Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79046 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79046 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
She didn’t argue.
“You have the rest of the week off. You can perform on the weekend if you want, but no more front desk this week. We’re going to the suite now, and you’re going to sleep.”
“You need to sleep too.”
“I’ll see what happens. There’ve been too many incidents for me to sleep.”
We headed upstairs. I was intent on tucking her in. I would watch over her and work from my desk up there. She looked as if she was ready to crash any second.
“When is Niall back?” she asked in the elevator.
“Soon.”
“You said Roman is sending you some men?”
“Yes. That will help. I can add men to patrol and watch.” I swiped my pass.
“Do you think there’s a reason they’re hitting only in the one area?”
I paused, turning to look at her. “I never gave that any thought.” I put my hand on the small of her back, urging her forward. I thought about what she had asked. “You’re right,” I muttered.
“It’s where I lived when I came here. I cut my teeth in that area. I know it the best. They know me.”
She frowned. “Whoever it is, they’re making it personal.”
“Not many would know all that. Unless they knew my history.” I ran a hand through my hair. “Someone in my own crew.”
She looked troubled, then spoke. “Or was in your crew and knew your history because their father spoke of it often. With pride. How you rose in the ranks. The way people, especially in that neighborhood, looked up to you. Regarded you as a hero, not a criminal, because you made sure they were safe.”
I nodded slowly. “And by attacking it, they make me look incompetent and careless.”
“Someone like Brian.”
I huffed out a laugh. “Sorry, my girl, but I don’t think your brother is smart enough to plan and execute such an in-depth plan.”
“Unless he had help. He has the knowledge. Someone else has the men and the money.” She gripped my arm. “Someone with enough money to pay you back, so Brian isn’t beholden to you—but rather, to them. He’s become their soldier.”
I stared at her. “You are brilliant.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
FINN
“But who?” Roman asked, rubbing his chin. I had tucked Una into bed and set up a private video call. Niall joined us.
“Someone who wants to take over. These rogue gangs aren’t that rogue. And it wasn’t Brian in the photo, but I think you were right. He’s part of this.”
“You’ve put out the word?” Niall asked.
I knew what he was asking. Brian Murphy now had a price on his head. “Yes.”
“No more leniency?”
“None.”
“I’ll get some inquiries out there,” Roman offered. “Discreetly, of course. Luca will reach out too.”
“I need him alive to find out who is behind this and why. I’ve spent years building bridges, peace.” I scrubbed my face in anger. “Why?”
“Some people don’t want peace. They thrive on conflict. They believe in taking what they want and will do whatever they need to in order to get that. Can you think of anyone you’ve been at odds with?”
“Lopez?” Niall questioned.
I snorted. “Hardly at odds. I paid him his money, so he didn’t continue to make his ridiculous interest. Hardly a reason to go after me.”
Roman looked thoughtful. “He’s an unknown. Worth checking into. You said yourself he was a cold bastard. Maybe he takes things to the extreme.” He rubbed his chin. “Let me handle that part. I have an incredible hacker. The dark web is his specialty.”
“Fine.”
With a nod, he signed off.
“I’ll be there tomorrow,” Niall informed me. “Mum is home, and all is good. I think she wants me gone. She says I’m hovering too much.”
“Sounds like her.”
“This is serious, Finn. You need me. You look like hell.”
“My territory being torched is keeping me busy.”
“Well, now you know to concentrate everything in the one neighborhood. Maybe we’ll catch them and can work our way up the chain.”
“I hope so.”
I signed off, called one of my captains, and rearranged the schedule. “Keep it on the down-low, but we’re sticking to the Waverly area.”
“Got it.”
“They see anything, they move. Anything. Better safe than sorry. And be on the lookout for Murphy.”
I hung up and went to check on Una. She was curled into the bed, huddled under the covers, asleep but not peaceful. I felt exhaustion bearing down on me, and I decided to lie down. My phone would wake me when I was needed.
And I had no doubt I would be needed soon.
I woke to the feel of Una on my chest, her hair tickling my nose. I glanced at my watch, shocked that five hours had passed. I grabbed my phone, scrolling. I had messages, but no calls. No emergencies.
The sleep had rejuvenated me. I brushed the hair from Una’s face, pleased to see she seemed to be deeply asleep. I wondered if the fact that we were together and close helped us both find the rest we needed.