Page 36 of Broken Blood Ties

“Aye. I have no doubt ’bout that.”

The three turn, Riku lingering half a second to stare at his father’s body, before they morph back into the shadows, retreating to another exit.

Cormac drops both hands to his knees, gun still in hand, as he pants. “What the hell, Kieran?”

“Apparently there’s been a change in leadership.” I grimace, turning back toward the stairs and moving down them. Riku can deal with his father’s body.

Cormac follows me as I pull open the rusted door to the building. The rain still hasn’t let up, but I don’t hurry to the car. “Where are the others?” I ask, drops falling past my lips into my mouth. They coat my dry tongue and I have the sudden urge to down a bottle of water. My throat feels like sandpaper.

Cormac digs out his phone and tracks the other car, showing it to me. “Here, Boss.”

“Tell ’em to go home. Ye’re riding with me.”

He does as I ask and runs to get in the passenger side, while I duck into the driver’s seat.

I stare ahead, listening as the rain beats on the car. Remaining water droplets tickle my face as they drip down it. I consider my next move. The implications.

“Boss?” Cormac asks.

Yanking out my phone, I dial a number, hesitating before pressing the green call button. Would Riku see this as a move against him?

He’ll answer, he always does. Our childhood friendship has morphed into a brotherhood that transcends our respective organizations. We’ve bled for each other, figuratively and literally. Or maybe it’s the countless times we’ve sat in silence over the phone, knowing what each other was going through as destined leaders of the Bratva and Mob. I’ve never questioned him when he’s called—he’s family in a way blood can’t always define. And I know he’ll show me the same loyalty.

“Boss?” Cormac asks again.

I sigh, making the call. It rings twice before the voice on the other end answers, “Kieran.”

“Luka.”

* * *

It’s past midnight by the time I make it back home. Debriefing the guard on duty, I tell him to call in two other men. I’m tripling the security, especially while I’m gone.

When I finally emerge into the kitchen, Allie is already over the stove boiling some tea. I strip off my coat, tossing it on the hooks by the back door. Then, glancing at Allie, I shoot her a quizzical look.

She pulls her robe together in her front. “I heard you come in.” She tilts her head, studying me.

“I’m not staying long,” I answer the unvoiced question. “How is yer mom?”

She smiles. “She’s fine. Ornery, but back home with her three dogs and feeling much better after her fall.”

For Allie’s sake, I’m happy she’s well. For my own, I’m glad it doesn’t seem she’ll be called away again. Especially while I’m gone.

I wasn’t sure I’d make it home. My plans were to leave right from the office after I dropped Cormac off. But I knew I wanted to see Aoife and talk to Allie.

Shower. Pack. Aoife. I’ve given myself two hours for those three things. “There will be more guards on duty. Stick to school and home while I’m gone. Cormac will check in periodically throughout the week.”

She nods, pouring the tea into a mug and passing it across the island to me.

“I’ll take it to go.” It’s close to four hours to New York, and my plan is to be there first thing in the morning.

While Allie hunts for a travel mug, I stride from the kitchen and up the stairs. Reaching my bedroom, I shuck off my clothes before entering the bathroom.

Normally, I’d relish my shower after a night like tonight, perhaps allow my mind to conjure distorted images of the alluring woman I see during fights. To foster the memories of her silhouette until I can’t take it anymore.

Not tonight.

Tonight I scrub quickly, jumping out to throw on black suit pants and a dark green button down. Next, I raid my closet for a week’s worth of clothes, stuffing them into my duffel bag. Exiting my room, I let the bag fall at the top of the stairs before walking to Aoife’s room.

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