Page 81 of Hunter

“Almost your own football team.” He laughs, nodding like a dog, and drinking once more. “Well, this is for them. Bella tells me you’re a family man, and I’m sure this will suffice as a thank you.” I pull the envelope with acceptance for all five of Ronan’s children to a local private school, fees fully paid until they leave.

“Thank you, sir,” he says, staring at the sealed letter.

“You don’t know what it is yet.” I turn away and move to head back to the house.

“Mr. Devane,” Ronan calls as I take my first step. “Miss Isabella, she’s strong, but she needed you. You chose right.”

I smile, knowing I don’t need to acknowledge his words. The unrest between us gone.

“Let me know if anyone ever comes near your family. I’ll handle it personally,” I say over my shoulder as I walk away. “And Ronan, you have a job for life with me if you want it.”

I don’t wait for a reply. I don’t need one.

Ronan hadn’t owed Isabella anything. Not loyalty. Not risk. Not the silent defiance he bore as he put her needs first when anyone including me tried to push her around.

Most men in my world protect what’s theirs. Ronan protected what mattered, and I’ll never forget that.

***

The Level Boardroom

A few days later, we’re all gathered in the boardroom waiting for a debrief of our ongoing business dealings from Harrison. Everyone is here except Damon. It’s unlike him to be late, but no doubt Emma is keeping him busy. He did say something about decorating.

Ten minutes pass, and Russell begins striding around the room, his annoyance obvious. Not that he finds it an inconvenience whenheis the one causing the delay. Finally, the elevator pings announcing someone’s arrival. Damon steps out wearing a shirt Jackson Pollock would envy, pink paint everywhere.

“Lost your way, McKinney?” Connor hollers. “Your dressing room is at your house.”

“Fuck off,” he shoots back. “Emma is determined Annie’s room will be finished before I go back to work tomorrow.” Harrison laughs out loud, and Damon’s focus flits to him. “Don’t laugh, you’re as pussy-whipped as I am.”

Harrison holds both hands up in mock surrender, stepping backwards dramatically.

Under his arm, Damon is carrying a newspaper. He strides over to where I sit and throws it down in front of me. The headline I’ve already seen stares back. Even with my experience in the underworld, it makes my stomach flip with the brutality. I’m going soft.

Grisly Scene: Police Officer Discovered Decapitated in Alleged Gang Retaliation

The body of Sergeant Robert Menzies was discovered late Monday evening in an abandoned industrial warehouse on the East End docks. The trail-blazing officer, known for his controversial investigations into organized crime and internal corruption, was found beheaded. No weapon has been recovered. Scotland Yard has not commented on potential suspects.

“Does this have anything to do with you?” Damon asks.

I don’t deny it, just lift my coffee and take a sip.

“Devane,” Damon growls. “The man’s head was being used for a game of football by local thugs. Did you order this?”

“Some men take too long to get the message. So, I sent it myself.”

“Fuck’s sake…” Damon mutters, his eyes moving to the others. Connor shrugs as his brother bursts into laughter.

“Shame, he could’ve been a good informant,” Harrison muses with a chuckle. “If he wasn’t so fixated on Damon.”

“I look after my own,” I say to Damon. “You know that.”

He nods. Not in thanks but with understanding.

I throw the newspaper in the trash can beneath the desk at my feet.

“Old business is done. Let’s talk about the future.”

Chapter thirty-seven

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