Page 36 of The Cleaner

Over the past five years, Tommy and his family have kept a low profile. He's careful not to start shit with Jer or Denis Gallagher. His men, on the other hand, don't know how to stop themselves, and we find ourselves showing those assholes their places. Many nights I've ended up sending someone to the hospital because they couldn't control themselves.

Just because Tommy and his family have kept a low profile, it doesn’t mean they’re not doing things. From what our sources tell us, they’re focusing on working down the country where his daughter is spearheading things. As long as they’re not coming at us, we’ll let them be for now.

“I think Tommy learned his lesson when he tried to take your drugs,” I remind him. After that call about the shipment going missing, Jer made a call, and within four hours he had his drugs back. It showed Tommy that it doesn’t matter how big he thinks he is, we’ve got a bigger reach. Jer has worked in this industry for decades. He’s forged relationships and made strong allies. People are loyal to him, and in return he’s just as loyal to them and their families.

"True," Jer agrees. "But don't forget, this ain't a game. We're dealing with serious people here, and one wrong move could cost us everything."

"I know," I say, my voice low and filled with anger. "That's why we've been playing this carefully, keeping our distance. We’re following your lead, Jer. Had it been down to me, I’d have taken Tommy down the moment he fucked with our business."

Jer leans back in his chair, his gaze fixed on me. "I know you would, kid. But patience is key in this game. Revenge can wait as long as we're still standing strong." He pauses, taking a puff of his cigar before continuing. "But speaking of taking someone out, there's been some chatter lately. Rumours swirling about a new player in town, and they’re making a name for themselves."

I raise a brow. That’s news to me. I haven’t heard shit. "Any idea who it might be?" I ask. “What are they doing?”

Jer shakes his head. "Not yet. But I've got some feelers out, trying to uncover what this new player wants. They’re taking out some big names in our world, Maverick, so I need you to keep your eyes open and stay sharp."

“They’re doing it under the radar, aren’t they?”

Jer’s lips curve into a smile. “Yes, and they’re fucking clever about it. Not even the cops have caught on to the murders. They just see them as suicides.”

It clicks in my head what he’s talking about. I saw on the news two nights ago that the rate of suicides has risen over the past year compared to the last ten. Knowing someone’s murdering these people and making it seem as though it’s a suicide just adds a whole new layer to the mix. This person's either stupid or very, very fucking smart.

"Stay smart and stay alert," Jer instructs. "The last thing I need is for your mam to lose her shit if you're mixed up in this shit."

I laugh at his words. My mam is the only one who scares him.

"I'll be stopping by to see Jess tomorrow," I tell him. "Want to come?"

My aunt Pattie died almost four years ago. She was shot while out running errands when Jess was fourteen. My cousin is quiet and reserved. She keeps everyone at arm's length. It's her eighteenth birthday soon and I want to get her a present.

"You know that Jess doesn't like me, but I'll ensure that she has her birthday present. I try not to piss her off with my attendance more than I have to."

I chuckle. He's an ass, but he loves Jess and wants the best for her. "I'm going," I tell him. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Over the past five years, my role within the Houlihan Gang has grown. The people within the gang know that I'm someone they come to if they need anything, especially if Jer's out of town. It used to be Thomas Grace, but that cunt has been even more of an asshole since Aunt Patty died. He's an insufferable asshole, and the only reason we keep him around is because of Jess. If he weren't her father, he'd have been dealt with a long fucking time ago.

"Be safe, and don't do anything I wouldn't," Jer shouts as I exit the house, his laughter following behind me.

"Fuck."I hear Emmanuel's low hiss. "Christ, is that who I think it is?"

We're at the back of Callie's pub in Temple Bar. It's crowded, as it is every weekend. Everyone is out to have a good time and let loose, to forget about their troubles and just have fun.

My head snaps in the direction of Emmanuel's gaze, and my whole body locks up. It's been five years since I've seen her, but there's no mistaking that it's her. Lisa Turner. Fuck, she's beautiful. Her dark brown hair is now streaked with blonde. She's got a bright smile on her face, making her beauty stand out. I watch as she moves through the throngs of people with ease and grace, drawing attention from every guy in here.

I swallow hard as I see her wrap her arms around a tall, muscular guy. My eyes narrow as I catch a glimpse of his cut. He’s a prospect with the Fury Vipers MC, the new motorcycle club in town. The president, Pyro, is dating Callie’s step-daughter—my niece–Chloe.

“Is that fucking Cowboy?” Emmanuel questions.

I nod. Yes, it fucking is. The guy got his nickname due to the fact he’s got his hands in everything. The mafia, the Fury Vipers MC, drugs, guns... Anything he can, he’s involved in. He’s a fucking cowboy, hence his moniker.

“How the fuck does she know him?” I ask, my voice low and filled with anger.

She’s pure. He shouldn’t touch her. He shouldn’t be anywhere near her. I can’t stand back, not anymore.

I push through the crowd, determined to get to her. Cowboy’s gaze lands on me when I’m five feet away. I see the surprise register on his face. He mutters something to Lisa and she spins on her heels to face me. The moment her gaze collides with mine, I see the recognition hit her. It’s mixed with surprise and heat. That’s fucking good, because the way she looks, there’s no way I wouldn’t be interested in her. She’s always intrigued me and even more so now.

“Maverick,” she breathes, her voice barely audible over the music.

"Lisa," I reply, my own voice rough. I didn't expect to want her. But Christ, I do.

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