Page 23 of Líadan's Code

I explain the situation the best I can, and I can hear her packing up and leaving the gun range as I speak.

“Okay, so he’s Daddy’s new employee, though he’s not earning a paycheck,” she murmurs. “This is simply an opportunity to interrogate him a bit and rough him, right? I don’t understand why he wants me for this, Brendan.”

“I don’t either, beautiful. I think your father is intrigued by this guy. I don’t think it’ll save his niece, but it’s admirable nonetheless.”

“What do you mean?” Lía asks.

“The girl has a beautiful voice and he called her a songbird. You know how he gets with rare beauties and the auctions,” I sigh.

“This man wanted to save her by hacking into the bar’s computer network to make sure the security cameras didn’t have any incriminating evidence, but Daddy still sees dollar signs,” she mutters. “Fuck. Well, he’ll get his way regardless of what I want.”

I hate that Líadan doesn’t have any self confidence about how incredible she is. She knows her worth in regards to what she offers her father’s organization, but outside of that she doesn’t understand how fucking smart and wonderful she is. Seán O’Brien attempted to stomp out her creativity and excitement over life.

I’m proud to say I still see glimpses of it. It’s just not as often anymore.

“We’ll cross that bridge when we have to,” I remind her. “Can you find me a mask too, please? I think mine is somewhere. The last time I used it was around Halloween when I chased you through the park woods at two in the morning.”

An honest to goodness raspy laugh comes over the line and I hold it tightly to my chest. Goddamn, she has the most beautiful laugh.

“That was a fun night,” she murmurs. “Fuck, I’m wet just thinking about it.”

I can hear her walking home, her shoes scuffing along on the sidewalk. I love our three bedroom home and how close it is to everything we need. While she does have a car, Lía rarely drives it.

“Milseán, I don’t like to drive with an erection unless I know you’ll suck me off,” I tease her, loving the way she whines softly for me. “I’ll see you soon.”

“Bye,” she says as she hangs up.

Knowing she’ll dig out the mask, I call up one of my trusted contacts to find out everything he can about Jordan Miles.

Jordan

I fucked up.

It was a pretty ballsy move to hack into the bar’s surveillance system on their own property. However, I didn’t realize until I began to dive deeper how far their mafia ties ran. Mila and her brothers run the bar business to hide the seedier side of their lives.

The back hallway cameras show constant activity, and the night Layla sang at the bar, a man was murdered. Fucking Atlas and Mav took my niece to a mafia ridden bar. I may kill them if I ever get out of this.

Looking around the cold room I’m in, I can’t say I’m very pleased with my current accommodations. Mold crawls up the brick warehouse walls, and the chains holding my naked back against it are making my arms fall asleep. I definitely can’t imagine myself recommending this kind of treatment.

Seán O’Brien visited me by video chat earlier. There was a pale nerdy man who came in who appeared to be scared of his own shadow. I’m surprised he’s not dead yet with the company he keeps.

“Mr. Miles, your snooping is the reason you’re here today,” Mr. O’Brien told me a few hours ago.

I really don’t know how long it’s been since the windows are blacked out so I can’t tell how much time has passed.

I kept quiet as Mr. O’Brien spoke to me simply because it isn’t smart to mouth off if you don’t understand the stakes involved.

“Your niece witnessed some things she shouldn’t have, and since your skills are something I need despite Skyler’s talents, I’ll keep you with me to ensure her silence,” he says.

Ahh, so that’s what this mousy kid’s name is. Skyler looks very uncomfortable as he continues to hold up the tablet for me to watch.

“What talents are those?” I asked. I have many, but I doubt he’s looking for my managerial skills.

“The computer hacking thing,” Mr. O’Brien said. “I have many enemies, and I want to keep an eye on what they’re doing. I also recently lost my money laundering man because he double crossed me. You’ll remain a guest of mine while you work for me.”

“What about Layla?” I asked. I need to know she’s okay.

“Eh, she’s pretty. As long as you keep me happy, I have no reason to hurt her,” he grunted dismissively. “You’ll be having some visitors soon. Hang tight.”

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