away to see that Casey was crying too.

"Sister," Casey sniffled as she hugged Maggie again. "I'm so glad you're here."

"Aunt sent me here," Maggie explained. "I'm never leaving you again, sister."

"I need you," Casey cried. "I really need you, Maggie."