Page 11 of When Kings Rise

“My political party is a favorite right now, so I will make it into Dail Eireann and then on up.” Our drinks arrive, and Lorcan takes a sip with a smile. “To ruling,” he says, Ronan joins in with our brother's positivity.

I don’t.

Both of my brothers look at me. Both with the same gray eyes, and dark hair, and dark suits. We are built similarly, but our rearing was all different.

Lorcan wasn’t around Ronan and me much growing up, as he spent most of his time in a prestigious boarding school being educated on how to rule Ireland one day. That day seems to be growing closer and closer.

“I’ve made several deals on the black market for weapons, both in Ireland and the mainland of Britain,” I say. Our enterprise is untouchable.

Just like us.

Ronan nods, and he leans closer on the table. “What have you found out about Andrew?”

I sit back in my seat and grin. “If you had showed up to the meeting, you would know.”

Ronan glances at Lorcan before he speaks. “We arrived as soon as we could, but you, brother, were already gone. We will have a chance to speak at the annual Diners of Influence party.”

Another outing. Great.

“I know about the event. I’ve been commanded to go with my brides.”

Ronan smiles. “I’d like to get a good look at these brides of yours.”

I release my cup of coffee before the porcelain cracks under my tightening fingers. “I will take your eyes out if you do,” I say.

Ronan laughs, but there is no humor there.

“Now, no need for that. Ronan, you are going to get your chance soon.” Lorcan says, always the politician.

Ronan shrugs. “You may be next. Doesn’t it look better for your constituents if you are married? Aren’t you into your image? Bleached teeth. Kissing babies and shit.” Ronan doesn’t know when to stop. His mouth has a way of running away with itself.

“You mock me, but having someone in the family in the upper tiers of government will open up avenues for our family that we couldn’t even dream of ten years ago.” Lorcan fires back in his defense. He’s been brainwashed into thinking this is beneficial for just our family.

“You won’t be benefiting our family. You are a stooge for Victor,” I say.

Lorcan glares at me. The beast rises inside him. We all have it, but he controls it the best. He has to.“Our alliance with the Hands of Kings has given our family power like it hasn’t had since Interpol started getting on our asses.” Lorcan defends them.

I know I should stop, but I can’t. Having Ronan across from me giving me a smug smile that I want to wipe off his face has me continuing.

“I’m not seeing it. Everything we do is for them.” Bitterness I had thought was deeply buried, raises its head. It’s my next job that is bothering me more than anything I have been asked to do before. I’ve never questioned a kill, but this time is different.

“Careful, little brother. It isn’t wise to question my loyalty to me and mine.” Lorcan states.

“You seem to be paranoid, Diarmuid. Are you experiencing some disloyalty with your new swines?”

I rise, having listened to enough of Ronan’s shit. Lorcan places a hand on my arm. “Sit, Brother.” He glances around like someone might be watching.

I don’t sit because of that; I sit because I know hitting Ronan once wouldn’t satisfy me, and I’m not sure I’d stop.

Ronan grins like he has won.

“So, what was the news about Andrew?” Lorcan swings back to his earlier question.

“He was found dead three weeks ago, a woman’s body laid upon his shallow grave.”

I pick up my coffee and take a long sip. Shutting my brain down, not thinking about how I killed him, how nobody but the person who laid the body there knows. No one can ever know.

“Who was the woman?” Ronan asks.

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