Page 89 of Mob Knight

“Then you better explain, little one. My girlfriend calls me crying. You can guess how little patience I have to find out who upset mycailín.”

I pray Finn can’t hear him call me that again.

“I don’t know why I’m crying over this. I’m overreacting.”

“I’ll decide that.”

His tone is getting more brittle by the word, but as controlling as that is, it calms me. He’s going to take care of me. I knew that, and that’s why I called. But it’s like the weight of the world just lifted with those three words. He won’t let me feel guilty about my feelings.

“Martha wrote me up for allegedly arguing with a family and swearing in front of them. She said the person who reported me heard me arguing with you on the phone before I went into the apartment building. I refused to sign and asked who filed the report. It’s a lie.”

Tears still stream down my cheeks, but I’m not sobbing, and my throat is clear.

“Of course it’s a lie. You’d never behave that way. Do you know who filed the complaint?”

“No. Martha said it was someone who heard the conversation in the apartment. If I’d yelled, only the people on each side would’ve heard. One family is out of town, and the other doesn’t speak English. I’ve been in that home enough times to know sound doesn’t travel through the ceiling or the floor.”

“Can you think of anyone who might hold a grudge? Is there anyone who wishes to take your place? Someone who doesn’t like your assessments?”

“I can’t think of anyone who’d want to take my position as a social worker. Period. Especially not a social worker on Staten Island. But there are plenty of families who don’t like my assessments or recommendations. The list is longer than you are tall. Do you think it could be Pablo?”

I ask, hoping my earlier assumption is right.

“No. Even if he wanted to get to me, he wouldn’t go through you to do it. He knows how I’d react.”

“Then I don’t know who. Could it be the woman in the car? Or whoever she’s connected to?”

“I’ll have Sean investigate. He’ll discover who did this, and I’ll discuss it with you before I address it.”

“You’ll address it?”

Oh, fuck.

“If it’s someone from my world, then it will be me. That’s not negotiable. If it’s someone from your work, I’ll support what you decide to do. If it’s someone from the neighborhood, then I’ll intervene if I believe I need to. But I will not agree to anyone escalating this threat.”

I know he’s right that it’s a threat, but it makes it worse to hear it said aloud. I need to tell him what he doesn’t know, but I won’t until after I speak to my brother. If he’s involved, then I want this to remain private family business. I want to find Cormac, fall into his arms, and forget the rest of the world exists. But I can’t until I see Santiago.

“Do you want me to come and get you? Dillan or one of our men can drive your car home.”

“I need to see my brother today. I’m fine now. I’m not as upset as I was before talking to you. Thank you, Daddy.”

I don’t think Finn can hear us. I believe Cormac’s keeping our conversation private, but it would be embarrassing if Finn heard me call his cousin that. I know I’ve done it a few times during this call, but it keeps coming out. I don’t think I’m a child. I don’t feel younger than I am. But he’s comforted me, and I feel cared for like he’s promised. That’s why the name fits.

“Shane will meet you and Dillan at your brother’s place. Dillan’s got plans with his wife, so Shane will take over.”

“I feel guilty pulling Shane away from his wife. I’m certain he could—would—be doing something better.”

“Something else? Yes. Better? No.”

“Okay. I don’t agree, but thank you for making me feel better.”

“Always, little one.”

“Santi, enough already.”

I’m ready to leave, and I’ve been here five minutes. He’s infuriating.

“You’ve ignored my request that you come over for nearly two weeks.”

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