Page 2 of The Silencer

"Will you help me?"I ask him.I don't want to explain how much of a dick my dad is, but knowing Jerry, he's not going to let this go unless I tell him.Still, I'm hoping he'll just leave it be.

"Emmanuel, if your ma or da found out that I taught you how to shoot a gun, let alone that I knew you had one, they'd want my guts for garters, and rightly so.You're sixteen, for fuck's sake."

"Da wouldn't give a shit.He never has.Besides, it's him I need it for."

Jer's brows furrow."Explain, please."

I sigh."If I tell you, you have to promise it won't get back to Ma.She's been hell bent on no one finding out.Also, you'll promise to help me."

His lips twist into a half smile, half snarl."Sure, why the fuck not.But, son, you have to realize that if I do this, this means you work for me, and there are rules to be followed when you do."He crosses his arms over his chest."This isn't something you take lightly.Joining the Houlihan Gang isn't for fun; it's a lifetime commitment.The gang comes before all else.When I tell you to do something, I expect it to be done.No questions asked."

I nod.I knew asking him for help would come with that condition.I'm not naive—hell, nowhere fucking near.Jer's never going to give someone something for free.Everything in life has a cost, and me learning how to use a gun to ensure my father doesn't come near Ma again is well worth the price of working for him.I explain at length what's been going on and how bad things have gotten with my da; how today was a relatively normal day but his abusive behavior—the constant degrading of Ma, along with breaking her shit whenever he's drunk—is getting worse.But when I tell him about Da hurting her, Jer looks murderous.

"Right," he says thickly."I'll have my boys sort out security on the house while your ma’s at Patty's.We'll make sure she stays there until we have the place secured.I'm decent with a gun, so I'll show you the basics.But I know a guy who's better.I'll contact him and get you set up with him once you have the basic knowledge down.That sound good to you?"

I nod."I appreciate it, Jer," I say gratefully.I know he could have turned his back and done whatever the hell he wanted, but he's taking the time to help me and Ma out, which I'm extremely grateful for.

He shakes his head."No thanks needed.You’re family and this is what family does.Now, what happens when Maverick finds out?"

I sigh.Mav and I have always told each other everything.We're as close as brothers.But this is something he has no idea about."I'd prefer if it was only you who knew about this and about me working for you.For now, at least."

His smile is wide, like a man who’s pleased he got his way."My thinking exactly.The last thing we need is for Maverick or even his ma finding out.Christ, if anyone could give me a damn headache it's Nichola."

I laugh.Nichola is Jer's sister and Patty's twin.She's Mav's ma, and she and her husband have welcomed me into their family with open arms, but she's bossy as hell and hates to be out of the loop about anything.It's better if she doesn't know anything.It would save everyone having to listen to multiple lectures.

"Now, let me call my boys and we'll get you started with the gun."

I take a deep breath as he exits the room, his phone to his ear as he calls his men to organize cameras and alarms around the house.

I know that today is the day my life changes, but it's needed.My ma needs to be protected.My da is a drunken bastard with no money and nowhere to turn to.He'll blame us for that, and then there's no knowing what he'll do next.But whatever it is, I'll be ready and waiting for it.

TWO

clodagh

AGED ELEVEN

"Clodagh,baby, why don't you go and have fun," Mammy tells me as she takes a seat on the bench."Your brother is playing.Why don't you?"

I look around the park and see only younger kids playing.There's no one my age at all.The swing is free on the other side of the park, so I make my way over there, watching as my seven year old brother, Dylan, laughs as he goes down the slide.It's been a while since we've been out of the house.The weather has been so bad, and both Dylan and I were sick with a cold, but finally we're outside and don't have to worry about wanting to kill one another.

I hear a deep, slurred voice a while later as I'm swinging on the swing."Hello, pretty girl."

I glance to my left and see an older man standing there, watching me.His gaze is on my body, and it makes me feel uncomfortable.

I slow my swinging, my feet dragging against the floor.My heart starts to race as I look around for Mammy, but I can't see her from this side of the park.The man takes a step closer, and I feel panic rising in me.I need to get away.

"What's your name, love?"he asks, his gaze focusing on my chest.

I don't answer, remembering what my teachers and parents told me about not talking to strangers.I grip the chains of the swing tighter, my palms growing sweaty.

"Don't be shy now," he says, reaching out a hand toward me.

I jump off the swing, my legs shaky beneath me."I have to go," I mumble, not meeting his eyes.

As I start to walk away quickly, I hear him call after me, "Wait, don't go yet!"

I break into a run, my heart pounding in my ears.I spot Mammy on the bench where I left her, scrolling through her phone.

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