Page 83 of Mob Saint

No

Da

Hang on. Should I call?

Me

Text would be better. I can’t talk right now.

There’s a pause in his responses, so he’s probably getting up from the table. I want him to hurry, but maybe he is. I don’t know. But I’m getting anxious worrying that neither my dad nor Uncle Ronan will be available. I’m not leaving Tiera alone, and I can’t take her with me. I don’t want to ask my brother because he’s got a trial coming up, but I will if I have to.

Da

What’s going on?

Me

It’s Tiera. We found out why the O’Briens have been treating her the way they have. Someone’s stalking her. They’ve been doing it for 3 years. They’ve gotten into her house and office. They’re extorting the O’Briens by threatening her. I don’t want her anywhere near them. I refuse to leave her without someone in our family. The others are busy. Can you do it while I deal with Mitchell?

I really don’t want to say more via text. But I have to give my dad something of an explanation, so he knows why I’m asking.

Da

Bring her to the house. When will you get there? We can be there in thirty.

Me

It’ll be at least an hour since we’re coming up from Trenton. Let me ask Tiera what she prefers. I don’t know if going to a stranger’s house will be more uncomfortable than having a stranger in her home.

Da

Text me when you’re close. I’ll be wherever she decides.

Me

Thanks I appreciate it. You should take mom to Aunt Breda’s if Uncle Ronan’s there. If he’s not, you need to get him there.

Dad

She’s as good as my daughter, isn’t she?

Me

Yeah I think so.

Da

I’m happy for you. So’s Mom. She’s one of us now.

I know what that means. No one is more protective of Cormac and me than my parents. There’s truly nothing under the sun they won’t do to protect us. That extends to Tiera now. My dad’s stronger and can inflict more pain physically. But my mom—hell, my aunts too—anyone who comes too close to their sons and nephews and their wives—they’ll wish it were my dad and uncles. They’ll beg for my dad and uncles. All of them have always been that way, but since losing Colleen—cross the six of them, and you’re better off offing yourself.

Me

I think you’ll really like her.

Da

We don’t doubt that.

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