Page 419 of Lodestar

“This past weekend. He wants to make a difference.”

Anton’s laugh was wistful. “Ah, to be young again.”

I grimaced because I knew exactly what he meant even though I was more than half his age. “His naivety is painful,” I admitted. “But he’s a good boy, Anton.”

“He isnow.When he’s nineteen, I’ll meet with him,” was Anton’s decisive retort. “Six months into his first year of college to be precise.”

To see if being away from home turned him into a party animal.

I got it.

What was the point in investing in someone who might change his mind when freedom from Mom and Dad turned his head? But…

“At the risk of being impolite, Anton, you’re an old man.”

Anton chuckled. “This is why you and Star get along so well, Conor. You’re both blunt enough to be disarming.”

“You’d think it would trigger arguments, but it doesn’t,” Aidan agreed. “They do have a good rapport.”

“Your approval means the world to me,” I mocked, rolling my eyes at my older brother who, shaking his head, chuckled at me.

“Whether I die or not, there will be…plansput in place. He might meet with me or he might meet with my successor. Either way, he’ll meet with the United Brotherhood before we endorse him. Six months into his degree, not a moment sooner,” he pledged.

Hearing the note of finality in his tone, I knew that was as much of a concession as he’d grant us.

And to be frank, with him having influenced the current president’s elections when the man was as imperfect as he was, with as many secrets as Davidson had, that was a green light if ever I’d heard one.

“Elizabeth Davidson had ties to theÉire le chéile go deo.”

Anton cut me a look. “Her husband was in the dark, but that was important to keep his nose clean.”

I had to wonder if Davidsondidknow about her ties because he sure as hell knew about Anton fucking her.

“So, you must know about Aoife too?”

“Naturally.”

“And still you endorsed him?” I spluttered.

“You better than anyone know the importance of a bargaining chip.” Anton shrugged. “Anyway, a malfunctioning Ireland keeps Britain at odds with the rest of the world.”

“And that’s in the Brotherhood’s favor?” Aidan questioned warily.

“Now that you’re the head of the ECD,” he mused, taking a sip of his whiskey and definitelynotanswering Aidan’s question, “you might find there are other means of being of service to your country before your nephew is a sitting president. Would that interest you, Aidan?”

My brother straightened in his seat. “Of course.”

Anton’s smile was cool but pleased. “I’m glad to hear that.”

37

STAR

WHAT THE WATER GAVE ME - FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE

Conor stopped hummingto the song I’d sent him earlier, Florence and the Machine’s “What the Water Gave Me,” to ask, “Where’s Katina tonight? With Lyra and Troy?”

“Nah. Troy said Lyra needed some space after Kat got too noisy yesterday. I can’t blame her. Kat was more hyper than usual. The damn kittens didn’t help, what with their yowling.” My nose crinkled at the memory—getting to know my cousin wasn’t easy when Kat and she didn’t get along. “Kiddo is the direct opposite of Lyra so she’s with Savannah who shares a noise and energy level with her.”

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