IRISH FIRE Read Online Free PDF Page A

not taking them away from you. You can see them whenever you want.
    I want to see them all the time.
    She laughed bitterly. You mean between drunken binges and screwing half the county?
    You got that right.
    Caitlin sighed, threw up her hands, and began walking toward her car. Im not going to argue with you, Sam, she said over her shoulder. I thought Id tell you in person. I owe you that much. But you cant stop me.
    My lawyer will shred your appeal over his morning coffee, he shouted after her retreating figure. Annie and Benll be home before the Derby dust settles.

    Caitlin slipped into Annies room and pushed the door shut behind her. The welcoming glow of the night light softened the corners of the dresser, the edges of the toy chest, and brought life to the carved features of the glassy-eyed dolls staring down at her. They reminded her of the stories shed read as a child about the gentle guardians with eyes of obsidian who watched over the pharoahs tombs of ancient Egypt. The memory gave her courage. Carefully she walked over to the bed and sat down beside her daughter. Annie stirred, her eyelashes fluttered and separated. Caitlin waited. Annie always woke this way. A minute passed, then another. The childs eyes opened and she smiled.
    Mama, she said sleepily, did you come to kiss me goodnight?
    Caitlin nodded and smoothed her daughters dark hair. I came to tell you something, too, Annie. I need to tell you before you hear it from she hesitated, from someone else.
    Annie waited.
    She was always like thispatient, thoughtful, well adjusted. Caitlins heart thumped. What if she didnt want to come? How could she live without Annie?
    Ive decided to go to Ireland for awhile, Annie, to visit Gran. Id like you and Ben to come with me.
    Annie smiled. Ill come. I love visiting Gran. Ben does, too.
    It will be a long visit.
    Will I miss school?
    Caitlin nodded. A few weeks, I think. There are two schools in Kilcullen where Gran lives. We can see which one you would like best.
    Annie sat up. But its almost summer. Why do I have to go to school in Ireland?
    Im not sure that well come back here to live, Annie. Youll have to go to school.
    Annies mouth puckered as if shed eaten something sour. We arent moving, are we, Mama?
    The truth was always a mouthful, no matter how short the word. Yes.
    Why? Daddy and Grandma wont want to move. Theyve lived here forever.
    Caitlins eyes filled. She took her daughters hands in her own. Lowering her head, she kissed each knuckle. When she lifted her head, the tears were gone. Daddy and I wont be living together anymore.
    Youre getting a divorce? There was no mistaking the horror in Annies voice.
    Yes.
    Why?
    We arent happy together.
    Im happy. Bens happy. Does he know?
    Caitlin shook her head. Not yet. Hes only six years old. I wont use the word
divorce
with him. He wouldnt understand.
    Annies lip trembled. Will I see Daddy again?
    Caitlin gathered her daughter into her arms. Of course you will. And when you do see him, hell spend more time with you than he does now.
    What if he doesnt? Can I come back?
    Caitlins heart broke. If you really want to, love. I cant imagine living without you. But if you really want to, Ill manage. All I ask is that you give it a chance.
    Why do we have to go away? Annie mumbled into her mothers shoulder. Cant you be divorced here?
    Caitlin breathed in the scent of Annies freshly shampooed hair. Its complicated but Ill try to explain. I want to breed and train thoroughbreds for racing. Its all Ive ever done and all I know how to do. But it takes an enormous amount of money to do that here in Kentucky or anywhere in the United States. In Ireland land and fees are much less. The chances of beginning something there are much greater than here. She kissed Annies cheek. Do you understand, love?
    Yes. Annies arms slid around her mothers neck. Will you sleep here with me, Mama?
    Caitlin stretched out on the twin bed beside her daughter. Annies slight form molded itself against