Page 26 of Soldier, Tailor, Spy

“Yes, Daddy,” his son said, clinging to him. “I’m scared.”

“So am I, son. So am I.” They returned to the dining room where they were going to sit for dinner and found Liam already at the head of the table, with a place setting already made for him. Duncan placed his son between Enzo and Bella while he took the foot of the table.

“Well, let’s eat,” Bella said, her voice wobbling with nervousness.

“It looks delicious,” Liam stated, taking the pan from her to load up his plate. “I’m glad Duncan said I could stay for dinner.” The bastard turned on the charm as they each served themselves. “Cute boy as well. Looks just like you, Duncan.”

“I’m four,” Ezekiel said, tucking into his food.

“Are ya now?” Liam said, turning his attention to Duncan with a menacing grin. “Four. My oh my.”

“What is it you want?” Enzo stated, pushing back his plate. “Why are you here?”

“Why does anyone want to see their family after being apart for so long? I miss my brother. I thought we could catch up.” Bullshit. Liam wanted Duncan to join him in his ill-gotten crusade. He was following his father’s teachings, the psychotic bastard.

“How is the old man?” Duncan said, staring a hole in his brother. “Still up to his old tricks?”

“He’s dead. God rest his soul.” Liam crossed himself like a good Catholic boy. “He died doing what he loved most.”

Fighting. Liam didn’t have to tell Duncan anything. He knew his father at some point would lose touch with reality, and when he did, he’d kill himself. Obviously, he’d been right. “Let me guess, pressure cooker bomb?” The tick in Liam’s jaw muscle showed Duncan hit the nail on the head. “Yeah, sounds about right. Da never knew when to stop.”

“Don’t speak ill of the dead,” Liam muttered.

Duncan chuckled. “Considering how our father spoke of my mother after he killed her, I’ll speak how I feel about the lousy bastard.” He shouldn’t have riled his brother, but damn it, there was no way in hell he’d fall into old trappings again. Not after everything he’d done to repent and started rebuilding his life.

“Your mother wasn’t killed by him,” Liam said. “That was—”

“His fault,” Duncan snarled. “He knew there were those within the organization who didn’t like him. Those who’d try to kill him. The day my ma attempted to start the car was the day my father knew without a doubt he’d fucked up.” He blew out a breath, trying to control the rage burning through his system. “Bella, Enzo, please take EZ out of here. He shouldn’t have to hear about old wounds.”

“Don’t,” Liam countered. “This world is a dog eat dog society. This is our heritage. EZ should know where his family comes from.”

Duncan fisted his hands. “What do you want from us, Liam? Father is dead. I have paid for his transgressions by going to prison. What more could you want?”

Liam pushed his plate out of his way and folded his hands on the table. “Finally, you’ve asked the right question. You’re going to be my eyes and ears. You’re going to send me information, like you did with Da.”

Duncan snorted. “I’ll do no such thing.” He’d lied his ass off to his father, knowing if he did anything while he’d been working for the FBI, he’d wound up in prison for the rest of his life. “I never told Da anything. I never helped him. I never would.”

“Do you think I am playing games with you, Duncan?” Liam pulled a gun from his holster and placed it on the table beside him. “I assure you; I’m not bluffing.”

Duncan sat back and cleared his throat. “I was our father’s trigger man a long time ago. Your tactics don’t scare me. In fact, how about I show you what our Da really did, then you can leave and never see us again.”

Liam curled his lip in disdain. “No. He’s told me everything. I don’t need to read anything.”

“Then you’re a fool.” When Duncan leaned forward, he felt the hand gun left within the holster attached to the table. Enzo had to have placed the gun for him, just in case, while he’d been at the door with Liam. He retrieved the 9mm and pointed it at his brother. “Now, you’re going to listen to me if you want to leave my house alive.”

“Not unless I kill your son first,” Liam hissed. “I’ll shoot him.”

“And I’ll kill you before you reach for the gun.” Duncan glanced at Enzo. “Grab his gun.”

“Yes, Hermano.” Enzo stood. “Bella, take Ezekiel to his room. We’ll come get you.”

Liam laughed. “Even if you escape this meeting, I’ll be back. I’ll hunt all of you down. I won’t stop until Da’s dying wishes are fulfilled.”

“That’s enough about that psychotic asshole.” Duncan stood. “Follow me if you don’t want to die yet.” He motioned for Liam to join him. “I’ll show you the truth about our father.”

“No, I think I’ll call this little meeting a draw.” Liam started for the door, taking his gun back from Enzo and holstering it. “I know you’ll do as I ask, Duncan. There’s no need to bluff or be boisterous.”

“I’ve given you my answer, Liam. I’ll never help you.” Duncan curled his lip in disgust. “I really thought we could work this out. Guess you’re more like our father than I realized. Always the follower, never the leader.”

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