Page 111 of Crush

I rolled my shoulders. “No. I don’t want that. I just want him to stay away from me and mine.”

Kinlan surprised me by not asking who I was protecting and instead launched into a flurry of questions about the warehouses I had mentioned.

He typed quickly on the keys and turned the computer so I could confirm he had entered the correct coordinates of where they were located. I answered truthfully, explaining that there were no ramps down to the water but that they could be put in place. I gave him the details of the square footage, condition, and market value. He Google-earthed the buildings on his laptop, and I pointed out the perimeter of ownership. I didn’t lie about building regs which were restricted but all the warehouses were dry and didn’t let any rain in. Perfect for storage and that was about it.

Eventually, one of his men was called into the office and they both started speaking in what I assumed was Gaeilge. I knew Kinlan was of Irish descent, but he had no defined accent. If anything, he had more of an American twang. Gabriel said Kai had trained in the States and so that made sense.

After what felt like forever he pushed to his feet and said, “I’ll think about it.”

“OK?” I said, totally unsure as to where his head was at.

“An associate of mine will be in touch when he’s viewed the land you mentioned. I will investigate your friend for you and decide what, if anything, needs to be done.”

“Thank you.”

“Now piss off.”

“Don’t you need my number or something?” I said as I pushed to my feet.

Kai scratched the scuff on his jaw, his eyes drilling into mine, “No. I have it. I also have your address and that of your parents. I knowexactlywho you are. I knew who you were ten minutes after you sprinted from the building with Knight and his pretty little girlfriend.”

I felt like punching the wall when he mentioned my parents, “You had me investigated?”

“Of course, you were a witness. I had to make sure you kept your mouth shut. I must say, I was impressed with your underground fighting achievements.”

My brow scrunched, “You’ve seen me fight?”

“Yes. I was passing so don’t take it as a compliment. You’re a big fucker, maybe you should come and work for me? I could always use more muscle.”

So that’s why I’d occasionally had a feeling I was being followed. Bloody, Gabriel and his shit. Although, if I hadn’t joined Gabe on his mission to rescue Leonie, I would never have met this man. He was apower-hungry tosser and I was under no illusions about how dangerous he was, but I needed him.

“I’m good thanks,” I said, again regretting that I was in such a position. When in need, contact the Mafia; said no oneever.

“Fair enough. So?” Kinlan said, straightening his tie and motioning towards the door.

“So?” I repeated, still trying to digest what we’d agreed.

“As I said, you may go, or loosely translated, get the fuck out.” The guy pissed me off but I respected the direct approach.

Kinlan then pressed a button on the phone on his desk and said, “Hamish, get in here and show this prick out.”

“What? That’s it? Shouldn’t we shake on it or something?”

His nostrils flared, “That’s not how I do business.”

“But you will help me?”

“I’m thinking about it.”

“We just spent the last hour going through all this shit and you’re just going to leave me hanging? What’s wrong with you?”

“Youreallywant to openthatdoor?” he chuckled. It wasn’t a pleasant sound but the guy had a point, in respect of what was wrong with him, my guess would be,a lot.

I pushed to my feet and glared down at him. God, he was a cocky twat but he carried a gun and so he could afford to be. “Fine.”

No handshake, nothing and I couldn’t stop my shoulders from sagging. Had I failed?

He must have seen from my body language and relief kicked in at his parting words. “Don’t get your knickers in a twist sweetheart. You’ll be hearing from me.”

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