Page 44 of My Irish Mafia King

“You’re doing a good job, Lucy,” Killian says. “Keep going. You need to spread some of that luck around.”

Thirty minutes later, I’m sitting in a waiting room with Clover in my lap. One of the male nurses tried to say dogs weren’t allowed in here, but Killian looked at him with that savagery in his blues. “She’s an emotional support animal,” he growled, and that was the end of any complaints.

Killian told me to stay here. “Don’t leave this seat under any circumstances. Always stay in sight of the staff.”

I stroke Clover gently, whispering, “It’s going to be okay, girl.” Killian called the fire department for the bakery, but who knows if they could save it? It probably burned to the ground, along with my apartment, before they got there. And what about Ronan? He had passed out by the time we reached the hospital. I haven’t even got my cellphone to contact Anna.

About fifteen minutes later, Killian returns, looking relieved to see I’m where he left me. He stands over me, ignoring the looks from the other people in the waiting room. He’s got serious manic energy going on.

“I need to get you somewhere safe,” he says.

“Killian, sit down. Lower your voice.”

He grinds his teeth, dropping into the seat next to me.

“What happened with Ronan?” I ask quietly.

“He lost a lot of blood. But he’ll live. I’ve called around to see if anybody knows about this attack. Nobody’s taking responsibility. Frank denied it. He sounded drunk when I talked to him. The fucked-up thing is, I believe him. He’s never been a good liar.”

“You think it’s Owen,” I say. “You think he orchestrated this whole thing?”

Killian sighs. “I don’t want to talk abo?—”

“About this with me?” I snap. “Newsflash, Killian. I’m already involved. You keep saying you want to keep me out of this world, but I’m in it. I’ve been in it ever since Shane showed up at my mom’s freaking funeral. They burned down theCrust, my mom’s legacy. They burned down my home. If you think there’s any chance, I’m going to let this go, you’re sorely fucking mistaken.”

He smiles, shaking his head ruefully. “You’re too fierce for your own good.”

“Well, get used to it.”

He sighs. “Yeah, I think Owen sent those assholes. I think he wants me to assume it’s Frank so he can trigger a feud between us. It’s too convenient. The rumors started with his men. Owen’s the only one who confirmed the trafficking. Colm has heard nothing about it, nor has Ronan. Owen’s the one who hascontactswho suggest Uncle Frank cut my dad’s brakes… Like I said, convenient. Maybe Owen, before the end, wants to know what it’s like to be the Don.”

“You think he wants to start a feud between you and Frank so he can swoop in and pick up the pieces?”

“Exactly,” he growls. “But I can’t act on this without proof.”

“What has Owen said?”

“He suggested it might have been a random attack, a gang trying to make a name for themselves. It was weak… and obvious he didn’t want to come out and say it was Frank. That would mean overplaying his hand. He thinks he’s too damn clever.”

“Does this mean the ball will still go on?”

Killian looks at me like I’m crazy. “You’re not going to the party now, Lucy. Why would you even want to?”

“To help you,” I say.

“I don’t follow.”

“I can confront Owen. I can get the proof you need.”

Killian looks at me like I’ve lost my mind. “What the hell could you possibly mean by that?” he growls. “Why would you even speak to that prick? If I’m right and he’s the one who burned down the Crust, I want him as far away from you as possible. You’re the last?—”

“I’m the last person he’dexpect,” I hiss. “If he’s been pulling the strings this entire time, it means he’s in charge of the whole Family, right?”

“Right…” Killian shakes his head as if he’s disappointed in me.

“Just listen,” I snap.

“I’m sorry,a stór. I’ll listen, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to agree to anything.”

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